Air fryers are all the rage these days, and for good reason. They provide a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried foods by using hot air to cook your favorite dishes. One dish that is incredibly popular to make in an air fryer is chicken tenders. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making air fryer chicken tenders – a delicious and healthy recipe that the whole family will love.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, it’s important to assemble all the necessary ingredients. For this recipe, you will need the following:
– 1 pound of chicken tenders
– 1 cup of breadcrumbs
– 1 teaspoon of paprika
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1/4 cup of flour
– 2 eggs, beaten
Prepare the Chicken
To begin, you’ll need to prepare the chicken tenders. Start by patting them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help the breading stick better and ensure a crispy texture.
Create the Breading Mixture
Next, it’s time to create the breading mixture for the chicken tenders. In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir the ingredients together until they are well mixed.
Dip and Coat
Now it’s time to dip the chicken tenders into the breading mixture. First, coat each tender in flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it adheres well.
Cook in the Air Fryer
Once your chicken tenders are fully coated, it’s time to cook them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, simply set the temperature and let it heat up for a few minutes.
Arrange the Tenders
Once the air fryer is preheated, arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the cooking basket. Make sure they are not touching to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the tenders in batches.
Cook and Flip
Place the basket with the chicken tenders into the air fryer and cook for about 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, flip the tenders over using tongs to ensure even browning on both sides. Continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serve and Enjoy
Once your air fryer chicken tenders are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard. These crispy and flavorful chicken tenders are sure to be a hit at any mealtime.
Variations and Tips
There are endless possibilities when it comes to flavoring your air fryer chicken tenders. Experiment with different seasonings such as cajun, Italian herbs, or even a touch of curry powder. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture to add an extra layer of flavor.
Here are a few additional tips to ensure your chicken tenders turn out perfectly:
1. Preheating the air fryer is essential for even cooking and achieving that desired crispy texture.
2. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can hinder proper air circulation and result in unevenly cooked chicken tenders.
3. If your air fryer has a non-stick coating, avoid using cooking spray directly on it, as it can damage the coating. Instead, you can lightly spray the chicken tenders before placing them in the air fryer.
4. If you like your chicken tenders extra crispy, you can increase the cooking time by a few minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.
5. Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until they are warm and crispy again.
In conclusion, making air fryer chicken tenders is a simple and healthier alternative to deep-frying. By utilizing the power of hot air, you can achieve that crispy texture without the added oil. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a delicious and nutritious meal that the whole family can enjoy. So grab your air fryer and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!