Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ability to cook food quickly and with less oil. One dish that can be easily prepared in an air fryer is delicious chicken tenders. If you’re looking for a healthy and tasty alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making mouthwatering chicken tenders with an air fryer.
Gather Your Ingredients
The first step in making delicious chicken tenders with an air fryer is gathering all the necessary ingredients. To make this recipe, you will need the following:
1. Chicken tenders – 1 pound
2. Breadcrumbs – 1 cup
3. Flour – ½ cup
4. Eggs – 2
5. Seasonings – salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and any other spices you prefer
Prepare the Chicken Tenders
Before you start cooking the chicken tenders, it’s essential to prepare them properly. Start by cleaning the chicken tenders under running water and patting them dry with a paper towel. This step ensures that the chicken tenders are clean and helps the breading stick better.
Next, season the chicken tenders with a pinch of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You can also add any additional spices or seasonings you prefer. Rub the seasoning into the chicken tenders to ensure even distribution.
Set Up the Breading Station
To give the chicken tenders a crispy coating, you will need to set up a breading station. In three separate bowls, place the flour, breadcrumbs, and beaten eggs. Season each bowl with a dash of salt and pepper for added flavor.
Take one chicken tender and dip it into the flour, making sure it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour before moving on to the next step. Then, dip the chicken tender into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken tender in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
Cooking the Chicken Tenders
Now that you have prepared the chicken tenders, it’s time to put them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. Once it reaches the desired temperature, carefully place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd them to ensure even cooking.
Cook the chicken tenders in the air fryer for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken tenders and the specific air fryer model you’re using. It’s crucial to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Tips for Extra Crispy Chicken Tenders
If you prefer your chicken tenders to have an extra crispy coating, here are a few tips to achieve that:
1. Spray a light coating of cooking oil on the breaded chicken tenders before placing them in the air fryer. This helps in achieving a beautiful golden color and added crispiness.
2. For an even crunchier texture, double-dip the chicken tenders in the beaten eggs and breadcrumbs.
3. Flip the chicken tenders a couple of times during cooking to ensure all sides are evenly crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Once your chicken tenders are cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy them. These delicious chicken tenders make a fantastic main course or appetizer. Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces such as ketchup, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. Additionally, you can accompany them with a side of fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
Conclusion
Air fryers offer a convenient way to make crispy and flavorful chicken tenders without deep-frying them in unhealthy oils. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily whip up a batch of delicious chicken tenders with an air fryer. Gather your ingredients, prepare the chicken tenders, set up the breading station, and cook them to perfection. With some creativity, you can even experiment with different seasonings and coatings to customize the flavor to your liking. Enjoy your guilt-free chicken tenders without compromising on taste!