Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Name: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts; 2 eggs; 100 g of breadcrumbs (panko); 40 g of flour; 1 tsp of paprika; 1 tsp of garlic (powdered); 1/2 tsp of salt; 1/2 tsp of pepper; vegetable oil; 2 tbsp of mayonnaise; 1 tbsp of ketchup; 1/2 tsp of paprika (smoked); 1 tsp of honey; a few drops of Tabasco sauce

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Learn how to make incredibly crispy, juicy homemade chicken tenders without deep frying, thanks to the power of your air fryer. A simple, quick recipe, perfect for a hearty meal or an appetizer.

Total time: 40 min
Prep: 20 min
Cook: 20 min
Rest: 30 min
Difficulty: Easy
Per person: €2.50

By the CookinBreak team

Goes well with

🎅 Christmas: all recipes

As a starter

Creamy Shrimp Rolls

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For dessert

5.0

Christmas Sausage Rolls

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To drink

Christmas Cranberry & Spice Punch

25 minEasy

Nutrition facts

per serving · estimate

470kcal

Protein33 g29%
Carbs22 g19%
Fat26 g52%
Fiber2 g

Share of each nutrient in the calories of one serving.

Good to know

Chef's tip

For even crispier tenders and even cooking, make sure not to overcrowd your air fryer basket. Cook them in several batches if needed and don't hesitate to lightly spray them with neutral oil before cooking.

Freezing : Can you freeze this recipe?

Yes

Cooked tenders freeze very well for up to 3 months in zip-top bags. You can also freeze them raw after breading, well separated.

Storage : How long does it keep?

Very good. Keeps 3 to 4 days max in an airtight container in the fridge after cooling completely. The sauce should be stored separately and eaten within 2 days.

Making ahead : Can you make it the day before?

Yes

The tenders can be breaded the day before and kept in the fridge. The homemade sauce can also be made ahead and kept refrigerated.

Reheating : How do you reheat it?

Oven or air fryer are ideal for getting the crunch back. Oven: 10-15 min at 180°C-200°C. Air fryer: 5-8 min at 180°C. Microwave not recommended (softens the breading).

Variations

Replace the sauce with plain mayonnaise or just ketchup.
Add more paprika to the breading for more flavorful tenders.
Serve the tenders with fries or a salad.

Mistakes to avoid

Skipping the 30-minute rest in the fridge: the breading sticks less well.
Stacking the tenders in the basket: they must stay in a single layer.
Forgetting to flip them halfway through: the breading would brown unevenly.

Frequently asked questions

How do I make the breading stick to the chicken?

Dip the strips in the flour, the beaten eggs, then the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly, and let them rest 30 minutes in the fridge so the breading holds well during cooking.

How long should I cook the tenders in the air fryer?

Preheat the air fryer to 190°C for 5 minutes, then cook the tenders 15 to 18 minutes, flipping them halfway through, for a golden, crispy breading on all sides.

How do I make the dipping sauce?

In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, smoked paprika, honey and a few drops of tabasco, then keep it in the fridge while the tenders cook so you can serve it nice and cold.

Can I use oil to brown the tenders?

Yes, lightly spray the tenders with neutral oil before cooking: it helps the breading brown perfectly without deep frying, using very little fat.