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Easy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: No Breading Mess

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These Easy Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a weeknight hero, delivering a satisfying, crispy exterior and tender, juicy meat with zero flour dust and no greasy oil to dispose of. Ready in under 20 minutes, this simple recipe uses a seasoned panko coating and a light spray of oil for a crunchy crust that rivals deep-fried versions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) chicken breast tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch strips)
  • 1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Olive oil cooking spray (or avocado oil spray)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: If using whole chicken breasts, slice them against the grain into 1-inch thick strips. Pat the chicken tenders completely dry with paper towels. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  2. Make the Coating: In a large mixing bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Add the chicken tenders to the bowl with the panko mixture. Using your hands, toss and press the coating firmly onto each piece until every nook and cranny is covered.
  4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  5. Arrange & Spray: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they aren’t touching or overlapping (cook in batches if needed). Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with the cooking spray.
  6. Air Fry: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through (at the 4-5 minute mark). When flipping, spray the other side with oil. The tenders are done when golden brown and crispy, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C).
  7. Rest & Serve: Let the chicken tenders rest in the air fryer basket (turned off) for 1-2 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

For the juiciest chicken, look for ‘air-chilled’ chicken breasts. Pat the chicken very dry before coating to ensure crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary. The light spray of oil on the panko coating is essential for a golden, crunchy crust. Let the coated tenders sit for 5 minutes before air frying to help the coating adhere. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness. To freeze, cook and cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, easy chicken tenders, no breading mess, weeknight dinner, kid-friendly, gluten-free option, keto-friendly

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/easy-crispy-air-fryer-chicken-tenders-no-breading-mess/