Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
This recipe delivers crispy, flavorful chicken tenders quickly and efficiently using an air fryer. Chicken breast tenders are coated in a seasoned flour, egg, and corn flake crumb mixture, then air-fried to a golden perfection. It's an ideal choice for a speedy weeknight meal or a delicious, healthier snack option.
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer Essential for crispy results
- 3 Shallow Bowls For the breading station
- 1 Tongs For handling raw and cooked chicken
- 1 Measuring Spoons and Cups For accurate ingredient portions
Ingredients
Main
- 1 lbs chicken breast tenders
- 1/3 cup all purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 egg
- 2/3 cup corn flake crumbs
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Pat chicken tenders thoroughly dry with paper towels to ensure optimal adhesion of the breading.
- Prepare three shallow bowls: one for flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one for the beaten egg, and one for corn flake crumbs mixed with paprika.
- Dredge each tender first in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured tender into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip back into the bowl.
- Coat the tender generously with the seasoned corn flake crumbs, pressing gently to ensure full coverage.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded tenders in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap; cook in batches if necessary.
- Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray for enhanced crispness.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).
- Remove from the air fryer and let rest for a minute before serving immediately with your preferred dipping sauces.
Notes
1. Ensure chicken tenders are as uniform in size as possible for even cooking; thicker parts can be lightly pounded. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches to guarantee optimal air circulation and crispness. Overfilling will steam the chicken, preventing a truly crispy exterior. 2. For an extra layer of flavor and juiciness, consider a quick 15-30 minute brine (1 tablespoon salt per 1 cup water) for the chicken tenders before breading. 3. Experiment with adding a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of cayenne pepper to the flour or corn flake mixture for an elevated flavor profile. Serve immediately with a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, spicy aioli, or a tangy BBQ sauce for best results.