Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Nothing beats the satisfying crunch of perfectly cooked chicken tenders, especially when they come out of the air fryer—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and guilt-free!
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 pounds chicken tenderloins (mini chicken fillets)
Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Breadcrumb Coating
- 0.5 cup dried breadcrumbs (25 grams)
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse the chicken tenderloins under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Step 2: Drizzle the chicken tenderloins with olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the dried breadcrumbs with paprika, chili powder, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt.
- Step 4: Coat each chicken tenderloin in the breadcrumb mixture and press to adhere.
- Step 5: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Step 6: Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Step 7: Cook the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Step 8: Remove from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For an extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular dried breadcrumbs. Store uncooked, breaded tenders in the freezer and air fry them directly from frozen when needed.