Craving a healthier yet irresistible version of southern-fried chicken tenders? Look no further! These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders bring you all the flavor and crunch without the hassle of deep frying. Packed with seasonings and using gluten-free ingredients, this recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal any time of day.
Whether you’re making them for a dinner or a snack, these guilt-free chicken tenders are sure to hit the spot. Ready to dive into the world of easy-to-make, crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside chicken tenders? Let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its simplicity, yet it doesn’t skimp on flavor. I’m using chicken mini fillets here, but feel free to opt for regular chicken breasts and slice them into strips if needed. To get started, here’s everything you’ll need for this delightful meal:
Main Ingredients:
- 350g (12oz) chicken breast mini fillets
For Dredging and Coating:
- 2 eggs – Beaten in a bowl to coat the tenders.
- 30g (4 tbsp) plain flour – I’m using gluten-free to keep this recipe celiac-friendly.
Southern Fried Chicken Coating:
- 70g (½ cup) breadcrumbs – Gluten-free for a crunchy and crispy layer.
- 1 tsp oregano – Adds a herby, aromatic touch.
- 1 tsp dried chili flakes – Perfect for a hint of heat (optional if you prefer it mild).
- 1 tsp smoked paprika – Gives it that signature southern fried taste.
- 1 tsp salt – Essential for flavor balance.
- 1 tsp black pepper – For a peppery kick.
For Frying:
- Garlic-infused oil – Ideally in a spray bottle for even coating. Can use olive oil if preferred.
Required Kitchen Tools:
- Three bowls – For separating the flour, egg wash, and seasoned breadcrumbs. This division ensures even coating on the chicken tenders.
- Tongs – Easy for flipping the tenders without making a mess.
- Air fryer – The magic tool for perfectly crispy chicken tenders without deep frying.
Preparing and Coating Your Chicken Tenders
The process is simple but crucial to ensure each chicken tender is equally flavorful and crispy. Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to delicious air-fried chicken that’s golden on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Step 1: Set Up Your Dipping Stations
You’ll need three bowls or shallow dishes for this process:
- Bowl 1: Crack your two eggs into the first bowl and whisk them thoroughly until they’re fully mixed. This will be your egg wash that helps bind the breadcrumbs to the chicken.
- Bowl 2: In the second bowl, place the 30g of gluten-free plain flour. This step is crucial for giving the chicken that extra crispy layer we all crave.
- Bowl 3: In the final bowl, add your 70g of gluten-free breadcrumbs , 1 tsp oregano , 1 tsp dried chili flakes , 1 tsp smoked paprika , 1 tsp salt , and 1 tsp black pepper . Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumb mixture.
Step 2: Dredge the Chicken Tenders
- Take each chicken breast mini fillet and first thoroughly coat it in the plain flour . This helps the egg to stick.
- Next, dip the flour-coated chicken into the beaten egg , ensuring it’s fully coated. The egg will act as the glue for our outer flavorful breadcrumb layer.
- Finally, roll the chicken fillets in the seasoned breadcrumbs , pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick to every side of the chicken. The seasoned spiced mix is where all the flavor comes from, so make sure you’re generous with this last layer!
Pro tip: If you want an extra crispiness, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps once more for a double-coating. It’s indulgent but worth it for that extra crunch!
Cooking Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Before we get the chicken tenders cooking, let’s preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) . Preheating ensures that your chicken starts cooking as soon as it goes in and helps develop that nice crispy coating from the beginning.
Step 2: Arrange the Chicken in the Air Fryer Basket
Once preheated, it’s time to place your breaded chicken tenders into the air fryer basket. Be sure not to crowd or overlap them too much! They should be arranged in a single layer with some space in between each piece. This allows the hot air to circulate fully around the tenders, ensuring even cooking and crisping.
- Pro Tip: If batches are required, make sure each batch has proper space. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven results.
Step 3: Spray Lightly with Garlic-Infused Oil
To amp up the flavor and make the coating extra crispy, spray your breaded chicken tenders lightly with garlic-infused oil . The oil helps the coating brown and crisp up as it cooks. You can use any oil, but garlic-infused oil adds a lovely aromatic touch to the already flavorful tenders.
- Important: Don’t drench the tenders—just a light spray to make the coating glossy. Too much oil can make the tenders soggy instead of crispy.
Step 4: Air Fry the Tenders
Close the air fryer and cook for 10-12 minutes , flipping them mid-way through cooking for even browning. After 5 minutes , carefully open the basket, turn each tender over with tongs, and lightly spray them again with oil. This ensures crispy, golden goodness on all sides.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
After the 10-12 minute mark, ensure your chicken tenders have reached that beautiful golden-brown color and are fully cooked through. Using a kitchen thermometer, check if the internal temperature of the tenders has reached 75°C (165°F) —this indicates that they’re safe to eat.
- Pro Tip: If your chicken requires more cooking, simply air fry them for a couple more minutes but keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking or burning the coating.
Serving Suggestions and Dipping Ideas
Once your chicken tenders are hot and fresh out of the air fryer, the possibilities are endless when it comes to enjoying them. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, main course, or part of a larger meal, here are a few ways to take your air-fried chicken to the next level.
Suggested Serving Ideas:
- Classic with Dips: Chicken tenders and dips are a match made in heaven. Serve them with sides of your favorite sauces for dunking. Popular choices include ranch , buffalo sauce , honey mustard , or even a simple ketchup .
- In a Wrap: For a quick and satisfying meal, wrap your chicken tenders in a soft tortilla with some fresh lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and your favorite sauce. It’s a great way to mix textures while enjoying the crunch of the chicken.
- On a Salad: Craving something lighter but still flavorful? Top a fresh green salad with crispy chicken tenders. Pair them with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and drizzle with a zesty vinaigrette or ranch dressing.
- In a Sandwich: Turn your tenders into a southern-style chicken sandwich by serving them on a toasted bun with pickles, mayo, and coleslaw. This adds a satisfying crunch in every bite.
- With Fries: Create a homemade take on fast food by serving your air-fried tenders alongside some crispy fries. Sweet potato fries work great for an extra hint of sweetness!
Delicious Dipping Sauces:
- Garlic Aioli: Creamy, garlicky, and rich, this dip pairs beautifully with the seasoned chicken tenders.
- Spicy Buffalo Sauce: For those who love heat, buffalo sauce is a fantastic companion. Dip and enjoy that lip-smacking spicy tang.
- Herbed Ranch: The cool, creamy tang of ranch dressing balances the subtle spice of the tenders—perfect for dipping or drizzling over a tender and veggie wrap.
- Sweet & Spicy Honey Mustard: A mix of honey and mustard that gives you the best of both worlds. Its sweet spiciness brings the perfect contrast to the savory, seasoned breading.
Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer, but if you’ve got some leftovers, don’t worry! You can store them and revive them to their crunchy glory with these tips:
Storing Leftovers
- Let Them Cool Completely: Before storing, allow your chicken tenders to cool to room temperature. This prevents them from trapping moisture, which could make the coating soggy.
- Use Airtight Containers: Place the cooled tenders in an airtight container or cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This is important for maintaining freshness and preventing them from drying out.
- Refrigeration: You can store the chicken tenders in the refrigerator for up to 3 days . Aim to enjoy them within this period for the best flavor and texture.
- Freezing Instructions: If you’d like to store them for longer, you can freeze the cooked chicken tenders. Lay them out flat on a baking sheet to freeze for about an hour before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month .
Reheating for Ultimate Crispiness
Reheating chicken tenders the right way will ensure they stay crispy and delicious rather than becoming soggy. Here’s how:
- Reheating in the Air Fryer: The air fryer is your best bet for reheating these tenders while keeping their crispy texture intact. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) and pop the leftovers in for 3-5 minutes or until they’re heated through and crispy. No need to spray with oil—just let the hot air do the work!
- Reheating in the Oven: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also reheat the chicken tenders in the oven. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) , place the tenders on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet, and bake for 10 minutes or until heated through. This method ensures the coating crisps up again without becoming soggy.
- Reheating in the Microwave (Not Recommended): Microwaving tends to make the coating soggy, but if you’re pressed for time, you can place the chicken tenders on a microwave-safe plate and microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. To help regain some crispiness, you could also quickly finish them off in the air fryer or oven afterward.
Conclusion
And there you have it—crispy, flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Tenders that are perfect for any meal! With the right seasonings, a quick cook time, and simple kitchen tools, you can whip up these healthy and delicious tenders anytime.
Whether you’re serving them fresh with a variety of dips, wrapped in a tortilla, or saving them for later, this recipe is truly versatile and perfect for busy weeknights or weekend snacking. Plus, with the convenience of the air fryer, you can enjoy all the flavor of fried chicken with far less guilt!
Now it’s your turn—get frying and enjoy these delicious crispy chicken tenders with your favorite sides and dips. 👩🍳🍗