Best Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipes

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AIR FRYER CORNFLAKE-CRUSTED CHICKEN TENDERS



Air Fryer Cornflake-Crusted Chicken Tenders image

This crusting takes chicken from drab to fab! With less than 8 ingredients it's also fast to prepare! I use seasonings from the Savory Spice Shop®, however you can use Italian seasoning in place of the cantanzaro herbs.

Provided by thedailygourmet

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Chicken

Time 20m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 egg
1 tablespoon pesto
1 pinch salt
1 cup crushed cornflakes
1 ounce finely shredded Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon cantanzaro herbs (such as Savory Spice Shop®)
½ teaspoon granulated garlic
1 pinch salt
1 pound chicken tenders

Steps:

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Mix together egg, pesto, and salt in a shallow dish. In a separate dish mix together cornflake crumbs, Parmesan cheese, cantanzaro herbs, garlic, and salt.
  • Dip each piece of chicken piece first in egg wash, then dredge through the cornflake mixture, shaking off excess breading. Place chicken pieces in the air fryer basket.
  • Air fry for 5 minutes, rearrange chicken pieces, and fry until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 5 minutes more.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 220.1 calories, Carbohydrate 7.1 g, Cholesterol 118.6 mg, Fat 7.8 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 29.1 g, SaturatedFat 2.9 g, Sodium 340.1 mg, Sugar 0.9 g

AIR-FRYER CHICKEN TENDERS



Air-Fryer Chicken Tenders image

I added all of the components of a loaded baked potato-cheddar, potato, bacon, sour cream and chives-to my air-fryer chicken tenders recipe. Every kid will love this quick and easy dish! -Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup potato sticks, crushed
1/2 cup crushed cheese crackers
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
2 teaspoons minced fresh chives
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon sour cream
1 pound chicken tenderloins
Additional sour cream and chives

Steps:

  • Preheat air fryer to 400°. In a shallow bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients. In another shallow bowl, whisk butter and sour cream. Dip chicken in butter mixture, then in crumb mixture, patting to help coating adhere., In batches, arrange chicken in a single layer on greased tray in air-fryer basket; spritz with cooking spray. Cook until coating is golden brown and chicken is no longer pink, 7-8 minutes on each side. Serve with additional sour cream and chives.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 256 calories, Fat 14g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 84mg cholesterol, Sodium 267mg sodium, Carbohydrate 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 29g protein.

AIR FRYER CHICKEN TENDERS



Air Fryer Chicken Tenders image

This weeknight supper is a kid-friendly and healthier alternative to your run-of-the-mill chicken fingers.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h45m

Yield about 8 pieces

Number Of Ingredients 12

3/4 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 pound chicken tenders
1 1/2 cups panko
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon olive oil
Kosher salt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons yellow mustard
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Steps:

  • For the chicken: Combine the buttermilk, Worcestershire sauce and paprika in a resealable plastic bag. Add the chicken, making sure it is completely coated. Seal the bag and place in a bowl. Let marinate at room temperature for 1 hour.
  • Meanwhile, stir together the panko with the Parmesan, olive oil and 1 teaspoon salt in a shallow baking dish or pie plate.
  • For the dipping sauce: Stir together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, honey and Dijon in a small bowl and set aside.
  • Preheat a 3.5-quart air fryer to 390 degrees F. Remove 1 piece of chicken at a time from the bag, shaking off excess buttermilk. Place in the panko and press gently with your hands to adhere the panko evenly. Gently shake to remove the excess and place in the air fryer basket. Repeat with enough chicken to fill the basket (about 4 pieces) and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 7 minutes on each side. Repeat with the remaining chicken and serve warm with the dipping sauce.

AIR FRYER CHEDDAR RANCH CHICKEN TENDERS



Air Fryer Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tenders image

Calling all chicken tender fans-this crunchy cheddar ranch version is made in the air fryer for maximum flavor and texture and minimum stress. Every piece is coated with a flavorful, cheesy crunch, and the inside remains juicy and tender. You'll wonder why you've never made them like this before.

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons Montreal chicken seasoning
1/3 cup ranch dressing
2/3 cup Progresso™ plain panko crispy bread cr
1/2 cup finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese (
1 package (14 oz) boneless skinless chicken te

Steps:

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IRRESISTIBLE AIR FRYER CHICKEN TENDERS



Irresistible Air Fryer Chicken Tenders image

These chicken tenders are totally addictive because they combine two of the best things in life -- fried chicken and nacho cheese chips!

Provided by Katie Lee Biegel

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 pound boneless skinless chicken tenders
3 cups buttermilk
1 tablespoon hot sauce
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 cups nacho cheese chips
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
Nonstick cooking spray, for the tenders
Hot Honey Mustard, for dipping, recipe follows
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup yellow mustard
1/4 cup hot honey
5 dashes hot sauce

Steps:

  • Place the chicken tenders in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour in the buttermilk, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt and a pinch of pepper. Seal the bag and massage the chicken to bring the marinade together. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to overnight.
  • When ready to cook, preheat a 2.5-liter air fryer to 375 degrees F.
  • Put the chips in a second resealable plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin. Pour the chip crumbs into a shallow baking dish. Stir in the panko breadcrumbs and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper.
  • Lift a chicken tender out of the marinade with tongs and allow the excess to drip off. Dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, using your dry palm to press the breadcrumbs into the chicken until it is evenly coated. Repeat this process until all the tenders are breaded. Place the chicken tenders in the basket of the air fryer in one layer, making sure they don't touch. Spray the chicken generously with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Cook until crispy on one side, about 8 minutes. Gently flip the chicken and spray with nonstick cooking spray again. Cook until crispy and deeply golden, 8 minutes more. If using a smaller air fryer, work in batches as needed.
  • Place on a serving platter and serve warm with Hot Honey Mustard for dipping.
  • Whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, hot honey and hot sauce in a small bowl until incorporated. If making ahead, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. The sauce gets better with time!

AIR FRYER FROZEN CHICKEN TENDERS



Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders image

Cooking with the air fryer just got a whole lot better thanks to this simple hack of how to cook chicken from frozen in the air fryer!

Provided by KBL123

Categories     Chicken Tenders

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 3

1 pound frozen chicken tenders
avocado cooking spray
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Rinse chicken tenders under cold running water and wash off any ice. Pat dry with paper towels. Lightly spray chicken tenders with avocado oil and season with salt and pepper.
  • Place chicken tenders in an air fryer basket, making sure the pieces don't overlap.
  • Cook in the air fryer at 360 degrees F (180 degrees C) for 15 minutes. Turn chicken tenders over and continue cooking until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 8 more minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 142.1 calories, Carbohydrate 0.4 g, Cholesterol 69.2 mg, Fat 3.6 g, Protein 25.4 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Sodium 60 mg

AIR FRYER BBQ CHICKEN TENDERS



Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders image

Homemade barbecue-crusted chicken tenders in an air fryer. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and no flipping required.

Provided by Soup Loving Nicole

Categories     Pork Recipes

Time 40m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 6

3 ½ ounces barbecue-flavored pork rinds
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon barbecue seasoning
1 egg, beaten
1 ½ pounds chicken breast tenderloins
cooking spray

Steps:

  • Preheat an air fryer to 370 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Place pork rinds in a food processor and pulse to the size of bread crumbs. Place in a shallow bowl. Mix flour and barbecue seasoning together in a shallow dish. Beat egg in a third shallow bowl.
  • Coat each chicken tender first in the flour mixture, then dip in beaten egg, and finally coat in pork rind crumbs.
  • Spray the basket of the air fryer with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange 1/2 of the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket, making sure none are touching. Spray the top of each tender with cooking spray. Cook until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink at the center, about 15 minutes. Repeat with remaining tenders.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 327.1 calories, Carbohydrate 16.9 g, Cholesterol 123.8 mg, Fat 11.8 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 38.1 g, SaturatedFat 3.6 g, Sodium 649 mg, Sugar 0.1 g

AIR FRYER RANCH CHICKEN TENDERS | HIDDEN VALLEY® RANCH



Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders | Hidden Valley® Ranch image

Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders 2 eggs (eggs, beaten)kosher salt (kosher salt and ground black pepper,to taste)1-1½ cups panko crumbs (panko crumbs)2 teaspoons Hidden Valley® Original Ranch®

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 eggs, beaten
kosher salt and ground black pepper,to taste
1-1½ cups panko crumbs
2 teaspoons Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Seasoning & Salad Dressing Mix Shaker
1¼ pounds chicken tenders (about 10-12)
olive oil spray
Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Dressing, for serving

Steps:

  • Spray the basket of a 3.5-quart air fryer with cooking spray and set the air fryer to 400°F.
  • In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs with salt and pepper, to taste. On a plate, mix the panko crumbs with the ranch seasoning mix.
  • Dip each chicken tender into the eggs, then press into the panko, making sure to coat all sides. Spray the tenders with olive oil spray (or other oil spray) on both sides.
  • In batches (you'll get 4-6 per basket), cook the chicken tenders for about 6-8 minutes on each side, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the outside is crisp and golden. Serve immediately with ranch dressing, for dipping.

AIR FRYER CHICKEN TENDERS -- NO BREADING | EVERYDAY FAMILY COOKING



Air Fryer Chicken Tenders -- No Breading | Everyday Family Cooking image

For a low-carb meal, try air fryer chicken tenders with no breading! Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, & simply delicious.

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 pound chicken tenders
1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
½ - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
Lemon wedges, for serving
Buffalo sauce
Honey sriracha sauce

Steps:

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
  • Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels, then place in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat completely.
  • Mix the seasonings together in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the chicken tenders.
  • Air fry the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping once halfway through the cook time, until they are cooked through and golden on the outside.
  • Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce, if desired.

Chicken tenders are a versatile and easy-to-make dish that is enjoyed by many. Traditionally, chicken tenders are deep-fried in oil, resulting in a crispy exterior but with a high calorie and fat content. However, with the rise of air fryers, it is now possible to achieve that same crispy texture and delicious flavor while significantly reducing the amount of oil used. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using an air fryer for chicken tenders and discuss some popular recipes.

The benefits of air frying chicken tenders

Healthier cooking option
One of the most significant benefits of air frying chicken tenders is that it is a healthier cooking option. Air fryers use hot air to circulate and cook the food, which means that they require little to no oil. As a result, air frying reduces the calorie and fat content of chicken tenders, making them a much healthier snack or meal option.
Convenient and time-efficient
Air fryers are also convenient and time-efficient. They preheat quickly, require minimal preparation, and cook food faster than traditional oven-baking methods. This means that you can have a batch of chicken tenders ready in just a few minutes, making them a great choice for busy weeknights.
Crispy texture and delicious flavor
Despite using little to no oil, air fryers are still able to achieve a crispy texture and delicious flavor. This is because the hot air circulates around the food, allowing it to cook evenly and create that crispy exterior that people love about fried chicken tenders.

Popular air fryer chicken tenders recipes

Classic chicken tenders
To make classic air fryer chicken tenders, start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. Cut chicken breasts into strips, and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Set up a breading station with flour, egg, and panko bread crumbs. Dip each chicken strip in the flour, then the egg, and finally the bread crumbs, making sure to coat each strip thoroughly. Place the chicken strips in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Buffalo chicken tenders
To make air fryer buffalo chicken tenders, start by following the same steps as the classic chicken tenders recipe above. Once the chicken strips are cooked, toss them in a mixture of melted butter and hot sauce until they are coated evenly. Serve with blue cheese dressing, celery, and carrots for a delicious and spicy snack or meal.
Parmesan chicken tenders
For parmesan chicken tenders, follow the same steps as the classic chicken tenders recipe above, but instead of using panko bread crumbs, use parmesan cheese and almond flour. This creates a crispy and flavorful coating that pairs perfectly with marinara sauce for dipping.

Conclusion

Overall, air frying chicken tenders is a healthier and more convenient way to enjoy this classic dish. With the right recipe and seasoning, air fryer chicken tenders can be just as crispy and delicious as deep-fried chicken tenders, but without the guilt. So, if you haven't already, try making some air fryer chicken tenders tonight for a healthy and tasty meal!
Air fryer chicken tenders are becoming increasingly popular as people continue to seek healthier cooking alternatives. Air frying chicken tenders can provide a well-cooked dish that is crispy on the outside yet tender on the inside. This article provides some valuable tips to help anyone looking to make air fryer chicken tenders recipes.

Tips for Preparing Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

1. Brine the Chicken Tenders
Brining chicken tenders before cooking can help to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. Brining involves soaking the chicken tenders in a saltwater solution for a certain amount of time. This process provides a more succulent meat that is not as prone to drying out in the air fryer.
2. Season the Chicken Tenders
Air fryer chicken tenders recipes that have been seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices can significantly enhance the flavor of the meat. When seasoning chicken tenders, it is important to keep in mind that the air fryer will amplify the flavors of the seasonings used.
3. Coat the Chicken Tenders in Flour or Panko Bread Crumbs
Coating the chicken tenders with flour or panko bread crumbs can create a crispy and crunchy texture when air frying. Flour provides a light coating to the chicken tenders, while panko bread crumbs offer a more substantial and crunchy outcome.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheating the air fryer before placing the chicken tenders inside can ensure that the chicken tenders cook evenly and have a nice sear on the outside. Preheating the air fryer also helps to maintain the temperature throughout the cooking process.
5. Do Not Overcrowd the Air Fryer
Trying to cook too many chicken tenders at once can cause the air fryer to become overcrowded and cause the tenders to steam. This leads to soggy and unappetizing chicken tenders. Therefore, it is important to work in batches to ensure that each tender has enough space to cook evenly.

Tips for Cooking Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

1. Spray the Chicken Tenders with Cooking Spray
Spraying the chicken with cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer can help to provide a crispy texture on the outside. It also helps to ensure that the chicken tenders do not stick to the air fryer basket.
2. Turn the Chicken Tenders Halfway Through Cooking
Turning the chicken tenders halfway through the cooking process can promote an even cooking result. This tip ensures that each side of the chicken tenders is exposed to the high heat, leading to a crispy, golden-brown texture on each side.
3. Avoid Overcooking
Overcooking the chicken tenders in the air fryer can lead to a dry and tough outcome. Therefore, it is essential to cook the chicken tenders only until fully cooked and no longer. If the chicken tenders start to brown too quickly, they may need to be removed earlier.
4. Use a Meat Thermometer
Using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken tenders is crucial in ensuring that they are fully cooked. The temperature should register at 165 degrees Fahrenheit when the chicken tenders are fully cooked.

Tips for Serving Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

1. Pair with Dipping Sauces
Serving air fryer chicken tenders with dipping sauces like ketchup, honey mustard, or ranch can increase the flavors of the chicken tenders.
2. Add to Salads
Air fryer chicken tenders can be used to create healthy and flavorful salads. Simply chop the chicken tenders and add them to a salad base, and top with your favorite toppings.
3. Serve with French Fries or Roasted Vegetables
Pairing air fryer chicken tenders with French fries or roasted vegetables can create a well-balanced meal that is both delicious and healthy.
4. Store Leftovers Properly
When storing leftover air fryer chicken tenders, it is essential to place them in an airtight container and refrigerate them. Leftover chicken tenders can last up to four days in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

Air fryer chicken tenders are a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional fried chicken. These valuable tips for preparing, cooking, and serving air fryer chicken tenders can help anyone create a succulent and well-cooked meal. With the right techniques, air fryer chicken tenders can provide a mouthwatering dish that is crispy on the outside yet tender on the inside.

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