Description
Crispy, golden, and juicy air fryer chicken tenders made with simple ingredients and no deep frying—perfect for busy weeknights or family-friendly meals.
Ingredients
- 12 chicken tenders
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs
- Olive oil spray
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Season chicken tenders with salt and pepper.
- Place beaten eggs in one bowl. In another bowl, combine seasoned breadcrumbs and panko.
- Dip each chicken tender into the egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture. Shake off excess and lay on a board.
- Spray both sides of breaded tenders generously with olive oil spray.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In batches, arrange tenders in a single layer and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
- Serve hot with lemon wedges and desired dipping sauces.
Notes
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- Add garlic powder, paprika, or parmesan to the breadcrumb mix for extra flavor.
- Mix cayenne pepper into the coating for a spicy version.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in air fryer at 350°F for crispiness.
- Best served immediately for maximum crunch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tenders
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
