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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Tenders

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast Tenders - featured image
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These crispy air fryer chicken tenders are quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. Using a double-dip breading technique with Panko and Parmesan, they offer a shatteringly crisp exterior and juicy interior without the grease of deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, trimmed and cut into 1-inch thick strips
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1.5 cups Panko breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 2 eggs, whisked with a splash of water
  • Olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Trim chicken breasts and cut into 1-inch thick strips. Place in a bowl with buttermilk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Toss to coat, cover, and marinate in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls. Bowl 1: Mix flour, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Bowl 2: Whisk eggs with a splash of water. Bowl 3: Combine Panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
  3. Dredge a chicken strip in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg wash, then press firmly into the Panko mixture to ensure adhesion. Place on a clean plate.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  5. Arrange breaded tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch. Lightly spray tops with cooking oil.
  6. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through (around 6 minutes). Spray the other side with oil after flipping. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Let tenders rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and crisping. For a gluten-free version, swap flour and Panko for a gluten-free blend. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan and add extra olive oil to the dry mix. Always preheat the air fryer for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken, chicken tenders, crispy chicken, healthy dinner, quick recipes, weeknight meals, gluten-free options

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-breast-tenders-5-step-easy-recipe/