Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
The ultimate comfort food meets healthy cooking with these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, they’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. Try them tonight for a delicious meal!
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 6 cups White or yellow corn tortilla chips (or 1 cup panko breadcrumbs and ¼ teaspoon salt)
- 1 cup All-purpose flour (or cup-for-cup gluten-free flour)
- 2 Eggs
- 1 pound Chicken tenders
Instructions
- Start by preheating the Air Fryer to 400 degrees F. This step is crucial as it ensures your chicken tenders cook evenly and develop that crispy texture we all love. While it heats, prepare your ingredients so everything is ready to go.
- Next, take your tortilla chips and place them in a food processor or blender. Pulse them until you’ve created fine crumbs, which should yield about 1 cup. This crumb mixture is what will coat your chicken and give it that delightful crunch.
- Pour the crushed tortilla chips into a shallow dish or pie plate. This makes it easy to dredge the chicken tenders later. It’s important to have a good coating so that every bite is flavorful.
- In a second shallow dish, add the flour. This will be the first step in the dredging process. Having everything in place makes the cooking flow seamlessly and keeps your workspace tidy.
- Now, crack the eggs into another shallow dish and beat them lightly. This will serve as the binding agent that helps the crumbs stick to the chicken. It’s a simple step, but it’s essential for achieving that perfect coating.
- Take one chicken tender at a time. First, dredge it completely in the flour, shaking off any excess. This step not only adds texture but also helps the egg mixture adhere better.
- Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. This is where the magic happens, as the egg will help the crumbs stick during cooking.
- Finally, roll the tender in the crushed tortilla chips until it’s completely coated. Place it on the prepared rack or basket of the Air Fryer. Repeat this process for each chicken tender, making sure they don’t touch each other for even cooking.
- Once all the tenders are in the Air Fryer, cook them for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. You can check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. The aroma that fills your kitchen during this time is simply mouthwatering!
- When they’re done, carefully remove the chicken tenders and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm or at room temperature with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, marinara, or even applesauce. Enjoy!
Notes
- Tip 1: Store any leftover chicken tenders in the fridge in an airtight container. They can last for up to three days.
- Tip 2: You can freeze these chicken tenders after cooking. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid. Then, transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months.
- Tip 3: Serve these chicken tenders with a side of homemade coleslaw or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
- Tip 4: Experiment with different seasonings in the flour or egg mixture, like garlic powder, paprika, or even a bit of cayenne for a kick.
- Tip 5: These tenders are great over a plate of pasta or served with rice and veggies for a balanced meal.