Description
These air fryer chicken tenders are golden, shatteringly crisp, and juicy inside, ready in just 20 minutes. Using a simple dredging technique and Panko breadcrumbs, this recipe delivers diner-quality flavor with less mess and oil than traditional frying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680g)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more for seasoning)
- Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil)
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and slice into strips about 1 inch wide and 1/2 inch thick. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: Bowl 1 with flour, Bowl 2 with beaten eggs, and Bowl 3 with Panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, and salt.
- Dredge each chicken strip in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg wash, letting excess drip off. Press firmly into the Panko mixture to ensure a thick, even coating.
- Place breaded tenders on a clean plate or wire rack and let sit for 5 minutes to allow the breading to set.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place tenders in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Spray the tops of the tenders generously with oil.
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying the other side with oil.
- Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and breading is deep golden brown.
- Remove tenders and let rest on a wire rack for 2-3 minutes before serving to maintain crispiness.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and crispiness. Letting the breaded chicken sit for 5 minutes before cooking helps the breading adhere. For extra crunch, try the double dip method (flour, egg, panko, egg, panko). If cooking from frozen, add 2-3 minutes to the cook time.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tenders per servin
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 28
Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, crispy chicken, quick dinner, weeknight meals, healthy fried chicken, panko chicken, 20 minute meals