Description
These golden, crunchy tenders cook in just 12 minutes and taste better than any drive-thru version. Perfect for busy weeknights when your family craves comfort food that’s healthier and faster than takeout.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs chicken tenders or chicken breasts cut into strips
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1.25 cups panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray
Instructions
1. Place flour mixed with salt and pepper in first shallow bowl. Beat eggs in second bowl. Combine panko, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in third bowl. Line them up in order for easy assembly-line breading.
2. Pat chicken tenders completely dry with paper towels. Dredge each tender in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into beaten egg, letting excess drip off. Finally, press into panko mixture, coating thoroughly on all sides. Place breaded tenders on a plate.
3. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes. Spray basket generously with cooking spray. Arrange breaded tenders in single layer without touching—work in batches if needed. Spray tops of tenders liberally with cooking spray for golden color.
4. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time. Tenders should be golden brown and crispy on outside with internal temperature of 165°F. Cooking time varies by air fryer model, so check at 10 minutes.
5. Let tenders rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to keep them juicy inside. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, barbecue, or ketchup.
Notes
Don’t overcrowd the basket—air needs to circulate for maximum crispiness.
Spray generously with oil for golden, crispy coating.
Flip halfway through for even browning on both sides.
Use meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and ensure safety.
Let chicken come to room temperature before breading for even cooking.
Make them spicy by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to egg wash.
Swap panko for crushed cornflakes or Ritz crackers for different textures.
Make ahead by breading tenders and freezing on baking sheet, then store in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Cook from frozen by adding 2-3 minutes to cooking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 445mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 165mg