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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe Easy 5-Ingredient Homemade Bites

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This crispy air fryer chicken tenders recipe delivers golden, crunchy bites with juicy chicken inside using just five simple ingredients. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or snacks with less oil and mess than deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) chicken tenders or thinly sliced chicken breasts
  • ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs (Japanese-style recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt or salt and pepper (optional smoked paprika or garlic powder)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil spray) – optional
  • Hot sauce or favorite dipping sauce – optional

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels; pound to even thickness if needed.
  2. Mix flour with seasoned salt (or salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika) in a shallow bowl.
  3. Beat the egg in a second bowl until smooth.
  4. Place panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl; optionally season with salt and pepper.
  5. Dredge each tender in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess, then dip in beaten egg, and press into panko breadcrumbs until fully coated. Place on a baking tray or plate.
  6. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (205°C) for about 3 minutes.
  7. Lightly spray air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange tenders in a single layer without overlapping.
  8. Air fry at 400°F (205°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. Transfer cooked tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb moisture and serve immediately with dipping sauces.

Notes

If coating isn’t crispy enough, lightly spray tenders with oil before the last minute of cooking. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for even crisping. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). For gluten-free, substitute flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives. Egg substitutes can be used but may reduce crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, easy chicken recipe, 5-ingredient chicken, quick dinner, homemade chicken tenders

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