Oh my gosh, you guys, get ready because I’m about to dish on my absolute favorite weeknight savior: Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders In 20 Minutes Flat! Seriously, some nights I look in the fridge and panic, but knowing I can whip these up so fast makes me feel like a culinary superhero. They come out perfectly golden brown and crunchy every single time, and the kids devour them. It’s the easiest way to get that fried chicken fix without all the fuss. My air fryer has honestly changed my life, and this recipe is proof!
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
You are going to adore these chicken tenders, trust me! Here’s why they’re a total game-changer:
- They’re lightning fast: Seriously, under 20 minutes from start to finish!
- Super easy to make: Even if you’re new to the kitchen, you’ve got this.
- Unbelievably crispy: That panko coating gets SO crunchy.
- Kid-approved: Picky eaters? Consider them won over.
- Healthy-ish!: Way less oil than traditional frying.
- Minimal cleanup: The air fryer does most of the work!
Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Okay, so gathering your ingredients is super simple. You probably have most of this stuff chilling in your pantry already! Here’s what you’ll need:
- About a pound and a half of boneless, skinless chicken breast – I like to cut them into strips about an inch wide.
- One cup of all-purpose flour.
- Two big eggs, just give them a quick whisk in a bowl.
- Two cups of panko breadcrumbs – these are key for that amazing crunch!
- A teaspoon of salt, because everything tastes better with salt.
- Half a teaspoon of black pepper.
- Half a teaspoon of paprika – it gives them a nice color and a little warmth.
- And just a tiny pinch, a quarter teaspoon, of garlic powder.
- Oh, and don’t forget a good cooking spray for that extra crispy finish!
Essential Equipment for Making Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Alright, before we dive into the magic, let’s chat about what you’ll need to make these happen. It’s pretty basic stuff that most kitchens have lying around:
- Your trusty air fryer – this is the star of the show!
- Three shallow dishes or bowls – one for flour, one for eggs, and one for those glorious panko crumbs.
- A pair of tongs – super handy for flipping without burning your fingers.
- A cutting board and a sharp knife – for slicing up that chicken just right.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders In 20 Minutes Flat
Alright, let’s get cooking! Making these amazing Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders In 20 Minutes Flat is honestly so easy, you’ll wonder why you ever bought them frozen. My air fryer is my best friend for this recipe. Just follow along, and you’ll have dinner on the table in no time!
Prepping Your Chicken Tenders
First things first, grab your chicken breast and cut it into nice, even strips. Think about bite-sized pieces, about an inch wide so they cook up fast. Now, set up your dredging stations. You’ll want three shallow dishes handy. In the first, put your flour mixed with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Give it a good stir! In the second dish, drop your beaten eggs. And in the third, pile up those gorgeous panko breadcrumbs. Now, take each chicken strip, give it a little flour dredge, shake off the excess flour dust, dip it into the egg so it’s all coated, then press it firmly into the panko. Get those crumbs on there good – that’s where the crispiness comes from!
Air Frying for Maximum Crispiness
This is where the magic happens! Make sure your air fryer is preheated to 400°F (200°C). That hot air is what gives us that incredible crunch. Carefully place your coated chicken tenders in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Seriously, don’t overcrowd it, or they’ll steam instead of crisping up. You might have to do two batches, but trust me, it’s worth it! Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray – this little trick really helps them get golden brown and extra crispy. Pop them in and air fry for about 10 to 12 minutes. Halfway through, give them a little flip with your tongs so they cook evenly on both sides. You’re looking for that beautiful golden-brown color and cooked-through perfection. These are so much better than any air fryer jalapeño poppers or other snacks you might try to make!
Tips for Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Okay, so you’ve got the recipe down, but I want to share a few little secrets that take these tenders from good to SO good you’ll want to guard them. You know, the kind of tips that make you feel like you’ve got a chef in your kitchen!
First off, don’t skip that cooking spray right before air frying! It’s like giving them a little shine and helps that panko get super golden. Also, make SURE your panko breadcrumbs are completely dry. If they’re even a little clumpy, they won’t stick as well. You can totally toast your panko for a few minutes in a dry pan before you use it for an extra nutty flavor and crunch, kind of like how I do for my crispy parmesan zucchini. And please, please, please don’t overcrowd the basket! I know it’s tempting to get them all in there at once, but giving them space is key to that crackling crispiness. It’s the same reason my air fryer zucchini turns out so great!
Serving Suggestions for Your Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Now that you’ve got these incredibly crispy chicken tenders, what are you gonna serve ’em with? My go-to is always a classic mix of fries and coleslaw, but for something a little more fun, try these amazing dipping sauces! That creamy Cajun sauce is divine, or you could whip up a batch of Cajun garlic butter sauce. And if you’re feeling nostalgic for that restaurant favorite, my recipe for Cane’s chicken finger sauce is spot-on!
Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Can I use different kinds of breadcrumbs?
You sure can! While I absolutely adore panko for its super crunch, regular breadcrumbs or even crushed cornflakes will work in a pinch. Just know that panko gives you that signature, bakery-style crispiness that’s hard to beat for these crispy air fryer chicken tenders!
How do I reheat leftover chicken tenders?
Oh, this is important! To keep them crispy, the air fryer is your best friend again. Just pop any leftovers back in at about 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until they’re warmed through and have regained their crispiness. Microwaved tenders are usually a sad, soggy situation!
Can I freeze these chicken tenders?
Yes, you can totally freeze them, but here’s the trick: freeze them *before* you cook them for the first time! Coat them, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, just pop the frozen tenders straight into the preheated air fryer, you might just need a few extra minutes of cooking time. It’s the easiest way to have quick chicken on hand.
What if I don’t have cooking spray?
No worries! You never want soggy chicken tenders. If you don’t have cooking spray handy, you can lightly brush or drizzle a little bit of olive oil or your favorite cooking oil over the tenders before air frying. It just helps them get that lovely golden-brown color and extra crispy finish.
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates and can totally vary depending on the exact ingredients you use! This breakdown is for about a 4-ounce serving of these amazing crispy air fryer chicken tenders, and it’s just a guide.
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 22 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Quick and easy chicken tenders cooked in the air fryer for a crispy texture in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- In another shallow dish, place the beaten eggs.
- In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each chicken tender strip first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Dip the floured strip into the beaten eggs, letting excess drip off.
- Coat the egg-dipped strip thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs.
- Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches.
- Lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
- For extra crispiness, ensure the chicken is fully coated in panko.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 12 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, crispy chicken, quick chicken recipe, easy chicken tenders, 20 minute meal, panko chicken