Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

There’s something magical about crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders, especially when they come out of the air fryer. Air Fryer Chicken Tenders have become my go-to comfort food for those busy weeknights when I crave a little crunch without the guilt. I remember the first time I tried making these at home; the kids were skeptical at first, but the moment they took their first bite, their faces lit up with joy. No more greasy frying! This method keeps them light yet crispy, making it a winner every time.

Ingredient List for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

The ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are simple yet impactful. Each plays a vital role in achieving that crave-worthy crunch and flavor. The star ingredient, chicken tenders, is lean and cooks quickly, making it ideal for busy nights. The combination of almond flour and flax seed not only adds texture but also provides a nutty flavor that complements the seasoning perfectly.

• 1 and 1/2 lbs chicken tenders: The main protein that ensures a filling dish.
• 2 eggs: Acts as a binding agent to help the coating stick.
• 1 cup fine almond flour: The perfect gluten-free alternative for a crispy coating.
• 2 tablespoons ground flax seed: Adds fiber and a nutty flavor, also helps bind the coating.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that elevates the flavor profile.
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt: Essential for enhancing flavor.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives a slight smokiness and vibrant color.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A classic seasoning that works well with chicken.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth of flavor.
• Avocado oil spray: For spraying the basket and the tenders to ensure crispiness.

Directions for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Making Air Fryer Chicken Tenders is a breeze and perfect for any home cook looking to whip up something tasty. The air fryer does all the heavy lifting, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how easy it is! Let’s dive into the steps.

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF. This is a crucial step as it ensures that your tenders cook evenly and get that beautiful golden crust.
2. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning and coating stick better.
3. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper. Don’t be shy; this adds essential flavor.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. The eggs serve as your binding agent for the coating.
5. In a wide, shallow container, combine the almond flour, ground flax seed, Italian seasoning, fine sea salt, paprika, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until everything is well mixed.
6. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, allowing any excess to drip off.
7. Next, dredge the chicken in the almond flour mixture, ensuring it’s well coated. Repeat with all the pieces.
8. Generously spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil spray. This will help the tenders cook up crispy.
9. Place the coated tenders in the basket, ensuring they have plenty of space between them. This allows for even cooking.
10. Spray the tops of the tenders lightly with avocado oil spray. This helps them brown nicely.
11. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through for even cooking. You want a golden-brown crust.
12. Check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165ºF. If they need more time, cook in additional increments.
13. Remove the tenders from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.
14. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Making Adjustments

Whether you’re looking to tweak the recipe or ensure it fits your needs, here are some helpful tips for your Air Fryer Chicken Tenders.

• Storage: Store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked tenders in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.
• Pairing: These tenders pair perfectly with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Seasoning Variations: Experiment with different seasoning blends to suit your taste. You could try Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick!
• Nut-Free Version: Omit almond flour and use all ground flax seed for a nut-free alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Serving Air Fryer Chicken Tenders opens up a world of possibilities:

• With Dipping Sauces: Serve these tenders with a variety of sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or chipotle mayo to please everyone at the table.
• As a Snack: They make a great after-school snack for kids, paired with fresh veggies or a fruit plate.
• On a Salad: Chop them up and toss them on top of a crisp salad for a hearty lunch or dinner.
• For Meal Prep: Prepare a batch at the beginning of the week to have quick access to protein for your meals.
• At Parties: These tenders can be a hit at gatherings; serve them as finger food!

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Air Fryer Chicken Tenders offer a delightful combination of flavor and healthiness that makes them a standout dish for any occasion. With their satisfying crunch and juicy interior, they are bound to be a hit at the dinner table. I encourage you to try making them at home; you’ll see just how simple and enjoyable cooking can be!

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

The ultimate comfort food, Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are crispy, juicy, and simply irresistible. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, these tenders are a healthier alternative that will satisfy your cravings. Make them tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 8 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 18 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 330

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 and 1/2 lbs chicken tenders
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup fine almond flour see note for nut-free version
• 2 tablespoons ground flax seed
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Avocado oil spray

Equipment

• Whisk
• Air Fryer
• Skillet
• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife

Method

 

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF.
2. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel.
3. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs.
5. In a wide shallow container, combine almond flour, ground flax seed, Italian seasoning, fine sea salt, paprika, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
6. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg.
7. Dredge the chicken in the almond flour mixture.
8. Spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil spray.
9. Place the coated tenders in the basket, ensuring they have space between them.
10. Spray the tops lightly with avocado oil spray.
11. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
12. Check for doneness; they should reach an internal temperature of 165ºF.
13. Remove the tenders from the air fryer.
14. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

• If using boneless, skinless breasts: Just cut into strips about 1 and 1/2 inches by 5 inches.
• Nut-free version: Omit almond flour and use all ground flax seed instead.

Previous PostBaked Chipotle Chicken Taquitos

Next Post Garlic Parmesan Rigatoni with Chicken Sausage and Broccoli

Meet Audrey Hayes

I’m Audrey! I founded Cozy Daily Recipes to help you find joy in the kitchen every single day. I personally test and approve every recipe we publish to ensure it’s worthy of your table. Whether I'm slow cooking a Sunday roast or whipping up a quick lunch, my goal is to make your cooking life easier and more delicious.