Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These air fryer chicken tenders are made with a simple breadcrumb coating and a mix of spices that add great flavor. They turn out crispy on the outside while staying juicy on the inside. They’re a great option when you need a quick dinner or want something easy to prepare ahead of time.

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Course: Dinner

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 7

Total Time: 12

Servings:

Calories: 229kcal

Author: Liora

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast cut into strips
½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 egg

Instructions

Start by preparing the coating mixture. In a bowl, combine the Italian breadcrumbs, panko, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper, mixing well so the seasoning is evenly spread.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg until smooth. This will help the coating stick to the chicken.
Take each piece of chicken and dip it into the egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Then place it into the breadcrumb mixture, turning and pressing gently so each piece is fully coated.
If needed, preheat the air fryer. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer inside the basket, leaving a little space between each piece so they cook evenly.
Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 7 to 8 minutes, turning halfway through cooking so both sides become golden and crisp. If the basket is small, cook in batches for the best results. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before serving.
Serve immediately with a dipping sauce of your choice.

Notes

Cutting your own chicken strips helps keep the pieces even and is often more affordable, but pre-cut tenders can also be used for convenience.
If you do not have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
For a gluten-free option, use almond flour and shredded coconut instead of breadcrumbs for a similar crispy coating.

Please note that the nutritional values are provided by an online calculator and should be considered as an estimate.

Nutrition