Air fryer chicken tenders are the perfect solution for those who crave the delicious crunch of fried chicken without the added calories and fat. This recipe is easy to follow and yields juicy, flavorful chicken tenders with a crispy coating. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner, preparing snacks for a party, or looking for a kid-friendly meal, these air fryer chicken tenders are sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to make these irresistible chicken tenders.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1.5 pounds chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- Cooking spray or a light brush of oil
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Shallow bowls for breading
- Whisk
- Tongs or a fork for handling chicken
- Baking sheet (optional for large batches)