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Delightful Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (With Flour, No Breadcrumbs)

In the world of quick and convenient meals, air fryers have carved out a special place for themselves. They provide a way to create crispy, satisfying dishes with significantly less oil than traditional frying methods. One such dish that shines in the air fryer is chicken tenders. Here, we present a simple yet delicious recipe for air fryer chicken tenders using flour instead of breadcrumbs, making them a fantastic option for a variety of dietary preferences.

Why Air Fry?

Air frying has become increasingly popular due to its ability to deliver that beloved crunch while retaining moisture. Unlike conventional frying, which often necessitates copious amounts of oil, air frying circulates hot air around the food, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy interior. This method is not only healthier but also easier, as it involves less cleanup.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 500g chicken breast, sliced into strips
• 150g plain flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp milk
• Cooking spray or a few drops of oil

Optional Dipping Sauce:

• Your choice of barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard

Method

Step 1: Preparation

Begin by prepping your chicken. Slice your chicken breast into strips approximately 2-3 cm wide. This size allows for even cooking while ensuring the tenders remain juicy.

Step 2: Creating the Coating

In a large bowl, combine the plain flour with the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This blend not only adds flavour but also helps create a delightful crust.

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until combined. This mixture will help the flour adhere to the chicken.

Step 3: Dredging the Chicken

Take each chicken strip and dip it first into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, before coating it in the seasoned flour. Make sure each strip is thoroughly covered. Place the coated tenders on a plate or baking tray and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps the coating stick better during cooking.

Step 4: Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (about 392°F) for 3-5 minutes. Once heated, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded (you may need to do this in batches).

Spray the tops of the chicken tenders with a bit of cooking spray. This will help create a golden, crispy exterior. Air fry the tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. The tenders are ready when they reach an internal temperature of 75°C (about 165°F) and have a beautiful golden colour.

Step 5: Serving

Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve them warm, paired with your favourite dipping sauce for a delightful meal. They make for an excellent snack, a main dish with sides like salad or roasted vegetables, or even as a filling for wraps or sandwiches.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Tenders

• Marination: For extra flavour, consider marinating the chicken in buttermilk or your favourite spices for a few hours before coating.
• Experiment with Flavours: Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs in your flour mixture. A bit of cayenne pepper can add a nice kick!
• Batch Cooking: These tenders freeze well. You can prepare a large batch, cook them, and then freeze. Simply reheat in the air fryer when you’re ready to enjoy.

Conclusion

Air fryer chicken tenders made with flour instead of breadcrumbs offer a simple and healthier alternative to traditional frying. With their crispy texture and stunning flavour, they are sure to become a favourite in your household. Perfect for family meals, snack time, or entertaining, this recipe demonstrates that deliciousness doesn’t have to compromise health. Enjoy your air fryer adventure, and may your chicken tenders always come out perfectly golden!