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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders in Under 30 Minutes

Are you in the mood for a quick and delicious meal that the whole family will love? Look no further than crispy air fryer chicken tenders! Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but they also provide a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, with that satisfying crunch we all crave. Plus, you can whip them up in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

For this straightforward recipe, you’ll need:

• 500g chicken breast tenders
• 100g plain flour
• 2 large eggs
• 150g breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs work best for extra crispiness)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil

Method

1. Preparation: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 200°C (about 400°F). This ensures that your chicken tenders cook evenly and come out perfectly crispy.

2. Set Up Your Dipping Station: Prepare three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine the plain flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. In the second bowl, beat the two large eggs. In the third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.

3. Coat the Chicken: Take each chicken tender and coat it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off before moving on to the breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken tender to ensure they stick well. Repeat this process for all the chicken tenders.

4. Air Frying: Lightly spray the prepared chicken tenders with cooking spray or brush them with a bit of olive oil. This will help them achieve that golden brown colour and crispy texture during cooking. Place the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded for even cooking.

5. Cooking Time: Cook the chicken tenders in the air fryer for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they are cooked evenly. You’ll know they’re done when they are golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).

6. Serving: Once cooked, remove the tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve them with your favourite dipping sauces, such as BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or sweet chilli sauce. Pair them with a fresh salad or some oven-baked fries for a complete meal.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Tenders

• Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For an extra crispy texture, opt for panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. They provide a delightful crunch that’s hard to beat.

• Season Generously: Don’t shy away from seasoning the flour mixture. This is your chance to impart flavour into the tenders, so adjust it according to your taste.

• Batch Cooking: If you have a large quantity of chicken, consider cooking in batches. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking; you can keep the first batch warm in an oven set to a low temperature while you finish cooking the rest.

Conclusion

There you have it! Perfectly crispy air fryer chicken tenders ready in under 30 minutes. This recipe is not only fast and simple but also a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious meal without the guilt of fried food. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a game day snack, these chicken tenders are sure to please. So gather your ingredients and get frying—your taste buds will thank you!

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