Crispy Air-Fried Chicken Tenders (Print Version)

Tender chicken strips coated in a flavorful crust, cooked to crispiness with an air fryer for a healthier crunch.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenders or breast strips

→ Breading

02 - 3/4 cup whole-wheat breadcrumbs
03 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
07 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
09 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Coating

10 - 2 large eggs
11 - 2 tbsp low-fat milk
12 - Olive oil spray

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
02 - Pat chicken tenders dry thoroughly using paper towels.
03 - Whisk together eggs and low-fat milk in a shallow bowl.
04 - In a separate bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
05 - Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then press into the breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated.
06 - Place coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly spray both sides with olive oil.
07 - Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
08 - Serve immediately with your preferred dipping sauce.

# Helpful Tips:

01 -
  • Crispy exterior with juicy, tender chicken inside—no deep fryer needed, just hot air and a little olive oil spray.
  • Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish, which means weeknight dinners without the stress.
  • Packed with protein and significantly less fat than traditional fried versions, so you can eat without the guilt.
02 -
  • Don't skip the drying step—I learned this the hard way with soggy, sad tenders that steamed instead of crisped, and it was disappointing enough that I never forgot.
  • Flipping halfway is non-negotiable; one side will brown faster than the other, and turning them ensures even crispiness all over.
  • The coating mixture can get slightly damp from the egg wash; if it gets clumpy, just stir in fresh breadcrumbs rather than water, which ruins the texture.
03 -
  • If your air fryer tends to cook unevenly, shake the basket gently at the halfway point instead of flipping—some models prefer this gentler approach.
  • For a convection oven backup, bake at 220°C (425°F) for 15–18 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, flipping halfway; the results won't be quite as crispy, but they're still delicious.
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