How to Cook Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to cook chicken tenders, an air fryer might be just the tool you need. Not only does it cook your food faster, but it also uses less oil, making it a healthier option. In this article, we’ll give you a step-by-step guide on how to cook chicken tenders in an air fryer, along with some tips and tricks to make sure they come out perfectly every time.

Ingredients

Before we get started, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need:

– 1 lb chicken tenders
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
– Cooking spray

Instructions

Now that you have everything you need, let’s start cooking!

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.

Step 2: Set up your breading station. Combine the flour, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl. Beat the eggs in a separate shallow bowl. Add the panko breadcrumbs to a third shallow bowl.

Step 3: Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, making sure it’s coated evenly. Shake off any excess flour.

Step 4: Dip the chicken tender into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s coated on all sides.

Step 5: Press the chicken tender into the panko breadcrumbs, making sure it’s coated well.

Step 6: Place the chicken tender in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not touching each other to ensure they cook evenly.

Step 7: Lightly spray the chicken tenders with cooking spray. This will help them crisp up even more.

Step 8: Cook the chicken tenders for 8-10 minutes, flipping them over halfway through. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so be sure to check them frequently.

Step 9: When the chicken tenders are golden brown and cooked through, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips and Tricks

– If your air fryer has a smaller basket, you may need to cook the chicken tenders in batches.
– To keep the chicken tenders warm while you cook the rest, place them in a 200°F oven.
– For added flavor, try adding some spices or herbs to the flour mixture or panko breadcrumbs. Garlic powder, paprika, and dried oregano are all great options.
– If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs will work just fine.
– Make sure you don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. This will prevent the chicken tenders from cooking evenly and crisping up properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
A: Yes, preheating your air fryer ensures that your food cooks evenly and helps it crisp up better.

Q: Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
A: Yes, you can. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. You may need to cook them for a few minutes longer.

Q: How do I know when the chicken tenders are done?
A: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should be at least 165°F before serving.

Q: Can I use a different type of coating besides breadcrumbs?
A: Sure! Crushed cornflakes, crushed potato chips, or even grated Parmesan cheese would all work well.

By following these simple steps, you’ll have delicious, crispy chicken tenders in no time. Experiment with different coatings and seasonings to find your perfect recipe. Happy cooking!