Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Printable Version)
Golden, crunchy air fryer tenders served with classic ketchup.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 1.1 lb boneless, skinless chicken tenders or breasts, cut into strips
02 - 1/2 tsp salt
03 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Breading
04 - 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
05 - 2 large eggs
06 - 2 tbsp milk
07 - 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
08 - 1/2 tsp paprika
09 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
10 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
11 - Cooking spray or olive oil spray
→ For Serving
12 - 1/2 cup ketchup
# Method:
01 - Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
02 - Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels and season evenly with salt and black pepper.
03 - Set up three shallow bowls: place flour in the first; whisk eggs with milk in the second; combine panko, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in the third.
04 - Dredge each chicken strip in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned panko.
05 - Arrange breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly spray with cooking spray.
06 - Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
07 - Serve hot immediately with ketchup on the side for dipping.
# Chef's Tips:
01 -
- Crispy outside, tender inside, ready in under thirty minutes with almost zero guilt.
- No deep fryer means less oil, less cleanup, and a kitchen that doesn't smell like a fish shop.
- Kids actually ask for it, and you get to feel like you're feeding them something homemade instead of frozen.
02 -
- Don't skip the flip halfway through—the side against the basket gets softer, and flipping ensures both sides get that heat exposure.
- Lightly spray, not heavily; too much oil makes them greasy, too little and they're dry.
03 -
- Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the panko if you want heat without overpowering the chicken.
- If chicken slips in the egg bath, go back to flour for a second coat before the panko—the double dredge creates an extra-crunchy crust that's worth the five seconds.