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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

3 Mins read
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

These golden-brown air fryer chicken tenders deliver the perfect crunch without the excess oil. Ready in just 25 minutes, they’re a healthier spin on the classic comfort food favorite with only 4g of fat per serving.

Whether you’re feeding picky kids or entertaining guests, these tender, juicy strips pair wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauces. The air fryer works its magic to create that irresistible crispy coating while keeping the chicken moist on the inside.

Essential Ingredients

Essential Ingredients
  • Chicken Tenders: 1 pound, trimmed of excess fat for the perfect bite-sized pieces
  • Maple Syrup: ½ cup, creates a naturally sweet and sticky coating
  • Bread Crumbs: ½ cup, regular or gluten-free for a crispy exterior
  • All-Purpose Flour: ½ cup, choose gluten-free if needed for dietary restrictions
  • Seasonings: 1 teaspoon each of poultry seasoning and smoked paprika for optimal flavor
  • Spray Oil: Just enough to coat the air fryer basket

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prep Work: Trim your chicken tenders to remove any unwanted fat or pieces for the best results
  2. Maple Bath: Pour maple syrup into a medium bowl – this will be your first coating station
  3. Seasoning Mix: Combine breadcrumbs, flour, and spices in another bowl for your crispy coating
  4. Coating Process: Dip each tender in maple syrup first, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture
  5. Air Fryer Setup: Spray the basket with oil or line with parchment paper, arrange tenders without overcrowding
  6. Air Frying: Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness

Cooking Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken

Love crispy chicken but want it healthier? Your air fryer makes it super easy! For the crunchiest coating, don’t stack your chicken tenders – give them plenty of space in the basket. A light spray of oil helps the coating turn golden brown. If you need to cook more than one batch, keep the first batch warm in your oven at 200°F while you finish the rest.

Easy Variations

Want to switch things up? Try honey instead of maple syrup for a different sweet note. Add some heat with a pinch of cayenne pepper in your coating mix. Make it extra crunchy by using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. For a nutty twist, mix some finely chopped pecans into your breadcrumb mixture – it pairs amazingly with the maple!

Serving Ideas

These sweet and crispy tenders are amazing with so many sides! Serve them with a honey mustard dipping sauce, or try ranch dressing with a dash of maple syrup mixed in. Add a fresh coleslaw or green salad on the side. Want to make it a meal? Pair with sweet potato fries or roasted vegetables. They’re also great sliced up in a salad or wrapped in a tortilla with lettuce and tomato!

Storage and Reheating

Keep your leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To get them crispy again, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. You can also reheat them in a regular oven – just place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. The rack helps keep them crispy on all sides!

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Anjali
These golden-brown air fryer chicken tenders deliver the perfect crunch without the excess oil. Ready in just 25 minutes, they’re a healthier spin on the classic comfort food favorite with only 4g of fat per serving.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings servings
Calories 351 kcal

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken tenders
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs or gluten free bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour or gluten free flour
  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • spray oil

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the chicken tenders by trimming away any excess fat or unwanted areas.
  • Pour the maple syrup into a medium sized bowl.
  • In a second medium sized bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, flour, and spices.
  • Working one piece at a time, dip the chicken tender pieces in the maple syrup, making sure to coat completely on all sides, then dip the chicken pieces in the flour mixture and turn to coat evenly.
  • Spray the bottom of your air fryer basket with oil or lay down parchment paper and place the chicken pieces on top, making sure not to crowd the basket.
  • Air fry the chicken tenders at 400°F/200°C for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Nutrition

Calories: 351kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 28gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 235mgPotassium: 565mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 293IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 79mgIron: 2mg
Keyword air fried poultry, breaded tenders, crispy chicken strips, healthy chicken, quick dinner
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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