Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Printable Version)

Juicy chicken strips with crunchy coating, air fried to perfection and served with ketchup for dipping.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.1 lbs chicken tenders or chicken breast, cut into strips

→ Breading

02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
05 - ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
06 - 1 tsp garlic powder
07 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
08 - 1 tsp salt
09 - ½ tsp ground black pepper

→ To Serve

10 - ½ cup ketchup

# Directions:

01 - Set air fryer to 400°F and preheat for 3 minutes.
02 - Arrange three shallow bowls: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and a mixture of panko, Parmesan (if used), garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in the third.
03 - Dredge each chicken strip in flour, shake off excess, dip in eggs, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumb mixture.
04 - Place breaded chicken strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly spray with oil to enhance crispiness.
05 - Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
06 - Remove chicken tenders and serve immediately with ketchup on the side.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They're genuinely crispy outside and juicy inside, with zero guilt about deep frying.
  • Takes barely 27 minutes from start to plate, perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner done.
  • Kids actually eat them without complaints, and adults find them surprisingly satisfying.
  • The panko coating is forgiving—even if you're sloppy with breading, they turn out golden.
02 -
  • Don't skip the preheat—a cold basket means soft, pale tenders instead of golden and crispy.
  • If your chicken strips are uneven in thickness, gently pound the thicker ones flat so everything cooks at the same rate.
  • Always check the internal temperature; undercooked chicken isn't worth the risk, and overcooked is dry.
03 -
  • If you marinate the chicken in buttermilk for 30 minutes before breading, it becomes even more tender and flavorful, though it's not strictly necessary.
  • For a dairy-free version, swap the Parmesan for a dairy-free cheese alternative or simply omit it; the tenders are still crispy and delicious.

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