Crispy, juicy, and healthy – That’s what comes to mind when you think of air fryer chicken tenders. These delicious treats are perfect for anyone who wants to indulge in some tasty chicken without the added fat of deep-frying. Air fryer chicken tenders are easy to make, and they’re a healthy alternative to traditional fried chicken. In this article, you’ll learn how to make air fryer chicken tenders, the health benefits of air frying, and some frequently asked questions.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
Ingredients:
– 1 pound chicken tenders
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon pepper
– 2 eggs
– 1 tablespoon water
– 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
– Non-stick cooking spray
Directions:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
2. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. In another shallow dish, whisk the eggs and water together.
4. In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
5. Coat each chicken tender in the flour mixture, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it in the panko breadcrumbs.
6. Place the chicken tenders on a plate and spray both sides with non-stick cooking spray.
7. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
8. Spray the tops of the chicken tenders with non-stick cooking spray.
9. Cook for 10 minutes.
10. Flip the chicken tenders and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
11. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Health Benefits of Air Frying
Air frying is an excellent way to enjoy your favorite foods without the added fat and calories of deep frying. Air fryers use hot air to cook food, which results in crispy and delicious food without the need for added oil. Here are some of the health benefits of air frying:
1. Lower Fat Content – Air frying uses little to no oil, which means that you can enjoy your favorite fried foods with much less fat than traditional deep frying.
2. Fewer Calories – Air frying reduces the calorie content of your food, which means that you can indulge in your favorite treats without worrying about your waistline.
3. Retained Nutrients – Air frying retains more nutrients in your food than traditional deep frying, which means that you can enjoy healthier and more nutritious meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
A: Yes, it’s essential to preheat your air fryer before cooking. Preheating ensures that the hot air circulates evenly throughout the food, which results in even cooking.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders, but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Frozen chicken tenders will take longer to cook than fresh chicken tenders.
Q: Can I use a different type of breadcrumb?
A: Yes, you can use any type of breadcrumb that you like. However, panko breadcrumbs are the best choice for air frying because they result in a crispy texture.
Q: Do I need to spray the chicken tenders with non-stick cooking spray?
A: Yes, spraying the chicken tenders with non-stick cooking spray will help them become crispy and golden brown.
Conclusion
Air fryer chicken tenders are a crispy, juicy, and healthy alternative to traditional fried chicken. This recipe is easy to make and is perfect for anyone who wants to indulge in some tasty chicken without the added fat of deep-frying. With the health benefits of air frying and the deliciousness of these chicken tenders, there’s no reason not to try this recipe today!
