Crispy Perfection: How to Make Chicken Tenders in Your Air Fryer
Chicken tenders are a popular snack food that is loved by kids and adults alike. They are a quick and easy dish to prepare, which makes them perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a snack. However, many people avoid making chicken tenders because they are often deep-fried, which is not the healthiest method of cooking. Fortunately, air fryers provide a healthier, yet still satisfying way to prepare crispy and delicious chicken tenders that everyone will love.
Health Benefits of Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Air fryers are gaining popularity among health-conscious people because they use hot air to cook food, reducing the need for oil. By using an air fryer, you can reduce the amount of unhealthy fats that you consume, making it an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their calorie intake and lose weight.
When you cook chicken tenders in an air fryer, you are also getting all the health benefits of chicken. Chicken is a great source of protein, and the tenders are low in fat, calories, and cholesterol. Chicken contains essential amino acids that help to build and repair muscle tissue. It is also rich in B vitamins, which are essential for metabolism, and it is a great source of potassium, which helps to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
How to Make Chicken Tenders in Your Air Fryer
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
· 1 pound of chicken tenders
· 1 cup of all-purpose flour
· 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
· 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
· 1 teaspoon of onion powder
· 1 teaspoon of salt
· 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
· 2 eggs
· 1 tablespoon of milk
· 2 cups of panko breadcrumbs
Instructions:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 390 °F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.
4. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish.
5. Dip each chicken tender in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and finally, the panko breadcrumbs, making sure to coat each one evenly.
6. Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd them, or they will not cook evenly.
7. Cook in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, then turn the chicken tenders over and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
8. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
FAQs Section
1. What makes an air fryer healthier than deep frying?
Air fryers use hot air to cook food, which reduces the amount of oil needed to achieve a crispy texture. This means that air-fried foods contain fewer calories and less harmful fats than deep-fried foods.
2. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko breadcrumbs?
You can use regular breadcrumbs, but they will not be as crispy as panko breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are widely available in grocery stores and are worth seeking out for this recipe.
3. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?
Yes, you can, but you will need to cut the chicken breasts into strips to make them similar to chicken tenders.
4. Can I make the chicken tenders ahead of time and reheat them in the air fryer?
Yes. You can make the chicken tenders and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat them, place them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 390 °F (200°C) until they are heated through.
Conclusion
Air fryer chicken tenders are a healthy and delicious substitute for deep-fried versions. They are quick and easy to prepare, making them perfect for a quick meal or snack. With the added bonus of being low in calories, fat, and cholesterol, air-fried chicken tenders are a perfect choice for anyone looking to eat healthier without compromising on flavor. Whether you are hosting a party or just looking for a quick snack, you can’t go wrong with crispy perfection: air fryer chicken tenders.