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Super Crispy Panko Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

A close-up of crispy, golden brown air fryer chicken tenders piled high on a white plate, backlit by sunlight.
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You can make incredibly crispy, juicy chicken tenders right in your air fryer. This recipe uses panko breadcrumbs for maximum crunch without deep frying, making it a perfect, quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1.5 cups Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Cooking spray (oil of choice)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken tenderloins completely dry using paper towels. This step is key for crispiness.
  2. Set up a standard breading station with three shallow dishes. Place flour in the first dish. Whisk the eggs in the second dish. Combine Panko breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in the third dish.
  3. Dredge each chicken tender first in the flour, shaking off any excess.
  4. Dip the floured tender into the beaten egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
  5. Press the tender firmly into the Panko mixture to coat all sides evenly. Place the breaded tenders on a clean plate or rack.
  6. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
  7. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; work in batches if necessary.
  8. Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray.
  9. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time.
  10. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the exterior is golden brown and crunchy.
  11. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce for a healthy chicken tenders recipe.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the tenders again with oil just before the last 2 minutes of cooking.
  • If you prefer a low-carb option, skip the breading and use the seasoning mix directly on the chicken, spraying well with oil.
  • Chicken tenderloins cook faster than breasts, so always check the internal temperature to prevent drying them out.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://devourdish.com/air-fryer-chicken-tenders/