Save Crispy, golden chicken tenders with a festive twist—coated in a seasoned breadcrumb crust and air-fried for a healthier, crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish.
I love making these chicken tenders when family comes over because they always disappear in no time and pair excellently with festive dips.
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Ingredients
- Chicken: 500 g (1 lb) chicken breast tenders trimmed
- Breading: 100 g (1 cup) panko breadcrumbs 30 g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp dried thyme 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp black pepper Zest of 1 lemon
- Dipping & Coating: 2 large eggs 2 tbsp milk 40 g (1/3 cup) all-purpose flour
- Optional Garnish: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley Cranberry sauce or honey mustard for serving
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Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes.
- Prepare Chicken:
- Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
- Set Up Bowls:
- Set up three shallow bowls one with flour one with beaten eggs and milk one with panko Parmesan paprika garlic powder thyme salt pepper and lemon zest mixed together.
- Coat Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken tender in flour shaking off excess. Dip in egg mixture then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture pressing gently for adhesion.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer working in batches if needed.
- Cook:
- Air fry for 8 minutes flip then air fry for another 5 7 minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
- Serve:
- Serve warm garnished with parsley and accompanied by your favorite festive dip.
Save These chicken tenders have become a holiday tradition in our family bringing everyone together around the table.
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Required Tools
Air fryer Three shallow bowls Tongs Kitchen thermometer (recommended)
Allergen Information
Contains Egg milk (dairy) wheat (gluten) and cheese (milk). Always double-check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories 280 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 23 g Protein 32 g per serving.
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This recipe is quick easy and sure to be a hit at any gathering so give it a try today.
Recipe FAQs
- → What temperature is best for air frying chicken tenders?
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and cook tenders for about 8 minutes, flip, then another 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
- → How do I get a crispy coating on the chicken tenders?
Coat tenders with seasoned panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently for adhesion, and lightly mist with oil before air frying for extra crispiness.
- → Can I customize the seasoning in the breadcrumb mix?
Yes, you can add cayenne pepper for heat or swap spices to suit your taste preferences.
- → What dips pair well with these chicken tenders?
Fresh cranberry sauce, honey mustard, or spiced ketchup complement the flavors and add a festive touch.
- → Are there gluten-free alternatives for this dish?
Substitute gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to accommodate gluten-free diets without sacrificing texture.
- → How do I ensure the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) for safe consumption.
