Save It 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.
This recipe quickly became a family favorite because of its delicious flavor and crispy texture achieved without deep frying.
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
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes.
- Step 2:
- Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
- Step 3:
- 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.
- Step 4:
- Dredge each chicken tender in flour shaking off excess Dip in egg mixture then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture pressing gently for adhesion.
- Step 5:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer working in batches if needed.
- Step 6:
- 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).
- Step 7:
- Serve warm garnished with parsley and accompanied by your favorite festive dip.
Save It This dish brings the family together especially during holiday gatherings when everyone enjoys the festive flavors.
Required Tools
Air fryer Three shallow bowls Tongs Kitchen thermometer (recommended)
Nutritional Information
Calories 280 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 23 g Protein 32 g per serving
Optional Variations
For a spicier version add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix Excellent with cranberry sauce spiced ketchup or honey mustard For extra crispiness lightly mist the coated tenders with oil before air frying
Save It This recipe is a fast and flavorful way to enjoy chicken tender favorites with less oil and fuss.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I ensure the chicken tenders are crispy?
Coat the chicken thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture and lightly mist oil on the coating before air frying to achieve a crispy texture.
- → Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives to keep the coating crisp and safe for gluten sensitivities.
- → What internal temperature should the chicken reach?
Cook until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- → Can I add more spice to the coating?
For a spicier crust, add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture before coating the tenders.
- → What dips pair well with these chicken tenders?
Try cranberry sauce, honey mustard, or spiced ketchup for festive and flavorful dipping options complementing the seasoned crust.
- → Is it necessary to flip the tenders during cooking?
Flipping halfway through air frying ensures even golden browning and crispiness on all sides.