There’s something undeniably comforting about chicken tenders. Whether it’s their golden, crispy coating or their juicy, tender center, they always manage to bring a sense of warmth to the table. For me, this recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders holds a special place in my heart, evoking fond memories of Sunday afternoons spent in the kitchen with my grandmother.
Growing up, Sundays were sacred in our household—a day reserved for family, good food, and stories shared around the dining table. My grandmother, a woman of simple tastes but impeccable culinary skills, had a way of transforming even the most ordinary ingredients into something magical. Her chicken tenders were no exception. Though she didn’t have an air fryer, she had an old cast-iron skillet that worked just as well, and it became the vessel of many family-favorite dishes.
I remember standing on my tiptoes beside her, apron strings trailing, as she patiently guided me through the process of breading each chicken fillet. She taught me how to season with a light hand, “Let the ingredients speak for themselves,” she’d say with a wink. And when it came time to fry, she’d always remind me to keep an eye on the oil, not too hot, not too cold—finding that perfect balance was key to achieving that signature golden crust.
These days, my air fryer has taken the place of her old skillet, but the essence of the recipe remains the same. It’s not just about the crispiness or the flavor; it’s about the love and care that goes into each step. Every time I make these tenders, I’m transported back to those Sundays with her, and I hope that by sharing this recipe, you’ll create your own special memories with it.
So whether you’re serving these air fryer chicken tenders as part of a quick weekday meal or bringing them to a casual get-together, they’re sure to be a hit. Easy to prepare, naturally gluten-free, and full of flavor, these tenders are perfect for any occasion. The combination of smoked paprika, oregano, and a hint of chili flakes brings a delightful kick that pairs beautifully with a variety of dipping sauces or as part of a hearty sandwich.
Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and maybe even share the recipe with someone you love—it’s a simple dish that’s meant to bring people together, just as it always has for my family.
Making Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 12 oz chicken breast mini fillets
- 2 eggs
- 4 tbsp plain gluten-free flour
- 1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp dried chili flakes
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Garlic-infused oil (preferably in a spray bottle)
Directions
Set up three separate bowls: one with beaten eggs, another with gluten-free flour, and a third with the breadcrumb mix, including chili flakes, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Coat each chicken fillet first in the flour, ensuring it’s evenly covered.
Dip the flour-coated chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, ensuring full coverage.
Press the egg-coated chicken into the seasoned breadcrumbs, making sure they stick evenly.
Preheat the air fryer to 390°F. Arrange the breaded fillets in the fryer basket, keeping some space between them to allow even cooking.
Spray the chicken lightly with garlic-infused oil to enhance flavor and crispiness.
Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through and applying another light spray of oil. Ensure they are golden and cooked through before serving.
Serve hot, pairing them with your favorite dips, in a wrap, salad, or sandwich.
Storing Suggestion
Once cooled, store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
Cooking Tips
To add an extra layer of flavor, marinate the chicken fillets in buttermilk for a few hours before breading. For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili flakes in the breadcrumb mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These chicken tenders pair well with a variety of dips, such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch. They are also great inside a tortilla wrap with fresh veggies or sliced over a mixed green salad.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have gluten-free flour or breadcrumbs, regular flour and breadcrumbs can be used. For a different flavor, try using Italian seasoning instead of oregano, or swap smoked paprika for regular paprika if you prefer a milder taste.
Seasonal Variations
During summer, serve these tenders with a light cucumber and tomato salad. In the winter, pair them with a warm potato salad or roasted vegetables for a heartier meal.
Allergen Information
This recipe is gluten-free, but be sure to use certified gluten-free ingredients. For an egg-free version, substitute the eggs with a mixture of water and cornstarch. Be cautious with any potential allergens in the spices.
FAQ:
Can I make these chicken tenders ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the chicken fillets and store them in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. Just air fry them when you’re ready to serve.
How do I keep the breading from falling off?
Make sure to press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken after dipping in the egg. Let the breaded chicken rest for a few minutes before cooking to help the coating adhere better.
Can I bake these in the oven instead of using an air fryer?
Yes, bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use a wire rack on a baking sheet for better air circulation.
What can I serve with these chicken tenders?
They go well with classic sides like fries or coleslaw. For a healthier option, try pairing them with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.
How can I make the tenders crispier?
Spray the tenders with more oil before cooking, and ensure they’re not overcrowded in the air fryer, allowing hot air to circulate freely.
Can I freeze the cooked chicken tenders?
Yes, let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 12 oz chicken breast mini fillets
- 2 eggs
- 4 tbsp plain gluten-free flour
- 1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp dried chili flakes
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Garlic-infused oil preferably in a spray bottle
Instructions
- Prepare three bowls: one for beaten eggs, another for the gluten-free flour, and the third for the breadcrumb mix combined with spices.
- Start by dredging each chicken breast mini fillet in the flour, ensuring it's fully coated.
- Next, dip the flour-coated chicken fillets into the beaten eggs, covering them thoroughly.
- Finally, press the egg-coated fillets into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, making sure the crumbs stick well.
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Place the breaded chicken fillets into the fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch each other too much.
- Lightly spray the chicken with garlic-infused oil to give them a slight sheen.
- Cook the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through and giving them another light spray of oil.
- Once cooked, serve the tenders hot with your preferred dips, inside a wrap, in a salad, or as part of a sandwich. Enjoy!
