Oh my gosh, let me tell you about these *15 minute air fryer chicken tenders*! They’re such a lifesaver on busy weeknights when I’m juggling a million things but still want to serve something delicious. I remember one time, my kids came home from school absolutely starving, and I whipped these up in no time. The air fryer makes them crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside—just like those classic fried ones, but way quicker and a whole lot healthier! Plus, it’s such a joy to see their faces light up with excitement when they smell that savory goodness wafting through the kitchen. Trust me, these chicken tenders will become a family favorite in your house too!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare 15 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first—let’s get that air fryer preheating! Set it to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to cook. Preheating is super important because it helps the chicken tenders cook evenly and get that fabulous crispy exterior we all love. Trust me, this little step makes a big difference!
Prepare the Coating Mixture
Now, grab a mixing bowl and let’s make that crunchy coating! Combine your breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. I usually mix them with a fork to break up any clumps and ensure everything is evenly distributed. The smell of garlic and cheese mingling together is heavenly—seriously, you’ll want to dive right in!
Prepare the Chicken Tenders
In a separate bowl, beat the two large eggs until they’re nice and frothy. This step is crucial for getting that breadcrumb mixture to stick to the chicken. Dip each chicken tender into the egg, making sure it’s fully coated, then transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently to ensure each tender is well-coated. I like to give them a little shake to remove any excess coating—no one likes a soggy tender!
Air Fry the Chicken Tenders
Time to cook! Place the coated chicken tenders in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Be sure not to overcrowd them—this helps them crisp up beautifully. Set your timer for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they get golden brown on both sides. You’ll know they’re done when they’re crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Oh, the anticipation while they cook is delightful!
Let Rest Before Serving
Once they’re out of the air fryer, let those chicken tenders rest for a few minutes. This helps them retain their juiciness. Plus, it gives you a moment to set out your favorite dipping sauces! Whether it’s barbecue, ranch, or honey mustard, these tenders are just waiting to be dunked. Enjoy the crispy goodness and watch them disappear!
Nutritional Information
These *15 minute air fryer chicken tenders* are not only quick and delicious but also pack in some solid nutrition! Each serving, which is about 4 tenders, contains approximately 300 calories, 15g of fat, and a whopping 25g of protein. You’ll also find about 20g of carbohydrates and just 1g of sugar. Keep in mind, these are estimates based on standard ingredients, so feel free to tweak them as you like!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *15 minute air fryer chicken tenders* turn out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, if your chicken tenders are larger or thicker, you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly—just keep an eye on them and use a meat thermometer to check for that 165°F (74°C) mark. As for dipping sauces, don’t hold back! Barbecue sauce, honey mustard, and ranch are all fantastic choices that’ll make these tenders even more irresistible. And remember, a little extra seasoning in the breadcrumb mixture can really elevate the flavor!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to customize your *15 minute air fryer chicken tenders*! For a spicy kick, try adding cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture. If you love herbs, mix in some dried oregano or Italian seasoning for a fragrant twist. Want to switch up the coating? Use crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs for an even crunchier texture. And for a cheesy upgrade, sprinkle some additional Parmesan or even cheddar on top before air frying. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Absolutely! If you have frozen chicken tenders, just make sure to adjust the cooking time. You’ll want to cook them for about 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Flip them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Just keep an eye on them to make sure they reach that delicious golden brown color. It’s super convenient, and nobody will even know they were frozen!
What dipping sauces pair well with chicken tenders?
Oh, the dipping sauces are half the fun! Some of my absolute favorites include classic barbecue sauce, tangy honey mustard, and creamy ranch dressing. But don’t stop there! You could also try sweet and sour sauce, buffalo sauce for a kick, or even a zesty garlic aioli. The sky’s the limit, so pick your favorites and dive right in!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to reheat and retain that crispy texture. You’ll be amazed at how good they taste the second time around!
Can I make these tenders gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make your *15 minute air fryer chicken tenders* gluten-free, simply swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs. There are plenty of great options available at the store these days. You can also use crushed gluten-free cornflakes or almond flour for a different texture. Just make sure your Parmesan cheese is gluten-free as well, and you’re all set for a delicious, gluten-free meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 15 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, just like fried chicken!
- Simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Easy to customize with your favorite herbs and spices.
- A family-friendly meal that everyone will rave about!
- Healthier than traditional frying, but just as delicious.
For more information on healthy cooking methods, check out this article on Healthline.
If you want to learn more about the benefits of air frying, visit Eat This, Not That!.
For tips on how to choose the best chicken, you can refer to The Spruce Eats.
Print
15 Minute Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: Savory & Quick Delight
- Total Time: 15-17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Quick and easy air fryer chicken tenders ready in 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- Dip each chicken tender into the eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
- Remove and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time for larger or smaller tenders.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tenders
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: 15 minute air fryer chicken tenders, quick chicken tenders, easy air fryer recipe
