Oh my goodness, let me just tell you how absolutely delightful these almond flour coated air fryer chicken tenders are! They’re crispy, flavorful, and just the right amount of crunchy, making them a perfect treat for any day of the week. I love whipping these up when I’m craving something comforting but still want to keep it on the healthier side. The best part? You can enjoy all that satisfying crunch without the extra grease! Plus, it only takes about 15 minutes to prep, and the air fryer does its magic in just 12 minutes. You’ll feel like a superstar in the kitchen, and trust me, your family will be begging for seconds. It’s a win-win all around!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
How to Prepare Almond Flour Coated Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Delight
Alright, let’s dive into making these crispy, almond flour coated chicken tenders! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen wizard by the end of it. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time!
Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first, you want to preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is key because it helps to create that perfect crispy texture we’re aiming for. Think of it as warming up before a workout—the air fryer needs to be ready to go so those chicken tenders get the best cook possible!
Prepare the Egg Wash
Next, grab a bowl and whisk those 2 large eggs until they’re nice and frothy. You want the mixture to be smooth, but don’t worry about getting it too perfect—just make sure it’s well combined. This egg wash will help the almond flour stick beautifully to the chicken tenders, giving them that delightful coating we’re after!
Create the Almond Flour Mixture
In another bowl, mix together your 1 cup of almond flour with the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. I love using a whisk or fork for this part because it really helps blend everything together evenly. Trust me, you want that flavor to be distributed throughout so every bite packs a punch!
Coat the Chicken Tenders
Now it’s time to get your hands a little messy! Take each chicken tender and dip it into the egg wash, making sure it’s nicely coated. Then, transfer it to the almond flour mixture and press down slightly to ensure every surface is covered. It’s important to get a good, even coating for that crunchy texture—so don’t rush this part!
Air Fry the Chicken Tenders
Finally, place your coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Keep an eye on them, and use a meat thermometer to check that they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This is how you know they’re perfectly cooked and ready to be devoured!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time (15 minutes prep, 12 minutes cook)
- Healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, so you can indulge without the guilt
- Gluten-free option, perfect for those with dietary restrictions
- Crispy texture without excess oil, giving you that satisfying crunch you crave
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s talk about how to elevate these almond flour coated chicken tenders to absolute perfection! I’ve got some tried-and-true tips that’ll make your cooking experience even better.
- Marinate for More Flavor: If you have a bit of time, consider marinating your chicken tenders in your favorite herbs and spices for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight!). It adds a delicious depth of flavor that really makes these tenders shine.
- Season to Your Liking: Don’t be shy with your seasonings! Feel free to adjust the garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika according to your taste. Want a little kick? Toss in some cayenne pepper or chili powder!
- Experiment with Dipping Sauces: The right dipping sauce can take these tenders to the next level. Try serving them with honey mustard, ranch dressing, or a zesty homemade salsa. Yum!
- Make it a Meal: Pair these chicken tenders with a fresh salad or some roasted veggies for a complete meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
- Batch Cooking: If you’re cooking for a crowd or just want leftovers, double the recipe! These tenders reheat beautifully in the air fryer—just a few minutes to warm them up, and they’ll be as crispy as day one!
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating the most delicious almond flour coated air fryer chicken tenders ever. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note before you dig into these delicious almond flour coated air fryer chicken tenders! The nutritional values provided are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, while I strive to give you the most accurate information, it’s always a good idea to double-check if you’re keeping track of your macros or calories. Enjoy your cooking adventure and these tasty tenders!
FAQ Section
Got questions? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers for you! Here are some common queries I hear about these almond flour coated air fryer chicken tenders, along with my trusty advice.
Can I use other types of flour?
Absolutely! If almond flour isn’t your thing, you can try other gluten-free options like coconut flour or even regular all-purpose flour if you’re not concerned about gluten. Just remember, the texture and flavor might vary a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!
How do I store leftovers?
To keep those tenders crispy, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to maintain their crunch, try to avoid stacking them. I recommend reheating them in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back that delightful crispiness!
What dipping sauces pair well with chicken tenders?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! I love serving them with honey mustard or ranch dressing for that classic combo. You could also try a spicy sriracha mayo, a tangy barbecue sauce, or even a zesty homemade salsa to mix things up. Your taste buds will thank you!
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. They might not be as crispy as in the air fryer, but still totally tasty!
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have one, just slice into a tender to check that it’s no longer pink inside and the juices run clear. Safety first!
Hopefully, these answers help you tackle any uncertainties you might have. Enjoy making those chicken tenders, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about storing those delicious almond flour coated chicken tenders! If you happen to have any leftovers (which is a big if, because they’re so good!), here’s how to keep them fresh and tasty.
First, let the chicken tenders cool completely before storing. This helps prevent steam from building up in the container, which could make them soggy. Once they’re cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember, the longer they sit, the less crispy they may become, but they’ll still be packed with flavor!
Now, when it comes to reheating, I highly recommend using the air fryer again if you can. Just pop those tenders back in at 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes or until they’re warmed through and crispy again. It’s like they were just made fresh! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can also reheat them in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 10 minutes. Just make sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out.
If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze the chicken tenders! Just wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat in the air fryer or oven as mentioned above. This way, you can always have a quick, healthy meal ready to go!
Print
Almond Flour Coated Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Delight Bliss
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy chicken tenders coated in almond flour, cooked in the air fryer for a healthier option.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs.
- In another bowl, mix almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken tender in the egg, then coat with the almond flour mixture.
- Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in your favorite herbs.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste.
- Serve with dipping sauce of your choice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: almond flour, chicken tenders, air fryer, healthy recipe
