Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders for Kids

Preheating your oven or air fryer is an essential step that sets the stage for cooking your Crunchy Kiddo Chicken Tenders. When you preheat, you're ensuring that the cooking environment reaches the ideal temperature to achieve that perfect crispy texture. If you skip this step, your tenders could end up soggy instead of the crunchy delight you desire. The heat helps to create a barrier on the outside, sealing in the moisture while allowing the coating to become golden and crispy.

Discover the joy of Crunchy Kiddo Chicken Tenders, a family favorite reimagined for health and flavor! Enjoy a deliciously crispy exterior paired with a juicy interior, perfect for both kids and adults. This article guides you through using an air fryer for a healthier version that doesn’t compromise on taste. From selecting the right ingredients to cooking tips, transform your weeknight meals and indulge in crispy perfection that everyone will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast tenders

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Optional: Your favorite dipping sauce (honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce)

Instructions

Prep the Chicken: Start by rinsing the chicken tenders under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to ensure they will crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

Set Up Your Breading Station: In three bowls, create your breading station.

- In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour.

- In the second bowl, beat the eggs with a fork until well combined.

- In the third bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Coat the Chicken: Take each chicken tender and coat it in the flour, shaking off excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Lastly, place it in the panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick. Repeat for all chicken tenders.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture.

Arrange and Spray: Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch each other for even cooking. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or olive oil spray. This helps to enhance the crispiness.

Air Fry: Cook the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Make sure they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

Serve: Once done, remove the tenders from the air fryer and let them sit for a minute. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy with kids!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes | Servings: 4