Description
Make crispy air fryer chicken strips with less oil for a healthier meal. Quick, simple, and delicious. Perfect for snacks or dinner in under 15 minutes!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds chicken tenders (about 14 tenders)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Olive oil spray
Optional Dipping Sauces:
- Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip
- Honey Mustard Sauce
- Barbecue Sauce
- Basil Yogurt Sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt.
- Set Up Coating Station:
- In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
- In a separate shallow bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, whole wheat breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and the remaining 1½ teaspoons of salt.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Dip each chicken tender into the beaten egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Gently press the breadcrumbs to stick.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Spray the tops of the tenders with oil. Cook for 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.
- Repeat:
- Cook the remaining tenders, keeping the cooked ones warm in the oven if necessary. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
- To Store: Keep cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Use a 350°F oven, air fryer, or microwave.
- To Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken tenders on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen.
Notes
Enjoy your crispy, healthier air fryer chicken strips!