Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe with Extra Crunchy Panko Coating for Perfect Snack
These crispy air fryer chicken tenders feature an extra crunchy panko coating that delivers a juicy, flavorful snack or meal option. Perfect for quick dinners or casual get-togethers, they stay crispy even after cooling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) fresh chicken breast tenders or cut chicken breasts into strips
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) panko breadcrumbs, preferably Japanese style
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons (16g) cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and trim any excess fat or uneven edges. (5 minutes)
- Set up dredging stations: In one bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each chicken tender in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip into beaten eggs, letting excess drip off. Press firmly into panko breadcrumbs to coat completely. Place on a parchment-lined tray. (10 minutes)
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Arrange coated tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Lightly spray tops with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying the other side. Cook until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). (10-12 minutes total)
- Let tenders rest for a few minutes before serving to allow juices to settle and crust to firm up.
Notes
Pat chicken dry for better coating adhesion. Press panko firmly onto chicken to prevent falling off. Avoid overcrowding air fryer basket to keep tenders crispy. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For gluten-free, substitute flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives. Reheat leftovers in air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4 chicken tend
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Protein: 20
Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, panko chicken, quick snack, easy chicken recipe, crunchy chicken, healthy chicken tenders