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air fryer chicken tenders recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Crispy and juicy air fryer chicken tenders coated with seasoned whole grain cracker crumbs, sesame seeds, and simple spices, then air fried until golden and fully cooked.
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Cook Time 20 minutes
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast strips
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup crushed whole grain cracker crumbs
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1 tbsp oil for spraying
Optional Seasonings
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tbsp Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp onion powder
Optional Honey Mustard Sauce
  • 1/4 cup mustard
  • 1/4 cup honey

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowl
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Cut the boneless skinless chicken breasts into uniform strips if needed.
  2. Sprinkle the chicken strips with salt.
  3. Crush the whole grain crackers into fine crumbs.
  4. Combine the cracker crumbs with sesame seeds, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, paprika, black pepper, and any optional seasonings.
  5. Dip each chicken strip into the beaten egg until coated.
  6. Roll each strip in the crumb mixture and press gently so the coating adheres.
  7. Shake off any excess crumbs.
  8. Preheat the air fryer to 375–400°F.
  9. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
  10. Lightly spray the tenders with oil.
  11. Air fry for 10 minutes.
  12. Flip the chicken tenders and lightly spray the other side with oil.
  13. Air fry for another 10 minutes.
  14. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer and make sure the chicken reaches 165°F.
  15. Remove when golden brown, crispy, and fully cooked.
  16. For the optional honey mustard sauce, stir the mustard and honey together until smooth and serve alongside the chicken tenders.

Notes

Air Fryer Temperature: 375–400°F.
Cook Time: about 20 minutes total.
Flip the chicken tenders after the first 10 minutes.
Chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
Lightly spray both sides with oil for better crispiness.
Gluten-free cracker crumbs can be used as an alternative.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours and use within 3–4 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3–5 minutes.