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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Easy Lunchbox Idea

air fryer chicken tenders - featured image
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These crispy air fryer chicken tenders are fast, kid-approved, and actually good for them. They come out golden, crunchy, and juicy on the inside without being greasy, and they stay that way even after hours in a lunchbox.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 medium breasts)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or ¾ teaspoon table salt)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
  • Avocado oil spray or olive oil spray

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Cut against the grain into strips about 1 inch wide and 3-4 inches long. Season strips with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Let sit while setting up breading station.
  2. Set up breading station: In first shallow bowl, add flour. In second, whisk eggs with 1 tablespoon water until smooth. In third, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and dried oregano. Mix with fingers.
  3. Bread the chicken: Coat each chicken strip in flour, shake off excess. Dip into egg wash, let extra drip off. Press into panko mixture, covering all surfaces. Place on wire rack or plate. Repeat with all strips.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
  5. Lightly spray air fryer basket with oil. Place breaded chicken tenders in a single layer without touching. Spray tops generously with oil.
  6. Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes. Flip each tender with tongs, spray other side with oil. Cook for another 2-4 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  7. Transfer cooked tenders to a wire rack. Let rest while cooking remaining batches. Keep warm in 200°F oven if needed.
  8. For lunchboxes: Let tenders cool completely on wire rack before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; work in batches for best results. Let breaded tenders rest 5-10 minutes before cooking to help coating adhere. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F. For thicker strips, lower temperature to 375°F and add 2-3 minutes. Cool completely before storing for lunchboxes to maintain crunchiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, lunchbox ideas, kid-friendly chicken, healthy chicken tenders, easy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-tenders-easy-lunchbox-idea/