These air fryer chicken tenders are crispy, flavorful, and much healthier than traditional fried chicken tenders. They make a great appetizer, snack, or main course for a quick and easy dinner.
Place the eggs, milk, and mustard in a medium-sized bowl. Whisk until well combined. Set it aside.
Season the chicken with salt and pepper on all sides. Set it aside. Place the flour in an extended plate or container and set it aside.
Add the panko crumbs, garlic powder, curry powder, ground mustard, cumin, paprika, and salt to a large mixing bowl. Mix well. Set it aside.
Place one of the chicken pieces in the flour and coat it on all sides. Then transfer it to the whisked egg mixture. Coat it completely. Next, place it in the seasoned panko. Press it down so the panko sticks to the chicken. Do this on all sides. Continue with the rest of the chicken tenders.
Place 4 to 6 tenders in the air fryer basket, leaving about 1/2-inch space between each piece, and spray them with cooking spray.
Set the air fryer to 375˚F and cook the tenders for 8 minutes. Flip them over and spray them with more cooking spray. Cook for another 6 to 8 minutes or until golden and crispy, and until the internal temperature of the chicken registers at 165˚F. Cooking time will mostly depend on the size and/or thickness of the chicken tenders.
Use kitchen tongs to carefully remove them from the air fryer. Set them on a cooling rack for a few minutes.
Serve the chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauces.
Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or already-cut chicken tenders. I like to use chicken breasts and just cut them into long strips.
Panko Crumbs are Japanese-style breadcrumbs used as a coating for deep-fried foods. I like to use panko crumbs or pork rind crumbs, but you can also use regular breadcrumbs.
Spices and seasonings: I added curry powder and smoked paprika to the breading for a bit of spice, but you can use whatever spices and seasonings you want or have on hand.
Don't overcook the chicken tenders because they will be dry and tough. Check the temperature and pull them out when their internal temperature reaches 165˚F.
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
Course: Appetizer, Appetizer / Lunch / Dinner, Appetizer/Dinner, Appetizer/Main, Appetizers, Dinner, Dinner/Appetizers, Lunch, Lunch/Dinner, Side Dish, Side Dish/Appetizer, Side Dish/Dinner, Sides, Snacks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer chicken tenders, chicken tenders in the air fryer