In the comforting embrace of a crispy, golden-brown chicken tender, there’s a moment of pure bliss. These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are not only quick to prepare in about 30 minutes, but they also offer a delightful crunch without the excess carbs or gluten. The secret lies in the use of almond flour, which gives them a satisfying texture while keeping them healthy.
These tenders are perfect for anyone craving a nutritious yet delicious meal. Whether you’re prepping for a family dinner, a game day snack, or a quick meal prep for the week, they fit any occasion. Plus, you can store leftovers easily, making them an ideal choice for busy weekdays.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- These tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
- The simple coating process makes preparation quick and easy.
- The air fryer cooks them to perfection with less oil than traditional frying.
- They are versatile enough to serve with a variety of dipping sauces.
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients for a delicious batch of chicken tenders:
For the Chicken Coating
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup blanched almond flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Chicken
- 12 chicken tenders – about 1.5 lbs
- Olive oil cooking spray
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Almond flour provides a low-carb option for breading.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Use coconut flour instead of almond flour.
- Swap hot sauce for BBQ sauce for a different flavor.
- Maple syrup can replace honey.
- Chicken breasts can be cut into strips as an alternative.
How to Make It
Follow these simple steps to create your chicken tenders.
Crack the eggs
Crack the eggs into a shallow bowl and season them with salt and pepper.
Prepare the coating
In a separate shallow bowl, combine the almond flour with garlic powder, parsley, paprika, and additional salt and pepper.
Coat the chicken
Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, then press it into the almond flour mixture until fully coated. Set aside on a clean plate. Repeat for all chicken pieces.
Preheat the air fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F and spray the basket with olive oil cooking spray.
Cook the tenders
Lay some of the coated chicken tenders in an even layer in the air fryer basket. Spray the tops with more olive oil spray. Close and cook for 7 minutes. Then, flip each tender, spray the other side, and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until crispy and fully cooked. Cook in batches if necessary.
Prepare the sauce
Melt the butter in a pot over medium heat on the stovetop. Once melted, add hot sauce, honey, tomato paste, and salt and pepper. Whisk together and let it simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
Serve
Once all the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a platter or clean plate. Drizzle the sauce over the top, serve warm, and enjoy!
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, the coating may become soggy.
Reheat: Use an air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.
Tips for Best Results
- Ensure each chicken tender is well-coated for maximum crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer; cook in batches for even cooking.
- Adjust the spices in the coating to suit your personal taste.
- Let the chicken sit for a couple of minutes after cooking for optimal crunch.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh salad for a light meal.
- Serve alongside dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard.
- Perfect for game day or family gatherings as a crowd-pleaser.
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