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Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin: The Crispiest, Healthier Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 119 reviews

This Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin recipe offers a deliciously crispy and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. Coated in a flavorful blend of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic spices, these tenderloins are cooked to golden perfection in an air fryer for a crunchy exterior and juicy interior without the excess oil.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs Chicken Tenderloins, trimmed of any excess fat

Breading

  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 large Eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tbsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper

Other

  • Cooking Spray (Olive Oil or Avocado Oil)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the breading stick better.
  2. Set up Breading Station: Arrange three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly.
  3. Flour Coating: Dredge each chicken tenderloin in the flour, making sure to coat evenly, then shake off any excess flour.
  4. Egg Wash: Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off to avoid sogginess.
  5. Breadcrumb Coating: Press the egg-coated chicken tenderloins firmly into the panko mixture to ensure an even and thorough coating on all sides.
  6. Repeat: Continue the flour, egg, and breadcrumb coating process with the remaining chicken tenderloins.
  7. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal cooking temperature.
  8. Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and assist in crisping.
  9. Arrange the Chicken: Place the breaded chicken tenderloins in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
  10. Spray with Oil: Lightly spray the tops of the coated chicken with cooking spray to help achieve a golden, crispy crust.
  11. Air Fry: Cook the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness. The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  12. Check for Doneness: After 8 minutes, check the chicken’s color and temperature. If it’s not yet golden or fully cooked, continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
  13. Repeat if Necessary: Repeat the arrangement, spraying, and air frying with any remaining chicken tenderloins.
  14. Rest the Chicken: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes to let the juices redistribute, ensuring moist and tender bites.
  15. Serve Immediately: Serve the hot and crispy chicken tenderloins with your favorite dipping sauces and sides, enjoying their perfect crunch and flavor.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken tenderloins in buttermilk for 30 minutes before breading.
  • Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to maintain crispiness and even cooking.
  • You can swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
  • Leftover chicken tenderloins can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer to retain crispiness.
  • If you don’t have an air fryer, these can be baked in an oven at 425°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Keywords: Air fried chicken tenderloin, crispy chicken tenderloin, healthy chicken recipe, air fryer chicken, low fat chicken, quick chicken dinner

Find it online: https://ellaeatsdaily.com/air-fried-chicken-tenderloin-the-crispiest-healthier-recipe/