Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a quick and healthy dinner that’s packed with flavor, you’ve got to try my air fryer chicken tenders! Seriously, they’re a game changer. Using the air fryer not only makes cooking a breeze but also gives you that crispy, crunchy texture we all love without the guilt. And let’s talk about those whole wheat breadcrumbs—just a genius way to add fiber and nutrition while keeping it delicious! In just about 27 minutes, you’ll have tender, juicy chicken strips that are perfect for dipping or enjoying on their own. Trust me, you’re going to want to make these again and again!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup packed whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How to Prepare Airfryer Chicken Tenders Healthy
Making these air fryer chicken tenders is super easy, and I promise you’ll love the process! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first—let’s get that air fryer preheating! Set it to 400°F (200°C) and let it warm up for about 5 minutes. Preheating is key because it helps the chicken tenders cook evenly and achieve that amazing crispy texture we’re after. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Prepare the Coating
While the air fryer is heating up, grab a mixing bowl and combine your whole wheat breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix it all together until it’s well-blended. This flavorful coating is what makes these chicken tenders so irresistible, so don’t be shy with those spices!
Coat the Chicken Strips
Now, it’s time to coat the chicken! Dip each chicken strip into the beaten egg, making sure it’s fully covered, then toss it in the breadcrumb mixture. Give it a gentle press to ensure it sticks but be careful not to overload the strips—too much coating can lead to uneven cooking. You want that perfect balance!
Cook the Chicken Tenders
Finally, place the coated chicken strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through for that golden brown perfection. Keep an eye on them towards the end; you’ll know they’re done when they’re crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Yum!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick heads-up: the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this a ballpark figure. Each serving of these delicious air fryer chicken tenders contains approximately 250 calories, with 25 grams of protein, 10 grams of fat, and a modest amount of carbohydrates. It’s a healthy meal choice that doesn’t skimp on flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time—ready in just 27 minutes!
- Healthier cooking method with crispy results thanks to air frying.
- Whole wheat breadcrumbs add fiber and nutrition without sacrificing taste.
- Perfectly seasoned, delivering big flavor in every tender bite.
- Kid-friendly and great for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prep!
Tips for Success
To make your air fryer chicken tenders truly shine, don’t hesitate to adjust the spices to suit your taste—maybe add a pinch of cayenne for some heat or a sprinkle of Italian herbs for a twist! Also, arrange the chicken strips in a single layer for even cooking; overcrowding can lead to soggy spots. Lastly, let them rest for a minute after cooking for juicier bites. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer chicken tenders are super versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes and dipping sauces! For a fresh touch, serve them alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies. If you’re in the mood for something creamy, a homemade ranch or honey mustard dressing makes for the perfect dip. You could even whip up a tangy yogurt-based sauce for a healthy twist. Enjoy these tenders however you like!
FAQ about Airfryer Chicken Tenders Healthy
Got questions? I’ve got answers! One common question I hear is about cooking time—if your chicken strips are thicker, they might need an extra minute or two, so just keep an eye on them. Also, if you don’t have whole wheat breadcrumbs, no worries! You can easily swap them for regular breadcrumbs or even crushed cornflakes for a fun twist. And if you’re looking to make these gluten-free, try using almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead. Lastly, if you love a bit of spice, feel free to add some cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a kick. Enjoy experimenting!
Print
Airfryer Chicken Tenders Healthy: 27 Minutes to Flavor Bliss
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Healthy
Description
A quick and healthy recipe for air fryer chicken tenders.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken strip into the beaten egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Drizzle olive oil over the coated chicken strips.
- Place the chicken strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- Adjust spices according to your taste.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: airfryer chicken tenders healthy