Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Get ready for the crunchiest, juiciest chicken tenders you’ve ever made! These air fryer beauties deliver that perfect golden-brown crunch without the mess and calories of deep frying.

What makes these tenders special? The secret’s in the Greek yogurt marinade that keeps the chicken incredibly tender, while the seasoned panko coating creates an irresistibly crispy exterior that actually stays crunchy.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 8 chicken tenders (about 1 pound/450 grams)
• ½ cup Greek yogurt (110 grams)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (85 grams)

For the Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons dry oregano
• Olive oil spray

Steps

1. Place chicken tenders in a large bowl and coat thoroughly with ½ cup Greek yogurt using tongs. The yogurt acts as a natural tenderizer and helps the coating stick better.
2. In a shallow bowl, combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs with all seasonings. Mix well to ensure even distribution.
3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. This ensures proper crisping from the start.
4. Working with one tender at a time, coat each piece thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to help the coating adhere.
5. Arrange breaded tenders in your air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece for proper air circulation.
6. Spray tenders generously with olive oil – this is crucial for achieving that golden-brown color.
7. Cook for 4 minutes at 400°F (200°C), then flip, spray again with oil, and cook for another 4 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when done.

Smart Swaps

• Use crushed cornflakes instead of panko for extra crunch
• Try ranch seasoning mix instead of individual spices
• Substitute buttermilk for Greek yogurt (same amount)

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

• Replace panko with crushed pork rinds (0g carbs)
• Use almond flour coating (1/2 cup) mixed with seasonings
• Reduce carbs to 3g per serving (vs 12g with regular breading)
• Serve with sugar-free dipping sauce

Pro Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket
• Pat chicken dry before yogurt coating
• Let coated tenders rest 5 minutes before air frying
• Double-coat for extra crunch