Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Cornflakes

Discover an irresistible twist on a classic with this Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe. These crispy tenders are coated in a mixture of cornflakes and Parmesan cheese, adding a satisfying crunch to every bite. Made with fresh, seasoned chicken tenders, this recipe is simple yet delicious. Get ready to enjoy a tasty and healthier version of this family friendly dinner, appetizer or game day snack!

The Best Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

If you’re looking for the best air fryer chicken tenders recipe, this is it! This recipe guarantees super crispy and juicy chicken tenders every time. The secret lies in the combination of fresh chicken, seasoning, crunchy corn flakes, and shredded parmesan cheese.

The fresh seasoned chicken ensures that your tenders are packed with flavor from the start. Cornflakes creates a crispy coating that rivals the deep-fried version, while the shredded parmesan adds a savory and slightly salty kick. What is not to love?

By using an air fryer, you can achieve that perfect crispy texture without the need for excessive oil, resulting in a healthier yet equally delicious alternative to traditional frying methods. The hot circulating air in the air fryer ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and the coating becomes golden brown and crispy.

Not only does this recipe result in perfectly crispy and juicy chicken tenders, but it also takes the hassle out of deep frying. With minimal clean-up and a healthier end result, it’s no wonder this is considered the best air fryer chicken tenders recipe. Try it for yourself with these step-by-step instructions and see just how easy it can be.

Recipe Ingredients

To make these delicious air fryer chicken tenderloins, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:

• Raw chicken tenders: A lean source of protein and the perfect cut of chicken for tender and juicy chicken strips.
• Seasonings (garlic powder, sweet paprika, onion powder, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper): Enhances the flavor of the chicken and adds depth to the dish. You can also customize the seasoning to your preference.
• Eggs: Serves as a binding agent when coating the chicken and helps the breading stick to the meat.
• Crushed cornflakes: Adds a crispy texture and delicious crunch to the chicken tenders. Can be substituted with breadcrumbs or panko if desired.
• Shredded parmesan cheese: Provides a savory, nutty flavor and adds richness to the breading. Can also be replaced with grated parmesan cheese or other types of cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for a different taste profile.

How to Make Chicken Tenders with Cornflakes

First preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (or approximately 204 degrees C). To make your chicken tenders with cornflakes, start by mixing your seasonings in a small bowl. This includes sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel, then season chicken on both sides with the mixture of seasonings.

Next, beat eggs in a separate shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, combine crushed cornflakes and shredded parmesan cheese. By this time your air fryer should be preheated. Make sure to spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray that is safe for use in air fryers such as avocado oil. (I used an olive oil spray.)

Now, take each seasoned chicken tender and dredge it first in the beaten egg, making sure to coat both sides. Then, dip chicken into the cornflake and parmesan mixture, pressing down to ensure the coating sticks well. Pressing down is important to get a nice and even layer of breading and help the coating stick! Do not skip this step.

Once each chicken tender is nicely coated, place them in your air fryer basket in an even layer, being careful to not overlap the tenders. This may require cooking in multiple batches, depending up on the size of your air fryer. I cooked mine in two batches.

How Long to Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Cook the chicken tenders for 5 minutes, then carefully flip them over and continue cooking until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, which should take approximately 5 more minutes.

Exact cooking time will vary depending upon the size of your chicken tenderloins and your air fryer. Use a meat thermometer to make sure your chicken tenders are cooked through. They should have a crispy, golden exterior.

By preheating the air fryer and arranging the tenders in a single layer, the heat will be evenly distributed, resulting in perfectly cooked and delicious chicken tenders.

This method of making chicken tenders with cornflakes adds a delicious crunch and flavorful coating to the chicken, making it a perfect option for a quick dinner or snack. My family can’t get enough of them and they disappear fast! Since my husband avoids gluten because of a gluten sensitivity, the corn flake breading is a great option for the whole family if gluten-free cornflakes are purchased.

Enjoy them on their own, with your favorite dipping sauce, or in a sandwich for a tasty meal. The chicken has tons of flavor and a wonderful texture that can’t be beat! It is why I love to air fry red potatoes and this air fryer chicken wings recipe is such a family favorite. You can get a lovely crispy texture to foods that normally would require frying in oil to achieve.

Dipping Sauces

Pair these crispy chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce. I used our favorite ranch dressing but you could use homemade ranch dressing or try out these other dipping options:

• Honey/ Hot Honey
• Aioli
• BBQ Sauce
• Honey Mustard
• Buffalo Sauce
• Sriracha Mayo
• Sweet Chili Sauce
• Blue Cheese Dressing

Dip your chicken fingers into your favorite combinations such as buffalo sauce and blue cheese dressing! It is fun to mix and match sauces with these crispy and downright juicy chicken tenderloins. (Give these air fryer chicken thighs or chicken drumsticks a try if you love juicy chicken!)

Substitutions

Substitutions for chicken tenderloins include skinless chicken breast, chicken breast strips, chicken thigh fillets, or even boneless chicken wings.

For a different breading option, you could use panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or seasoned flour. If you want a no breading option, you can simply season the chicken with your favorite herbs and spices before air frying.

No air fryer? No problem!

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still achieve a crispy chicken strip by baking the chicken tenders in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the breaded or seasoned chicken tenders on a lined baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are the ultimate party appetizer, game day snack or dinner the whole family will love! Crunchy, juicy and delicious, these homemade chicken tenders are easy to make and feature cornflakes and parmesan cheese! No oil needed when you make these chicken tenders in the air fryer. Perfect for dunking in ranch dressing, honey mustard or bbq sauce!

• 1 1/2
  pounds
  chicken tenderloins
  (approximately 8-10 large tenders)
• 2
  cups
  cornflakes
• 2
  eggs
• 1/4
  cup
  shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1
  teaspoon
  paprika
• 1/2
  teaspoon
  garlic powder
• 1/2
  teaspoon
  onion powder
• 1/2
  teaspoon
  freshly ground pepper
• 1/2
  teaspoon
  sea salt
• ranch dressing (or your other favorite dipping sauces such as bbq sauce, honey mustard, buffalo sauce, blue cheese, sriracha, aioli, honey, etc.)

1. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F.

2. Dry chicken tenderloins with paper towel, removing white tendon if necessary.*

3. In a small bowl combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Sprinkle seasoning onto both sides and gently rub into chicken.

4. In a shallow bowl, beat eggs. Set aside.

5. Place corn flakes in a quart size ziploc bag and crush.

6. In a second shallow bowl combine crushed cornflakes and Parmesan.

7. Spray an air fryer safe cooking spray (or lightly brush a little oil) over the bottom of the air fryer basket. (I used olive oil spray.)

8. Dip both sides of seasoned chicken tender in egg to coat . Then dip in corn flake mixture and coat generously, pressing mixture into chicken to help it stick. Place in air fryer basket.

9. Repeat with additional chicken tenders until your air fryer basket is full in a single layer without overlapping. (You may need to cook in batches. )

10. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip. Cook another 5 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) and tenders are golden brown. Repeat if necessary.

11. Serve immediately with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce!

*To remove the tendon from a chicken tender, you can use a sharp knife to carefully cut along each side of the tendon and then pull it out. Removing the tendon helps make the chicken tender more tender and enjoyable to eat.

Be sure to really press your chicken into the corn flake mixture to help it stick, repeating a few times if needed so it is well coated.

If preparing in batches, dip and coat your chicken right before placing them in the air fryer for best results.

Nutrition Facts

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Amount per Serving

% Daily Value*

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

What to Serve with Chicken Tenders

Need some ideas for what to serve with chicken tenders? Here are just a few tasty options:

• Potato Wedges: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, potato wedges complement chicken tenders perfectly! You can also consider traditional french fries, waffle fries or sweet potato fries.
• Classic Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing is a refreshing side dish that adds a nice contrast to the crunchy chicken tenders.
• Baked Beans: Hearty and flavorful baked beans are a comforting side dish that pairs well with chicken tenders. You can make them from scratch or use canned beans for convenience.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob complements the flavors of chicken tenders. Serve it with butter and a sprinkle of salt for a delicious accompaniment.
• Salads: A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and your favorite dressing or a cold pasta salad adds freshness to the meal. A tropical fruit salad or fried apples with cinnamon are some also great options!
• Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy and cheesy macaroni and cheese is a comforting side dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

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