Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Delight
Looking for a quick and tasty meal? Try my Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Delight! These crispy tenders are packed with flavor and made with easy-to-find ingredients. You won’t need long in the kitchen—just 30 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re serving them for dinner or as a snack, these tenders will be a hit! Let’s get started and make a dish that everyone will love!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs, beaten
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
Seasonings
– 3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Essentials
– Cooking spray
– Prep time: 15 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4
The main ingredients for Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders are simple. You need one pound of chicken tenders that are boneless and skinless. This keeps the dish lean and tender. For the breading, I use one cup of all-purpose flour, two large beaten eggs, and one cup of breadcrumbs.
The seasonings bring the magic. Three tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning give the tenders their unique taste. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth, while salt and pepper bring out the flavors.
You also need cooking spray. It helps the tenders crisp up nicely in the air fryer. The prep time is quick, only 15 minutes, and the total cooking time is 30 minutes. This recipe serves four people, making it perfect for family meals or sharing with friends.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
– Set up the breading station with three shallow bowls.
Breading Process
– Coat chicken tenders with flour, eggs, and breadcrumb mixture.
– Ensure even coating and proper adherence.
To start, I preheat my air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for getting that crispy outer layer. While it warms up, I set up my breading station. I use three shallow bowls for this. In the first bowl, I add flour and season it with salt and pepper. The second bowl holds my beaten eggs, while the third bowl has breadcrumbs mixed with everything bagel seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Next, I take each chicken tender and dredge it in the flour. I make sure to coat it evenly, shaking off any extra flour. Then, I dip the tender into the beaten egg, letting it get fully covered. Finally, I roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down lightly to help it stick. I repeat this for all the chicken tenders.
Now it’s time to cook. I lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking. I place the chicken tenders in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. I want even cooking and crispiness. I air fry the tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once done, I let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Perfectly Crispy Tenders
To get crispy chicken tenders, space them well in the air fryer. This helps the hot air flow around each piece, creating that golden crunch. If your tenders are thick, cook them a bit longer. Check their temperature to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C).
Enhancing Flavor
Boost the flavor by adding fresh herbs or spices. Think about using thyme or paprika for an extra kick. You can also make your own everything bagel seasoning. Just mix sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt. This way, you can adjust the flavor to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your tenders with tasty sauces like honey mustard or ranch. These dips add a nice contrast to the savory chicken. For sides, try serving with fresh veggies or crispy fries. To present the dish, use a wooden platter or a colorful plate. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives to make it pop.
Variations
Alternative Coating Options
You can change the coating for your chicken tenders. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. This keeps the crispy texture while making it safe for those with gluten issues. You can also try different seasonings. Buffalo seasoning or lemon pepper can add a new kick to your dish.
Protein Substitutes
Want to switch up the protein? You can use pork or tofu instead of chicken. If you use pork, cook it until it reaches 145°F (63°C). For tofu, press it first to remove moisture, then cut it into strips. Cooking time will change based on the thickness of the meat or tofu. Make sure to adjust your air fryer time for even cooking.
Serving with Different Dips
Dipping sauces can really elevate your chicken tenders. Honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce are great choices. They add flavor and moisture. You can also pair your tenders with side dishes like salads, fries, or roasted veggies. These sides balance the meal and make it more colorful.
Storage Info
Refrigeration
After cooking, let the chicken tenders cool. This helps keep them crispy. Store them in an airtight container. A glass or plastic container works well. Make sure to use layers of paper towels. Place them between the tenders to absorb moisture. This keeps them from getting soggy.
Freezing Tenders
To freeze uncooked chicken tenders, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about two hours until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. For cooked tenders, let them cool first. Place them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, reheat in the air fryer. Set it to 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will make them crispy again.
Shelf Life
Cooked chicken tenders can last in the fridge for 3-4 days. Check for signs of spoilage. If they have an off smell or slimy texture, discard them. Always trust your senses. When in doubt, throw it out. Keeping track of how long they’ve been stored helps.
FAQs
How long should I cook chicken tenders in an air fryer?
Cook chicken tenders in the air fryer for 10 to 12 minutes. Flip them halfway. This gives you crispy, golden tenders. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Make sure they are fully cooked before serving.
What is everything bagel seasoning made of?
Everything bagel seasoning has a mix of flavors. It includes:
– Sesame seeds
– Poppy seeds
– Dried garlic
– Dried onion
– Salt
It adds a great crunch and taste to your chicken.
Other common questions about air frying techniques and chicken tenders
– Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Yes, preheating helps cook the tenders evenly. Set it to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
– How can I make the tenders extra crispy?
Ensure even spacing in the air fryer. Avoid stacking the tenders. This allows hot air to circulate freely.
– Can I use other seasonings?
Absolutely! Try using different spices like paprika or cayenne for a kick. You can even make your own everything bagel seasoning for a fun twist.
In this post, we explored how to make crispy chicken tenders in an air fryer. You learned about essential ingredients, including chicken, flour, and spices. I shared step-by-step instructions for breading and cooking. We discussed tips for perfecting the dish and tasty variations. Finally, I covered storage options to enjoy leftovers.
Overall, air-fried chicken tenders can be easy and flavorful. This recipe opens the door to many delicious meals ahead. Enjoy cooking!
![- 2 cups sushi rice - 4 sheets nori (seaweed) - 1 avocado, sliced - 1 cucumber, julienned - 1 carrot, julienned - 1 red bell pepper, julienned To make easy veggie sushi rolls, you need key ingredients that create the perfect base and flavor. Sushi rice is sticky and helps hold the rolls together. Nori provides a tasty wrap. Fresh veggies add crunch and color. - 1/4 cup rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon sugar - 1/2 teaspoon salt These seasoning ingredients enhance the rice's flavor. Rice vinegar gives a slight tang. Sugar adds a hint of sweetness, while salt balances the taste. This mixture makes the sushi rice shine. - Soy sauce for dipping - Optional garnishes (sesame seeds, wasabi) When serving, soy sauce adds a salty kick. You can sprinkle sesame seeds for added crunch. Wasabi provides a spicy option for those who like heat. Enjoying these rolls with the right dips makes them even better. For the full recipe, check the Easy Veggie Sushi Rolls section. To start, rinse the sushi rice under cold water. This helps remove the excess starch. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. You can cook the rice in a rice cooker or on the stovetop. If using a rice cooker, add 2 ½ cups of water and follow the machine's instructions. For stovetop cooking, bring the rice and water to a boil. Then, lower the heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes until the water is gone. Next, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. After cooking, transfer the rice to a large bowl. While it is still warm, gently fold in the vinegar mixture. This adds great flavor to the rice. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature before using it. While the rice cools, slice your fresh veggies. Take an avocado and slice it into thin pieces. Next, julienne the cucumber and carrot. Finally, slice the red bell pepper into thin strips. Each vegetable adds a nice crunch and color to your sushi. Place a bamboo sushi mat on a flat surface. Put a sheet of nori on top, shiny side down. Wet your hands to stop the rice from sticking. Take about a handful of rice and spread it evenly over the nori, leaving a small margin at the top edge. Now it's time to roll! Add a few pieces of each vegetable horizontally across the center of the rice. Starting from the bottom edge, carefully roll the mat away from you, holding the filling with your fingers. Make sure to roll tightly, but not too tight. Moisten the top edge with water to seal the roll. Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into bite-sized pieces. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts for clean slices. Arrange the sushi rolls on a serving platter. If you like, sprinkle sesame seeds on top and serve with soy sauce for dipping. Enjoy your beautiful veggie sushi rolls! For the complete recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. - Overcooking rice: If you cook the rice too long, it becomes mushy. This ruins the texture of your sushi. Keep an eye on your timer! - Squashing the roll while slicing: When you cut the sushi, press too hard. This squashes the roll and makes a mess. Use a sharp knife and gentle pressure. - How to roll sushi without a mat: No mat? No problem! Use a clean kitchen towel instead. Place the nori on the towel, add rice and fillings, and roll tightly. Keep your hands wet to avoid sticking. - Adding sauces or spices: Soy sauce is classic, but you can try others too. Add a splash of sriracha for heat or sprinkle sesame seeds for crunch. Experiment with flavors you love! For the complete recipe, you can refer to the Full Recipe section. {{image_2}} You can add protein to your sushi rolls for extra flavor and nutrition. Tofu is a great choice. Try firm or extra-firm tofu. It holds its shape well. You can marinate it in soy sauce or sesame oil for added flavor. Then, grill or sauté it until golden. Tempeh is another tasty option. This soy product has a nutty flavor. Slice it thin and cook it the same way. Both tofu and tempeh make your rolls filling and satisfying. Don’t feel limited to just avocado and cucumber! Use seasonal veggies for variety. In spring, try adding asparagus or snap peas. They add a nice crunch. In summer, bell peppers and zucchini are perfect. They are sweet and juicy. In fall, consider roasted sweet potatoes or beets for earthiness. Winter brings hearty greens like kale or spinach. You can even use radishes for a spicy kick. Mix and match to find your favorite combinations. Get creative by blending cuisines! Add cream cheese for a sushi-style bagel roll. You can also try spicy kimchi for a Korean twist. Consider using hummus and roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean flair. For a Mexican spin, add black beans and corn. Top it with fresh cilantro and lime juice. Each fusion idea brings new flavors to your rolls. It makes sushi fun and exciting! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To store leftover sushi rolls, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This keeps them fresh and prevents the rice from drying out. Place the wrapped rolls in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The sooner you eat them, the better they taste. Freezing sushi rolls is simple. Wrap each roll in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible. You can freeze sushi for about one month. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the rice mushy. Sushi rolls taste best when fresh. If stored properly in the fridge, they last for one day. After that, they may lose their flavor and texture. If you freeze the rolls, they can stay fresh for one month. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before eating. The best rice for sushi is short-grain sushi rice. This rice is sticky and holds its shape well. It gives sushi rolls their unique texture. When cooked, this rice becomes chewy, which is great for sushi. Look for sushi rice in Asian grocery stores or online. You can also use medium-grain rice if sushi rice is hard to find. Just remember not to use long-grain rice, as it will not stick well. Yes, you can use other ingredients besides nori. If you don’t like nori, try using lettuce leaves. They are fresh and crunchy. You can also use rice paper, which adds a different texture. Another option is to use thinly sliced cucumber as a wrap. This keeps your sushi light and refreshing. Just be creative with your wraps and fillings. The choice is all yours! Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prep. You can make sushi rolls in advance and store them. Just keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about 24 hours. If you prep the rice and veggies ahead of time, it makes rolling easy. You can also cut the rolls into pieces before storing. This way, you have quick snacks or lunches ready to go. Enjoy making your sushi rolls ahead of time! For the full recipe, check out the Easy Veggie Sushi Rolls section. In this blog post, I covered how to create sushi from start to finish. We looked at key ingredients like sushi rice, nori, and fresh veggies. I shared step-by-step instructions to prepare the rice, slice the vegetables, and assemble your rolls. I also offered tips to avoid common mistakes and enhance flavor. You can add your favorite proteins and try different veggies or fusion styles. With proper storage, your sushi can stay fresh for days. Now, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and enjoy making sushi at home!](https://dailydishly.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/11ef977b-69a9-4776-8bce-81e4c28b3d11-768x768.webp)