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For these Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders, you'll need: - 1 pound chicken tenders - 1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt) - 1 cup panko bread crumbs - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour These ingredients form the base of our dish. The chicken tenders provide a juicy and tender protein. The buttermilk helps marinate and tenderize the chicken, while the panko gives it a great crunch. To bring out the flavors, you will need: - 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper, to taste The everything bagel seasoning adds a unique and savory touch. Garlic and onion powders enhance the flavor profile, making each bite delightfully tasty. You can also consider these optional ingredients: - Cooking spray Using cooking spray ensures that the tenders brown nicely in the air fryer. You can also use dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch for extra flavor. A sprinkle of fresh herbs can add a pop of color and freshness to your dish. Start by placing the chicken tenders in a bowl. Add one cup of buttermilk, or plain yogurt if you prefer. Stir well to coat all the pieces. Let this sit for at least 30 minutes. Marinating helps keep the chicken juicy and tender. While the chicken marinates, prepare your breading station. In a shallow dish, mix one cup of panko bread crumbs, two tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning, half a teaspoon of garlic powder, and half a teaspoon of onion powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. In another dish, pour half a cup of all-purpose flour. After marinating, remove the chicken from the bowl. Let the excess buttermilk drip off. First, dredge each chicken tender in the flour. Next, dip it back into the buttermilk. Finally, coat it with the panko mixture. Press lightly to ensure the coating sticks well. Now, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This should take about five minutes. Preheating helps achieve a crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd them. Spray the tops with a little cooking spray to help them brown. Cook the tenders for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking. They should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, carefully remove the tenders from the air fryer. Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. For a fun presentation, serve them on a rustic wooden board. Add dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch on the side. A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a nice touch. Marinating chicken is key for flavor and moisture. I recommend using buttermilk, which is creamy and tangy. It coats the chicken well and makes it tender. Let the chicken sit in the buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. For extra flavor, add a pinch of salt to the buttermilk. You can even marinate it overnight if you have time. To get that perfect crunch, use panko bread crumbs. They are lighter and crispier than regular bread crumbs. Mix them with everything bagel seasoning for a unique flavor. When coating the chicken, press the crumbs down gently. This helps them stick better. A quick spray of cooking oil on top before cooking adds to the crunch. Cooking time can vary based on the air fryer model. I suggest starting with 10 minutes at 400°F. Flip the tenders halfway through for even cooking. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F. If they are not done, cook for another 2-3 minutes. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your chicken tenders for best results. {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavor with different seasonings. Try Italian herbs like oregano and basil. You can also use spicy seasonings like cayenne pepper for heat. If you enjoy something sweet, add a touch of brown sugar. This creates a nice balance with the savory flavors. Feel free to mix and match spices to find your favorite taste. If you need a gluten-free version, use gluten-free panko bread crumbs and flour. Look for brands that guarantee no cross-contamination. You can also use almond flour or crushed nuts as a coating. These options add a unique flavor and crunch. Just ensure your seasonings are gluten-free too. Chicken tenders aren’t the only choice here. You can use turkey tenders for a leaner option. If you prefer a plant-based meal, try tofu or tempeh. Press the tofu to remove water, then cut it into strips. Marinate and coat just like chicken. This way, you can still enjoy the same great taste in a different way. After cooking, let the chicken tenders cool. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to store them without sauces to keep them crispy. To freeze the chicken tenders, first let them cool completely. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for about 1 hour until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Label the bag with the date so you know when to use them. To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen or refrigerated tenders in the basket. Heat for about 5-7 minutes or until they are hot and crispy. You can also use an oven. Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Enjoy them as if they were fresh! Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Just cut them into strips. This gives you a similar shape to tenders. The cooking time may change slightly. Keep an eye on them as they cook. They should reach an internal temp of 165°F. You can use plain yogurt as a great substitute. Mix one cup of yogurt with a little water to thin it. You can also use milk with one tablespoon of vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes. This will mimic the tangy flavor of buttermilk. Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F to be safe to eat. The outside should look golden brown and crispy. If unsure, cut one tender in half to check the inside. The meat should be white and juicy, not pink. In this blog post, we covered how to make tasty air-fried chicken tenders. We looked at main ingredients and seasoning choices. I shared steps for marinating, breading, and cooking. You also learned tips for the best crunch and variations for different diets. Finally, we discussed storing leftovers and answered common questions. Now, it's time to enjoy your air-fried chicken tenders and impress your family!

Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders

Satisfy your cravings with these delicious Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders! With a crispy, flavorful coating that's easy to make, these tenders are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun party snack. Marinated in buttermilk for juiciness and baked to perfection, they're sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken tenders

1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt)

1 cup panko bread crumbs

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking spray

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken tenders and buttermilk. Stir to coat and let marinate for at least 30 minutes. This helps tenderize the meat and keeps it juicy.

    Prepare the Breading Station: In a shallow dish, mix the panko bread crumbs, everything bagel seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In another dish, place the all-purpose flour.

      Coat the Tenders: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. First, dredge each tender in flour, then dip it back into the buttermilk, and finally coat it with the panko mixture, pressing lightly to help it adhere.

        Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

          Air Fry the Tenders: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd them. Spray the tops with a little cooking spray to help them brown.

            Cook: Air fry the tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

              Serve: Once cooked, remove the tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

                Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken tenders on a rustic wooden board with dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch on the side. Garnish with fresh herbs for added color.