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- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 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. - Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). - Set up the breading station with three shallow bowls. - 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. 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). 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. 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. {{image_2}} 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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). 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. 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. - 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!

Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders! These crispy, flavorful tenders are super easy to make with just a few pantry staples and a dash of everything bagel seasoning. Perfect for a quick dinner or a tasty appetizer, they’re a crowd-pleaser for sure. Want to impress your family or guests? Click through now to explore this delicious recipe and elevate your cooking game!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1 cup breadcrumbs

3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray

Instructions
 

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

    In three separate shallow bowls, set up a breading station:

      - In the first bowl, add flour seasoned with salt and pepper.

        - In the second bowl, place the beaten eggs.

          - In the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, everything bagel seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.

            Dredge each chicken tender first in the flour, making sure to coat evenly. Shake off excess flour.

              Next, dip the coated chicken tender into the beaten egg, ensuring it's fully covered.

                Finally, roll the chicken tender in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Repeat this process for all chicken tenders.

                  Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

                    Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer, ensuring they don't touch for even cooking.

                      Air fry the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

                        Once cooked, remove from the air fryer and let rest for a couple of minutes.

                          Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                            - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken tenders on a wooden platter or a colorful plate, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, and accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard or ranch.