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- 1 pound chicken tenders - 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with a splash of lemon juice) - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - 3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil spray - Dipping sauces like lemon aioli or ranch - Garnish with fresh parsley or chives In this recipe, I use chicken tenders as the base. They are tender and cook quickly. Soaking them in buttermilk makes them juicier and adds flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with lemon juice. This is a great substitute that works well. Next, we need flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. The flour helps the breading stick. The eggs bind everything together. I prefer panko breadcrumbs for that extra crunch. They give a nice texture to the chicken tenders. For seasoning, everything bagel seasoning adds a burst of flavor. It contains sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion. This makes the chicken taste amazing. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. When serving, you can choose fun dipping sauces. Lemon aioli adds a zesty touch. Ranch is always a popular choice too. For a nice presentation, sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top. It makes the dish look vibrant and inviting. First, you need to soak the chicken tenders in buttermilk. This step makes the chicken juicy and flavorful. You should marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, go for up to 2 hours for the best taste. Next, set up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add 1 cup of flour. Season it with salt and pepper. In the second bowl, beat 2 large eggs. In the third bowl, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs with 3 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning. Now, it's time to coat the chicken. Take the chicken tenders out of the buttermilk. Let the excess buttermilk drip off. First, dredge each tender in the flour. Then dip it in the eggs. Finally, coat it well with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently so the crumbs stick. Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step ensures even cooking. Next, spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil spray. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer. You might need to cook them in batches. Spray the tops lightly with more olive oil. Cook the chicken for about 10 to 12 minutes. Flip them halfway through. They should turn golden brown and crispy. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety. Using panko breadcrumbs is key for crispiness. They are lighter and airier than regular breadcrumbs. This gives your chicken tenders a nice crunch. When you coat the chicken, press the crumbs firmly. This helps them stick well. I recommend using olive oil spray. A light spray before cooking enhances crispiness. It also adds a touch of flavor. Make sure to spray the tops of the chicken tenders too. You can customize the seasoning to your taste. Try adding garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor. You can also mix in some parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs. This adds a delicious cheesy note. For a different twist, consider marinating the chicken in yogurt. It adds a tangy flavor. You can also use different spices in the marinade. This keeps things exciting and fresh. Cooking in batches helps ensure even cooking. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. This allows hot air to circulate around the chicken. It helps them cook evenly and stay crispy. Flip the chicken halfway through cooking. This helps both sides get that golden brown color. If you find one side is cooking faster, check on it. This keeps your chicken tenders perfectly cooked every time. {{image_2}} You can easily swap the chicken tenders for chicken breast or thighs. Chicken thighs add a juicy flavor, while breast meat stays lean. If you want to skip meat, try tofu! Firm tofu works well. Just slice it into strips and press it to remove excess moisture. Then soak it in buttermilk or a vegan alternative. This will help the breading stick. Feel free to get creative with your seasonings! You can mix garlic powder, onion powder, or even paprika into the breadcrumbs. Try adding a bit of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist. Other popular toppings include crushed nuts or seeds, which add crunch and flavor. You can also try spicy seasoning mixes for a kick! Cooking times may vary based on your air fryer model. Most cook chicken tenders well at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes. For thicker tenders, increase the cooking time by a few minutes. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F to ensure safety. Always flip your tenders halfway through for even cooking. To store leftovers, place the chicken tenders in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Let the chicken cool down before sealing the container. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can make the tenders soggy. For reheating, the air fryer is best! Set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 5-7 minutes. The air fryer keeps the tenders crispy. If you use an oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes. Cover the tenders with foil to prevent drying out. You can freeze the chicken tenders, too! Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out any air to avoid freezer burn. They can be stored for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. For a quick thaw, use the microwave on defrost. Reheat in the air fryer for the best texture! Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs. However, panko gives a crispier texture. Regular breadcrumbs are finer and may make the chicken less crunchy. If you want extra crunch, stick with panko. It creates a better crust on your chicken tenders. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is fully cooked and safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the tenders. At this temperature, the chicken is juicy and tender. Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko. You can also swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure that your everything bagel seasoning is gluten-free as well. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty chicken tenders! You learned how to make crispy air fryer chicken tenders. We covered the main ingredients, steps, and tips for perfect results. Remember that marinating in buttermilk brings out great flavor. Use panko breadcrumbs for the best crunch. Don’t forget tasty dipping sauces and garnishes to make your meal special. Try different proteins or seasonings to suit your taste. Enjoy the process and share your chicken tender success with others!

Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders

Make mealtime exciting with these Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders! This simple recipe features tender chicken marinated in buttermilk, coated with a crispy everything bagel seasoning crust, and cooked to perfection in your air fryer. Enjoy a healthier twist on a classic dish that's quick and easy to prepare. Click through to explore the full recipe and delight your family with this delicious twist on chicken tenders!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken tenders

1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with a splash of lemon juice)

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil spray

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, soak the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to tenderize and enhance flavor.

    Prepare the Breading Stations: Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, another with the beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of breadcrumbs and everything bagel seasoning.

      Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk and allow excess to drip off. Dredge each tenders first in the flour mixture, then dip into the eggs, and finally coat well with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the crumbs stick.

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

          Air Fry the Chicken: Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil spray. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches) and spray the tops lightly with more olive oil.

            Cooking Time: Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

              Serve: Remove from the air fryer and let rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 40 mins | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken tenders on a rustic wooden platter alongside a zesty lemon aioli or ranch dipping sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.