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To make Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders, you need: - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins - 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar added) - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs - 1 cup panko bread crumbs - 4 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooking spray These ingredients combine to create a tasty and crispy dish. The chicken tenderloins are the star, soaking in buttermilk. This step makes them juicy and tender. The flour coats the chicken, giving it a nice base. Eggs help the breading stick, while panko and everything bagel seasoning add crunch and flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make your own. Just mix regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes. This creates a similar tangy taste. If you need an egg substitute, try using unsweetened applesauce. Use 1/4 cup of applesauce for each egg. This will help the breading stick too. Other options include mashed banana or flaxseed meal mixed with water. You will need some tools to make cooking easier: - Mixing bowls for soaking and breading - Three shallow dishes for breading station - Air fryer for cooking - Cooking spray for crispiness - Tongs for easy handling of chicken These tools help create a smooth cooking process. You can enjoy your chicken tenders in no time! Start by soaking the chicken tenders in buttermilk. This step helps make the meat juicy and tender. Use a bowl to hold the chicken and buttermilk. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with vinegar. This works well too! Next, set up your breading station. You will need three shallow dishes. In the first dish, add the flour. In the second dish, whisk the two large eggs until blended. In the third dish, mix the panko bread crumbs with everything bagel seasoning, salt, and pepper. This mix gives the chicken a tasty crunch. After soaking, remove the chicken from the buttermilk. Allow the excess to drip off. Now, dredge each tender in the flour, shaking off any extra. Then dip it into the egg mixture. Finally, coat the tender with the panko and seasoning mix. Make sure each piece is well covered for the best flavor. Now it’s time to air fry! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to stop sticking. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer, ensuring they’re not too close. Spray the tops of the tenders with more cooking spray. This helps them become crispy. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) inside. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your tasty, crunchy chicken tenders! To get nice and crispy chicken tenders, follow these steps. First, soak your chicken in buttermilk. This makes the meat juicy and helps the breading stick. Use panko bread crumbs for extra crunch. They are lighter and crispier than regular bread crumbs. Make sure to spray the chicken tenders with cooking spray before cooking. This helps them brown and crisp up nicely. Flip them halfway through. This ensures even cooking and crispiness on both sides. Air frying is quick and easy. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for the best results. Don’t overcrowd the basket. Leave space between the chicken tenders to allow hot air to circulate. This prevents steaming and keeps them crispy. Preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes before adding the chicken. This helps them cook evenly right from the start. Always check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. Sticking can ruin a good meal. To avoid this, spray the basket with cooking spray before adding the chicken. You can also try using parchment paper made for air fryers. This creates a non-stick surface. Another tip is to let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the coating set and makes them easier to serve. If you do find some sticking, use a spatula to gently lift them out. {{image_2}} You can easily change the taste of your chicken tenders. Try different seasonings to match your mood. For example, use taco seasoning for a spicy kick. You can also try ranch seasoning for a classic flavor. Add herbs like oregano or thyme for a fresh taste. Garlic powder or onion powder can also add great depth. Mix and match to find your favorite combo! Panko works well, but other coatings can shine too. Try crushed cornflakes for extra crunch. You can also use crushed nuts like almonds or pecans for a nutty flavor. If you want a lighter option, use ground oats. They add a unique texture and are quite healthy. Just remember to season these alternatives well to keep the flavor strong. Dipping sauces can elevate your chicken tenders. A classic ranch or honey mustard works great. You can also try a spicy sriracha mayo for heat. If you prefer sweetness, barbecue sauce is perfect. Want a twist? Mix yogurt with herbs for a tangy dip. Feel free to serve your tenders with fresh veggies or a salad to balance the meal. Enjoy experimenting! After you enjoy your air fryer everything bagel chicken tenders, let them cool down. Store them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure to keep them away from strong-smelling foods. To reheat the chicken tenders, use the air fryer again. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken tenders in a single layer. Heat them for about 5 to 7 minutes. This will help keep them crispy. You can also use the oven. Bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 10 to 12 minutes. Just make sure they are heated through. If you want to keep the chicken tenders longer, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each tender in plastic wrap, or place them in a freezer bag. Be sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Cut them into strips to match the size of tenderloins. This helps them cook evenly. Keep in mind that cooking time may vary slightly. Always check the internal temperature for doneness. Everything bagel seasoning is a mix of spices. It usually has sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. This blend adds a rich flavor to the chicken. You can buy it pre-made or mix your own at home. Check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. The tenders will also be golden brown and crispy on the outside. If you're unsure, use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko bread crumbs. Many brands offer these options. This way, you can enjoy the same great taste without gluten. In this post, we covered how to make air fryer everything bagel chicken tenders. We discussed the main ingredients and useful substitutes. I shared tips for a crispy texture and the best tools to use. You can try different flavors and coatings for fun variations. Storing and reheating leftovers is easy, too. I hope these insights help you enjoy a tasty meal. With practice, you'll master this recipe!

Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders

Enjoy a delicious twist on a classic with these Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders! This recipe features tender, buttermilk-soaked chicken coated in a crunchy everything bagel crust, making it a perfect meal or snack. With a simple preparation process and quick air frying, you can have a tasty dish ready in just 45 minutes. Click to discover the complete recipe and elevate your dinner tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins

1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar added)

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 cup panko bread crumbs

4 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray

Instructions
 

In a bowl, soak the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to tenderize.

    In three separate shallow dishes, set up your breading station: place flour in the first dish, whisked eggs in the second, and a mixture of panko bread crumbs, everything bagel seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper in the third.

      Remove chicken from the buttermilk and let the excess drip off. Dredge each tender first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat well with the panko-everything bagel seasoning mixture.

        Once all tenders are coated, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

          Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.

            Spray the tops of the chicken tenders lightly with cooking spray to help them crisp up.

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

                Remove from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

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