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Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Tenders

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Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Tenders — Looking for a quick and easy way to make chicken tenders? Our air fryer pesto chicken tenders are the perfect solution! Made with only a few simple ingredients, these tender and juicy chicken strips are perfect for an easy weeknight meal. Plus, they’re coated in a delicious pesto sauce that will leave your taste buds wanting more. So what are you waiting for? Try our air fryer pesto chicken tenders today!

Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Tenders are a delicious and straightforward way to make chicken pesto tenders in minutes.

Today, I served them over a plate of spaghetti and garnished it with cherry tomatoes and some shredded fresh basil for a one-plate meal.

Easy peasy is one of my favorite hacks; there is nothing better than making a complete meal in the Air Fryer, and my kids loved it. And it’s filled with flavor and protein, guaranteed to keep the kids full for a while.

If you are looking for some other Easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER CHICKEN CUTLETS, AIR FRYER PICKLE-BRINED CHICKEN TENDERS, BBQ AIR FRYER CHICKEN BREAST and my kid’s absolute favorite, AIR FRYER COPYCAT KFC SPICY CHICKEN SANDWICH.

What Is Pesto?

Pesto combines fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

Pesto is one of the easiest homemade sauces to prepare in minutes. You can use it on almost any protein or a plate of pasta. I love making it in the summer since basil is so tremendous and fragrant when you pick it up at the farmer’s market.

How To Make Pesto

Pesto is so easy to make. You need to use a food processor and blend the ingredients. For best results, use it soon after making pesto.

How To Make Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Tenders

Coat the pesto on the chicken, covering both sides. Transfer the pesto-covered chicken to the air fryer basket, set the temperature to 370 degrees F, air fryer setting for 5 minutes, flip, and air fry for another 3-5 minutes until fully cooked.

The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165 degrees F. The best way to tell if the chicken is fully cooked would be using a meat thermometer.

NOTE: You can store cashew basil pesto chicken in an airtight container for 4 days in the refrigerator or can be kept frozen for 3 months in the freezer.

How to store leftovers

If you have any leftover Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Tenders, let them cool to room temperature, then place them into an airtight container.

Place the container into the refrigerator, where they will last for about 3 to 4 days.

How to reheat leftovers

If you want to reheat the Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Tenders, place them back into the air fryer and air fry for about 3 to 4 minutes at 350 degrees F air fryer setting.

Heat them until they are warmed through. If you want, you can baste them with pesto sauce before air frying.

How to freeze pesto chicken tenders

This is a great and easy recipe to make ahead or freeze. You can make them cooked or uncooked if you want to freeze them.

After you baste them in the pesto sauce, place them on a lined baking sheet with parchment paper. Pop the baking sheet into the freezer and freeze until solid.

To use frozen: (Uncooked) Place the frozen Pesto Chicken Tenders into the air fryer basket, and air fry at 375 degrees F, air fryer setting for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.

To use frozen: (Cooked) Place the frozen Pesto Chicken Tenders into the air fryer basket, and air fry at 375 degrees F, air fryer setting for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.

If you are looking for more Air Fryer Chicken Recipes–Try These!

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