Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken Tenders — Who doesn’t love a good chicken tender? Crispy outside, juicy inside, and big on flavor. But with the Air Fryer, you can make them crispy and much healthier too!

Whether you are cooking for one or plenty of hungry mouths to feed, this Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken Tenders Recipe is easy to follow and delicious! So get ready to enjoy all the yumminess from these crispy treats without feeling guilty afterward because they are baked instead of fried!

Air Fryer Shake N Bake Chicken Tenders

Indulge in the irresistibly crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Shake N Bake Chicken Tenders, a delightful twist on a classic favorite that brings all the crunchy goodness without the excess oil. These tender and juicy chicken strips are coated with a homemade Shake N Bake-style seasoning mix, ensuring every bite bursts with savory flavors.

The air fryer method transforms these chicken tenders into a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried versions, making them perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party snack. Get ready to savor the crispy perfection of these mouthwatering chicken tenders that are incredibly simple to prepare and a guaranteed hit with the entire family!

If you want even more delicious and easy chicken recipes, my favorites are Doritos Air Fryer Chicken Tenders and Air Fryer Shake and Bake Chicken Breasts.

Why You Will Love This Easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipe!

There are several reasons why you’ll love this easy Air Fryer Shake N Bake Chicken Tenders recipe:

• Healthier Option: Air frying eliminates the need for excessive oil, resulting in healthier and lighter chicken tenders without sacrificing the crispy texture.
• Quick and Convenient: This recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table quickly.
• Crispy and Flavorful: The Shake N Bake-style coating ensures that each chicken tender is coated with a flavorful blend of herbs and spices, creating a crispy and savory exterior.
• Versatile: These chicken tenders can be served as a main course, added to salads, wrapped in tortillas for a tasty wrap, or enjoyed as a party appetizer.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore these crunchy chicken tenders, making them a family-friendly favorite.
• Customizable Seasoning: You can easily adjust the seasoning mix to suit your taste preferences, adding a touch of heat or extra herbs for a unique flavor profile.
• No Mess Clean-up: Air frying minimizes mess and splatters compared to traditional frying methods, making cleanup a breeze.
• Great Texture: The air fryer ensures even cooking, resulting in tender and juicy chicken tenders with a perfect golden brown crust.
• Cooking Efficiency: The air fryer cooks the chicken tenders quickly and evenly, meaning you can enjoy a delightful meal in a fraction of the time.
• Healthier Alternative for Kids: For parents looking for a healthier alternative to store-bought frozen chicken tenders, this recipe allows you to control the ingredients and create a delicious homemade option.

With all these fantastic reasons, this Air Fryer Shake N Bake Chicken Tenders recipe will surely become a go-to favorite in your kitchen, delivering a scrumptious and guilt-free treat with every bite!

Ingredients Needed For Shake and Bake Chicken Tenders

Are you looking for an easy and delicious dinner idea? Look no further! Shake and Bake Chicken Tenders are the perfect meal to whip up when you need something fast and flavorful. These oven-baked treats will quickly become a family favorite due to their crispy coating of herbs and spices balanced deliciously with tender, juicy chicken inside.

Not only is it super simple to prepare using just a few ingredients from your pantry, but it’s also guaranteed much healthier than traditional fried options. So grab some shake-and-bake seasoning mix, chicken tenders, oil, and bread crumbs – follow our recipe below step by step – so that soon enough, you can enjoy golden brown deliciousness in no time at all.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well s the nutritional information.

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken tenders: Use fresh chicken tenders for the best results, or you can also use chicken breast cut into strips.
• Shake & Bake Use homemade shake and bake, BBQ Shake and Bake or Chicken Shake and Bake.

How to Make Shake N Bake Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer

For those who love Shake N Bake chicken tenders but want a healthier version, an air fryer is the perfect solution! Air frying allows you to enjoy your favorite foods in a lower-fat way than if fried in oil. With the right ingredients and tips, you can make delicious Shake N Bake chicken tenders quickly and easily with your air fryer. In this blog post, we’ll walk through all the necessary steps so that you have perfectly cooked Shake N Bake chicken tenders for dinner tonight!

In a mixing bowl, add the Shake and Bake Mix. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F using the air fryer setting.

Dip each chicken tender into the bowl with the Shake and Bake coating. Press the coating mix onto the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated on all sides.

Place the coated chicken tenders on a plate or tray, ready for air frying.

Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket or rack with cooking spray or brush with olive oil.

Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the rack. Make sure they do not overlap.

Air fry the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking until they are golden brown and crispy.

Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Perfect Shake and Bake Chicken Tenders:

• Pound the Chicken: If your chicken tenders are thicker in some areas, lightly pound them with a meat mallet or the back of a heavy knife to ensure even cooking.
• Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For an extra crispy coating, use Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs have a coarser texture that creates a crunchier crust.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer before cooking the chicken tenders. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps the coating adhere better to the chicken.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the rack. Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Spray the Coated Tenders: Lightly spray the coated chicken tenders with cooking spray before air frying. This will help the coating become even crispier and brown evenly.
• Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken tenders. They are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasoning mix to suit your preferences. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
• Dipping Sauces: Serve the Shake and Bake chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, barbecue, or buffalo sauce for extra flavor.
• Freezing Instructions: You can freeze the uncooked coated chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the air frying time.
• Reheating: If you have leftovers, reheat the chicken tenders in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes until they are warm and crispy again.

Following these pro tips, you’ll achieve perfectly crispy and flavorful Shake and Bake Chicken Tenders in your air fryer. Enjoy this delicious and easy recipe that’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about Shake and Bake Chicken Tenders

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders. Cut the chicken breasts into strips or nugget-sized pieces for similar results.

Can I use a different type of cheese in the coating?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for Parmesan cheese, you can experiment with grated cheeses like cheddar, Asiago, or Pecorino Romano for different flavor variations.

Can I make Shake and Bake Chicken Tenders gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I bake the chicken tenders in the oven instead of air frying?

Yes, you can bake the chicken tenders in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they are cooked through and golden brown.

How do I prevent the coating from falling off during air frying?

Cover the chicken tenders thoroughly with the beaten eggs, and press the coating mix firmly onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well. Also, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to prevent the tenders from touching and the coating from sticking together.

Can I use store-bought Shake N Bake seasoning mix instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use store-bought Shake N Bake seasoning mix if you prefer a quicker option. However, making your seasoning allows you to customize the flavors and control the ingredients.

Can I prepare the coating in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the Shake and Bake-style coating mix in advance and store it in an airtight container. When ready to use, follow the recipe instructions for coating the chicken tenders.

Can I use an oil spray other than cooking spray?

You can use olive oil or any other cooking oil spray to coat the chicken tenders before air frying lightly.

What can I serve with Shake and Bake Chicken Tenders?

These tenders pair well with side dishes like coleslaw, roasted vegetables, sweet potato fries, or a fresh green salad.

Can I make this recipe with bone-in chicken pieces?

While this recipe is specifically designed for boneless chicken tenders, you can apply the Shake and Bake coating to bone-in chicken pieces like drumsticks or wings and adjust the air frying time accordingly.

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