If you are looking for an easy recipe, this Keto Air Fryer Chicken Tenders is the perfect choice for you! Made with a few simple ingredients, this low-carb breaded chicken will satisfy you!

Keto Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
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Keto Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are amazing! If you have been looking for a substitute for your favorite fast-food chicken tenders, these will truly amaze you!

Easy, simple to make and absolutely delicious, what is better? And since, you are air frying these keto chicken tenders, they are much healthier than deep frying!

Serve with your favorite Keto dipping sauce, such as Greek Yogurt BBQ Sauce, or Alfredo Dip.

Low-Carb Chicken Tenders

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious way to get your protein fix, try these low-carb chicken tenders! You can make this tasty dish at home with just a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients Needed For Keto Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Here are the simple ingredients, you will need:

Ingredients Needed For Keto Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Remember the step-by-step instructions below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post and the nutritional information.

  • Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breast, or chicken tenders
  • Heavy Cream: You can also use buttermilk
  • Flour: Use almond flour or coconut flour
  • Pork Rinds: Use crushed pork rinds, or crush them yourself!
  • Egg: Use a large, room-temperature egg
  • Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan Cheese
  • Seasonings and Spices: Sea Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika
  • Oil: use olive oil, olive oil spray, or avocado oil

How To Make Keto Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Here are the simple steps for making keto air fryer chicken tenders?

How To Make Low-Carb Chicken Tenders

Step One: Preheat The Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F, and spray olive oil or brush oil olive in the air fryer basket.

Step Two: Prepare Your dredging stations

Add the flour, Parmesan Cheese, Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, and Paprika in a large bowl, and mix well with a fork. In another bowl, add the egg, and mix with the heavy cream or buttermilk. If you are using pork rinds, add them to a third large bowl.

How To Make Low-Carb Chicken Tenders

Step Three: Dredge Your Chicken

Place the chicken into the egg wash and then into the flour mixture. Use your hands to press the coating onto the chicken, and then set it into the air fryer basket, placing them into a single layer. Leave plenty of space around the chicken, so the hot air can circulate around the chicken, helping it crisp up.

Step Four: Air Fry Your Chicken Tenders

Spray your chicken tender with olive oil spray, then set the cooking time for 10-12 minutes at 400 degrees F; remove the chicken when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Keto Chicken Tenders

Pro Tips For Keto Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

  • Use Keto Friendly Flours: Swap out traditional breadcrumbs for almond flour or coconut flour to keep it keto-friendly.
  • Double Dipping: For extra crunch, dip your chicken tenders in an egg wash, then almond flour, and repeat.
  • Season Generously: Add garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and even some grated Parmesan to your almond flour for a burst of flavor.
  • Avoid Overcrowding: Place chicken tenders in a single layer with space between each piece. This will help your chicken tenders crisp up.
  • Oil Spray: Lightly spray the tenders with avocado oil or olive oil before cooking. This will give you the crunch for the chicken tenders.
  • Flip Midway: Halfway through cooking, flip the tenders to ensure both sides are evenly cooked.
  • Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the tenders reaches 165°F (74°C). Since every air fryer is slightly different, check frequently to make sure your chicken is cooked, before removing it from the air fryer.
  • Rest After Cooking: Let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes after removing them from the air fryer.
  • Pair with Keto Dipping Sauces: Serve your tenders with keto-friendly dipping sauces like homemade ranch, spicy mayo, or a sugar-free BBQ sauce to elevate the flavor.
Keto Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Keto Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe Faqs

Can I use coconut flour instead of almond flour? Yes, you can use coconut flour as a substitute for almond flour. However, coconut flour absorbs more moisture, so you may need to adjust the amount or add more egg to the coating mixture.

How do I store leftover chicken tenders? Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

Can I freeze the chicken tenders? Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken tenders. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

What dipping sauces are keto-friendly? Keto-friendly dipping sauces include sugar-free BBQ sauce, homemade ranch dressing, garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or mustard. Always check the labels for added sugars when buying store-bought sauces.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken tenders? Yes, you can use chicken thighs. Cut them into strips to resemble tenders. Keep in mind that thighs may take a bit longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How can I make my tenders extra crispy? For extra crispy tenders, ensure they are well-coated with the almond flour mixture, and spray them lightly with oil before cooking. Also, make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.

What temperature should I cook the chicken tenders at? Cook the chicken tenders at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I marinate the chicken before coating it? Absolutely! Marinating the chicken in buttermilk or a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs and spices for a few hours can add extra flavor and tenderness.

Are these chicken tenders suitable for meal prep? Yes, keto air fryer chicken tenders are great for meal prep. Prepare a batch and store them in the refrigerator or freezer for quick and easy meals throughout the week.

What sides go well with keto chicken tenders? Keto-friendly sides include cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or keto coleslaw. These options complement the tenders while keeping the meal low in carbs.

Keto Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

So there you have it: a delicious, low-carb chicken recipe that the whole family will love! And remember, if you don’t have an air fryer, you can always cook chicken tenders in the oven. Give this recipe a try tonight, and let us know how it goes in the comments below!

Keto Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Keto Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

5 from 1 vote
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings

Description

Nothing is better than a batch of Keto Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, made with a few simple ingredients; it's a great recipe that the entire family will love. And it's the perfect recipe for anyone following a keto diet.

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound chicken breast, skinless, or chicken tenders
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup almond flour, or coconut flour
  • 1/4 cup grated parmeasn cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 cup panko pork rinds, optional

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees f, and spray olive oil or brush oil olive in the air fryer basket.
  • Add the flour, Parmesan Cheese, Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, and Paprika in a large bowl, and mix well with a fork. In another bowl, add the egg, and mix with the heavy cream or buttermilk. If you are using pork rinds, add them to a third large bowl.
  • Place the chicken into the egg wash and then into the flour mixture. Use your hands to press the coating onto the chicken, and then set it into the air fryer basket, placing them into a single layer. Leave plenty of space around the chicken, so the hot air can circulate around the chicken, helping it crisp up.
  • Spray your chicken tender with olive oil spray, then set the cooking time for 10-12 minutes at 400 degrees F; remove the chicken when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

Equipment

  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 202kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 23gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 118mgSodium: 416mgPotassium: 315mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 197IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 85mgIron: 1mg

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