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cornflake chicken tenders air fryer

Air Fryer Cornflake Chicken Tenders

5 from 2 votes
Author: Laurie Fleming
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12 Servings

Description

These Air Fryer Cornflake Chicken Tenders have a golden, extra-crunchy coating of crushed cornflakes and juicy chicken inside. They cook in about 10 minutes with just a light spray of oil, so they make an easy, kid-friendly weeknight dinner that's perfect for dipping.

Ingredients 

Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders (or breasts cut into ¾-inch strips)

Batter

  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Coating

  • 2 cups cornflakes, crushed (about 1 cup crumbs)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder, optional
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, optional
  • Olive oil spray

Instructions

  • Crush the cornflakes: Pulse the cornflakes in a food processor, or crush them in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin, until they are coarse crumbs. Stir in the garlic powder and smoked paprika, if using, and pour into a shallow dish.
  • Make the batter: In a second shallow bowl, whisk the egg, milk, flour, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  • Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with olive oil.
  • Bread the chicken: Pat the chicken dry. Dip each tender into the batter, let the excess drip off, then press it firmly into the cornflakes to coat all sides.
  • Air fry: Arrange the tenders in a single layer without touching and spray the tops with oil. Air fry for 5 minutes.
  • Flip and finish: Flip the tenders, spray again, and air fry for 3 to 5 minutes more, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Rest and serve: Let the tenders rest for 2 minutes so the coating sets, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Notes

  • Doneness: Air fryers vary. Always confirm 165°F in the thickest part of the tender.
  • Crunch tip: Crush the cornflakes coarsely, not into powder, and don't crowd the basket. Cook in batches if needed.
  • Gluten-free: Classic Kellogg's Corn Flakes contain barley malt. Use certified gluten-free cornflakes and a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Make ahead: Bread the tenders up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate them uncovered until you're ready to cook.
  • Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat: Air fry at 375°F for 4 to 6 minutes, a few minutes longer from frozen.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 113kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 9gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.002gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 262mgPotassium: 173mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 161IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 3mg