Craving crispy chicken tenders without the guilt? These Almond Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a healthy air fryer recipe that delivers all the crunch and flavor you love, made lighter in your air fryer. You’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken Tenders: You can use chicken breasts cut into strips.
- Almond Flour: Fine almond flour works best for a consistent coating.
- Eggs: For binding the almond flour to the chicken.
- Spices: Adjust to your taste; paprika and garlic powder add great flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds chicken tenders
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil spray or other cooking spray
Spices:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350 calories
- Tools Needed: Air fryer, shallow dishes for breading
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Breading Station
Set up three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place your beaten eggs. In the second dish, combine the almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, mixing well.
2. Coat the Chicken Tenders
Dip each chicken tender first into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, dredge it thoroughly in the almond flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
3. Arrange in the Air Fryer
Lightly spray your air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook in batches.
4. Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Cook the chicken tenders at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the Healthy Air Fryer Recipes chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Variation Ideas
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the almond flour mixture.
- Herbaceous: Mix in dried herbs like oregano or thyme for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese Please: Grate a tablespoon of parmesan cheese into the almond flour for a cheesy crust.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Almond Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes, but you should thaw them completely before breading for the best results and even cooking.
How do I prevent the almond coating from falling off?
Ensure you press the almond flour mixture firmly onto the chicken tenders and don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
Do these tenders freeze well?
You can freeze cooked tenders in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Can I make these in a conventional oven?
Yes, bake them on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
What dipping sauces pair well with these?
Honey mustard, sugar-free ketchup, or a light ranch dressing are great choices for these Healthy Air Fryer Recipes.
Is almond flour necessary, or can I use another flour?
Almond flour gives a great texture and keeps this recipe as one of your healthy air fryer recipes, but you could try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a different result.
