Discover the ultimate cooking hack for succulent chicken tenders! Learn how to achieve perfectly crispy and tender results with your air fryer in no time. Master the art of cooking chicken tenders effortlessly, with our step-by-step guide that reveals the ideal cooking time. Elevate your culinary skills and enjoy mouthwatering dishes that will leave everyone craving for more!
NAKED AIR FRYER CHICKEN TENDERS
These Naked Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a simple and flavorful chicken recipe that the whole family will enjoy. Made without any batter or breading, these tenders are a healthier option for a quick and delicious dinner. With just a few simple ingredients and under 30 minutes of cooking time, you can have these tasty chicken tenders on the table in no time.
One of the reasons you’ll love this recipe is its simplicity. It’s easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that can be paired with various sides like french fries, tater tots, or a side salad. These chicken tenders also make great leftovers, so you can enjoy them even after the meal.
Not only are these naked chicken tenders simple and tasty, but they’re also healthy. Since they’re not battered or breaded, you don’t have to worry about the extra step or the added calories. They’re Weight Watchers and low carb friendly, making them suitable for those following certain dietary restrictions.
To make these naked air fryer chicken tenders, preheat your air fryer to 400ºF and prepare the basket with nonstick cooking spray or olive oil spray. Remove the tendon from raw chicken tenders and coat them with olive oil and seasonings of your choice. Place the seasoned chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 400ºF for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165ºF.
Serve these cooked chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauces like BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or honey mustard sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Overall, these naked air fryer chicken tenders are a simple, healthy, and versatile dish that is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, these chicken tenders are a delicious choice.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE NAKED GRILLED CHICKEN TENDERS IN THE AIR FRYER
These Naked Grilled Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer are a perfect easy chicken recipe that the whole family will enjoy. They are simple, quick to make, and packed with flavor. Plus, they are healthy as they are not battered or breaded.
One of the reasons you’ll love this recipe is because it’s versatile. You can pair these chicken tenders with anything – serve them with french fries, tater tots, or a side salad. They are also a great hit with picky little ones.
This recipe is also ideal for those who follow Weight Watchers or have a low-carb diet since there’s no excess oil or batter involved. These chicken tenders are crispy and delicious without being greasy.
HOW TO MAKE AIR FRYER GRILLED CHICKEN TENDERS
To make these delicious Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Tenders, follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 400ºF for 5 minutes and prepare the Air Fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray or olive oil spray.
2. Using a cutting board, remove the tendon from the raw chicken tenders and add them to a medium-sized bowl.
3. Add olive oil to the chicken tenders and toss them so that they are fully coated.
4. Add your desired seasonings to the chicken tenders and coat them evenly.
5. Place the seasoned chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400ºF for 10 minutes, flipping the chicken at the 5-minute mark to ensure even cooking.
6. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165º degrees F. If not, cook for additional minutes until it is fully cooked.
7. Serve the cooked chicken with your favorite dipping sauces, such as BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or honey mustard sauce.
Enjoy these crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Tenders with your family!
INGREDIENTS
– Raw chicken tenders
– Olive oil
– Seasonings (such as ground black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika)
– Dipping sauces (such as BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or honey mustard sauce)
THE INSTRUCTIONS
To make these Naked Grilled Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer, follow these simple steps:
- Preheat the Air Fryer to 400ºF for 5 minutes. Prepare the Air Fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray or olive oil spray.
- Using a cutting board, remove the tendon from the raw chicken tenders and place them in a medium-sized bowl.
- Add olive oil to the chicken tenders and toss them until fully coated.
- Add seasonings to the chicken tenders and coat them evenly.
- Place the seasoned chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 400ºF for 10 minutes, flipping the chicken at the 5-minute mark. The chicken should be crispy and golden brown.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165º degrees F. If not, cook for additional minutes until ready.
- Serve the cooked chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauces, such as BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or honey mustard sauce.
SAUCE SUGGESTIONS
These Naked Grilled Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer are delicious on their own, but you can take them to the next level by serving them with your favorite dipping sauces. Here are a few sauce suggestions that pair perfectly with these crispy chicken tenders:
– BBQ sauce: The tangy and smoky flavor of BBQ sauce complements the grilled chicken perfectly.
– Buffalo sauce: If you like a little heat, buffalo sauce adds a spicy kick to these tenders.
– Honey mustard sauce: The sweet and tangy combination of honey and mustard is a classic choice for dipping.
– Ranch dressing: Cool and creamy ranch dressing is always a crowd-pleaser with chicken tenders.
– Chili sauce: For those who enjoy some extra heat, chili sauce adds a fiery flavor to these grilled chicken tenders.
STORAGE TIPS
To store leftover chicken tenders, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can place the tenders back in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
If you want to freeze the chicken tenders, place them in a single layer in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, you can reheat the frozen tenders directly in the air fryer.
RECIPE TIPS AND TRICKS
1. To make the chicken tenders crispy, use the recommended amount of oil or cooking spray. Using too much oil can make them greasy and prevent them from crisping up.
2. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of black pepper in the seasoning mixture.
3. For added moisture without adding too much fat, consider spraying the cooked tenders with avocado oil.
4. If you find the tenders to be dry, try serving them with your favorite dipping sauces to add moisture and flavor.
5. If using an oven air fryer instead of a countertop air fryer, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Keep an eye on the tenders and cook until they are crispy and golden brown.
6. If you’re cooking for picky eaters or children who don’t like spicy flavors, consider reducing or omitting the black pepper and opting for milder dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch.
7. To make cleanup easier, line your air fryer basket or rack with parchment paper to catch any excess oil or chicken juice.
8. You can customize these chicken tenders by adding different seasonings such as Italian seasoning, chili powder, or lemon juice for added flavor.
9. If you want to make breaded chicken tenders instead of naked ones, dip them in flour, then egg wash, and finally breadcrumbs before placing them in the air fryer.
10. Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
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In conclusion, cooking chicken tenders in an air fryer is a quick and convenient method that yields tasty and crispy results. With an average cook time of 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C), these air-fried chicken tenders are a healthier alternative to deep frying, making them a popular choice for those looking for a delicious yet guilt-free meal option.
Learn More About Grilling
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