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Crispy Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders Air Fryer Recipe Easy and Perfect

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A quick and easy gluten-free chicken tender recipe that delivers crispy, juicy tenders using an air fryer. Perfect for those with gluten sensitivities or anyone craving classic comfort food without the mess of deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound chicken tenders, trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 cup gluten-free panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional for dairy-free)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • Olive oil spray or any neutral oil spray

Instructions

  1. In a shallow bowl, combine gluten-free panko, cornstarch, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to distribute the seasoning evenly.
  2. In another bowl, lightly beat the eggs until smooth and uniform.
  3. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  4. Dip each tender first into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place each coated tender on a tray.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat for about 3 minutes.
  6. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the tenders in a single layer, leaving space between them for air circulation.
  7. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes. At the halfway point (4 minutes), flip each tender and spray lightly with oil again.
  8. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. Let the tenders rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to lock in juices before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before coating for better crispiness. Use cornstarch in the coating for extra crunch. Spray oil before and halfway through cooking helps even browning. Flip tenders gently to avoid coating falling off. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Check internal temperature to ensure doneness. Can bake in oven at 425°F for 15-20 minutes if no air fryer is available.

Nutrition

Keywords: gluten-free chicken tenders, air fryer chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, gluten-free recipe, easy chicken tenders, healthy chicken tenders

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/crispy-gluten-free-chicken-tenders-air-fryer-recipe-easy-and-perfect/