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Crispy Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders

crispy air fryer everything bagel chicken tenders - featured image

These crispy air fryer chicken tenders are coated with flavorful everything bagel seasoning for a crunchy, savory twist on a classic favorite. Ready in under 25 minutes, they make a perfect quick meal or snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) chicken tenders, fresh or thawed, trimmed of excess fat
  • 3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning (store-bought or homemade with toasted sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and coarse salt)
  • ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup (100 g) panko breadcrumbs (Japanese-style recommended)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil spray

Instructions

  1. Prepare the coating stations: In one shallow bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In a third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and everything bagel seasoning evenly.
  2. Lightly season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper on all sides.
  3. Dredge each tender first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Then dip into the beaten eggs, letting excess drip off. Finally, press into the panko-everything bagel mix, ensuring each tender is fully coated.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  5. Place the coated tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Work in batches if needed.
  6. Spray each tender lightly with olive oil spray.
  7. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tenders are golden and crispy and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  8. Let the tenders rest for 3 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not skip the flour step to help the coating stick better. Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness. Spray oil evenly before and halfway through cooking. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for even cooking. Rest tenders after cooking to keep them juicy. Preheat the air fryer for best results. For gluten-free, substitute almond flour and gluten-free panko. For dairy-free, check breadcrumb ingredients. Variations include adding smoked paprika for heat or herbs for flavor. Can bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes if no air fryer is available.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, everything bagel seasoning, crispy chicken, quick chicken recipe, easy chicken tenders, healthy chicken snack