If you’re craving something crunchy and fried for dinner, try to resist your urge to order some greasy fast food and try this simple chicken tender recipe instead. It’s so quick and easy that you’ll be able to make it on a weeknight with no stress, and the best part is that by air-frying them, you cut back on all the harmful effects of unsaturated fats that come with frying in oil.
The best cut of chicken to use in this recipe is a simple chicken breast. Lean and uncomplicated, you’ll find it easier to cut into even strips than a bone-in piece. Many people are derisive of the chicken breast thinking that it's always destined to be dry and flavourless, but if you have time for quick marination, you can avoid this issue altogether.
The ideal marination for chicken has some form of acid that can penetrate the skin and really impart flavour to the flesh. Some buttermilk is ideal too as it hydrates the meat and keeps it juicy even while frying. If you’re really in a rush, try soaking your chicken in heavily salted water for 10-15 minutes while you prepare your breading and frying station for a quick fix.
These chicken tenders are especially loved by kids but can be levelled up with a sophisticated dip if you want to serve them to adults too. After all, there’s no age bar on loving chicken!
Ingredients:
- 1 kg chicken breasts
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup panko
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp oregano
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Method:
- Slice the chicken breasts into equal strips and season with salt and pepper.
- Combine your breadcrumbs and panko in a bowl and season with paprika, garlic and onion powder, oregano, salt and pepper.
- Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl.
- Dip chicken in the egg, then into the breadcrumb mixture and shake off excess and place on a large dish or cutting board.
- Line your air fryer with a baking sheet, foil, oil or cooking spray and preheat it to 180°C
- In batches, cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, until the chicken is cooked through and crispy and golden on the outside.
- Serve with lemon wedges.