Print

Crispy Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders

crispy air fryer everything bagel chicken tenders - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy recipe for crispy chicken tenders coated with everything bagel seasoning and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh chicken tenders or chicken breast sliced into tender-sized strips
  • 1 cup buttermilk (240ml) – can substitute with yogurt or milk + lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (100g), Japanese-style recommended
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (60g)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt, plus extra to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, plus extra to taste
  • Olive oil spray

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Set aside.
  2. Pour 1 cup buttermilk into a medium bowl. Add ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Submerge the chicken tenders fully and let soak for 15–20 minutes.
  3. In a separate large bowl, combine ½ cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Stir to blend evenly.
  4. Remove tenders from the buttermilk one at a time, letting excess drip off. Dredge each tender in the dry mixture, pressing gently to coat all sides well. Place coated tenders on a wire rack or plate to rest for 5 minutes.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  6. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Place tenders in a single layer without overcrowding. Lightly mist the tops with olive oil spray.
  7. Cook the tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Flip carefully with tongs, spray again with olive oil, and cook an additional 4–5 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Let tenders rest for 3 minutes after cooking to lock in juices. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before soaking to ensure coating sticks and becomes crispy. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to avoid steaming. Press coating firmly but gently onto chicken. Use olive oil spray before and halfway through cooking for extra crispiness. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour and panko with almond flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Rest coated tenders for 5 minutes before cooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken tenders, air fryer, everything bagel seasoning, crispy chicken, quick dinner, easy recipe, gluten-free adaptable

Find it online: https://wigglebite.com/crispy-air-fryer-everything-bagel-chicken-tenders-recipe-easy-and-perfect/