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To make Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 pound chicken tenders - 1 cup buttermilk (or dairy-free alternative) - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 large egg - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - 3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooking spray These ingredients work together to create tasty chicken tenders. The buttermilk makes the chicken juicy. The everything bagel seasoning adds a unique twist. Panko breadcrumbs give the tenders a great crunch. You can also use a dairy-free milk for a lighter option. Each ingredient plays a key role in flavor and texture. Start by soaking the chicken tenders in buttermilk. This step is key. It makes the chicken tender and juicy. You should let them soak for at least 30 minutes. If you can, marinate them longer for better flavor. Next, set up three shallow dishes. In the first dish, add all-purpose flour seasoned with salt and pepper. This adds a nice flavor. In the second dish, beat one egg until smooth. In the last dish, mix breadcrumbs with everything bagel seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. This gives the chicken a tasty crunch. Now, remove the chicken from the buttermilk. Let the excess buttermilk drip off. First, dredge each tender in the seasoned flour. Shake off any extra flour. Then, dip the chicken into the egg. Finally, coat it well with the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs into the chicken. This ensures a good coating. Preheating the air fryer is important. It helps the chicken cook evenly. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Let it preheat for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer. Make sure they do not touch. This helps them cook well. Spray the tops of the chicken lightly with cooking spray for added crispiness. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes. Flip the tenders halfway through. This ensures they brown evenly. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). After cooking, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer. Let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce. Honey mustard and ranch dressing are great choices. Enjoy your delicious meal! To get your chicken tenders extra crispy, here are some simple tips: - Use panko breadcrumbs. They give the best crunch. - Lightly spray cooking oil on the tender tops. This helps them brown nicely. - Preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes. This step is key for crispiness. When using cooking spray, do this: - Spray the air fryer basket before adding the chicken. This prevents sticking. - Spray the chicken after placing it in the basket. It helps the coating crisp up. Want to kick up the flavor? Try these ideas: - Add more spices to your breadcrumb mix. Consider smoked paprika or cayenne for a kick. - Mix in grated cheese like Parmesan for a savory twist. - Try fresh herbs like parsley or dill. They add a fresh taste. Feel free to get creative and find what you love! Avoid these common errors for the best results: - Overcrowding the air fryer. This makes the chicken steam instead of crisp. - Skipping the marination step. Marinating adds moisture and flavor to the chicken. Don’t rush this step! By following these tips, you’ll make your Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders even better. Enjoy the process! {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavor with different seasonings. Try taco seasoning for a fun twist. Cajun spice adds heat and zest. You can also use lemon pepper for a bright taste. Feel free to mix and match your favorites. Customizing your chicken tenders makes each meal special. If you want to change the protein, there are great options. Turkey tenders work well and stay juicy. You can also use tofu for a vegetarian choice. Shrimp is another tasty alternative that cooks fast. Each option brings its unique flavor to the dish. Making the recipe gluten-free is easy. Use a gluten-free flour blend for breading. For breadcrumbs, try gluten-free panko or crushed rice cereal. If you're dairy-free, replace buttermilk with almond or oat milk. You can also use a dairy-free yogurt. These swaps keep the recipe delicious for everyone. To store your chicken tenders, let them cool down first. Place the tenders in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents drying out. If you have a lot, use layers of parchment paper between them. This helps avoid sticking. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Reheating chicken tenders can be tricky. You want them to stay crispy. The best way is to use an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the tenders in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps the texture nice and crispy. You can also use an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. Just cover them with foil to keep them moist. You can freeze both raw and cooked chicken tenders. For raw tenders, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. Freeze for up to three months. For cooked tenders, let them cool completely. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a bag. They can last up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge before reheating. Everything bagel seasoning is a mix of spices. It usually has sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic flakes, onion flakes, and salt. This blend gives a savory flavor that is rich and crunchy. You can use it on various dishes, not just bagels. It adds a nice twist to chicken, vegetables, and even salads. To check if the chicken tenders are ready, use a meat thermometer. The inside should reach 165°F (75°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the tender. When it hits that temp, your chicken is safe to eat. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for a golden color and clear juices. Yes, you can! To prep ahead, marinate the chicken in buttermilk. Then, bread the tenders and place them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just air fry them as usual. This saves time on busy days and keeps your meal tasty. Pair these tenders with delicious dipping sauces. Honey mustard is a sweet choice that balances the savory flavor. Ranch dressing adds a creamy touch, making it a favorite for many. You can also try BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor or hot sauce for a kick. These sauces enhance the meal and add fun options. Yes, you can use chicken breasts! Just slice them into strips. Keep in mind that cooking times may change. Chicken breasts may need a bit longer to cook fully. Always check the internal temperature to ensure they are safe to eat. The everything bagel coating works great on both cuts! In this post, I covered how to make everything bagel chicken tenders. You learned the ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for a perfect dish. I shared variations to suit different diets and how to store leftovers. Following these steps will help you enjoy crispy, flavorful tenders at home. Remember to be careful during cooking and have fun with flavors. With practice, you'll master this recipe and impress your friends and family. Enjoy your tasty creation!

Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders

Try this delicious Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders recipe that combines juicy chicken with a crunchy everything bagel coating! Perfectly seasoned and easy to make, these tenders are ready in just 50 minutes. Serve them up for a weeknight dinner or party snack that everyone will love. Click through for step-by-step instructions and tips to impress your family and friends with this irresistible dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken tenders

1 cup buttermilk (or dairy-free alternative)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 large egg

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, soak the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to tenderize the meat and enhance flavor.

    Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three shallow dishes. In the first, place the flour seasoned with salt and pepper. In the second, beat the egg until smooth. In the third, mix the breadcrumbs with everything bagel seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.

      Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge each tender in the flour, shaking off the excess, then dip into the egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the everything bagel breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs into the chicken to ensure a good coating.

        Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

          Air Fry the Tenders: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer within the basket, ensuring they do not touch. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness.

            Cooking Time: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through, achieving an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

              Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauce, such as honey mustard or ranch dressing.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 50 min | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken tenders on a rustic wooden board or a colorful plate, garnished with fresh parsley, and alongside a small bowl of your favorite dipping sauce for an appealing look!