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- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken tenders - 1 cup buttermilk or plain yogurt - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs - 3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil spray These ingredients help you create the best Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders. Start with chicken tenders. They are tender and cook fast. Buttermilk or yogurt adds moisture and flavor. Flour helps the coating stick. Panko breadcrumbs give crunch, while everything bagel seasoning adds a unique twist. Garlic and onion powders bring depth, and salt and pepper enhance the taste. Finally, olive oil spray gives a golden finish. Gather these items to make your meal fun and tasty. The right ingredients make a big difference. Trust me, this combo is a winner! To start, take your chicken tenders and place them in a bowl. Pour one cup of buttermilk over the chicken. Make sure every piece is covered. This helps keep the chicken moist. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. I recommend marinating for at least one hour. For a deeper flavor, marinate overnight. Next, let’s prepare the coating. In one bowl, mix one cup of all-purpose flour, one teaspoon of garlic powder, one teaspoon of onion powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, add two cups of breadcrumbs. Mix in three tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning. This will give your chicken a great crunch and flavor. Now it’s time to coat the chicken. Take each tender out of the buttermilk. First, dredge it in the flour mixture. Shake off any extra flour. Then dip it back into the buttermilk. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently to help the crumbs stick well. This will create a nice, crispy layer when cooked. Before we cook, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about five minutes. While it's preheating, lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Lay the chicken tenders in a single layer. Do not overlap them. Spray the tops with a bit more olive oil. Air fry for 10-12 minutes. Halfway through, flip the tenders. Spray any dry spots with more olive oil. This ensures even cooking. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat. When done, you’ll have crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders ready to enjoy! To get that perfect crunch on your chicken tenders, use Panko breadcrumbs. They are light and airy. This type of breadcrumb gives a crispier texture than regular breadcrumbs. When you fry them, they turn golden brown and super crunchy. Using olive oil spray is also key. A light spray helps the breadcrumbs stick and get crisp. Make sure to spray the tops of the tenders before frying. This way, they cook evenly and don’t dry out. To boost the taste, add some spices. You can mix in smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a kick. A pinch of dried herbs like thyme or parsley also adds depth. These extra flavors make your tenders more exciting. For serving, try dipping sauces! A creamy ranch or a tangy mustard sauce pairs well. You can also serve them with fresh veggies or a light salad. This adds freshness and color to your meal. Marinating chicken is simple but crucial. First, coat your chicken tenders in buttermilk. This helps keep them moist and adds flavor. Let them soak for at least one hour. For the best taste, marinate overnight. When marinating, cover the bowl to keep the chicken fresh. You can also add spices to the buttermilk. This gives an extra layer of flavor that seeps into the chicken. Remember, good marination makes all the difference! {{image_2}} You can easily change this recipe to suit your taste. - Using different types of breadcrumbs: You can try using regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. Each option gives a unique texture and flavor. Panko gives the best crunch, but feel free to experiment. - Substituting with alternative seasonings: Switch up the everything bagel seasoning for other spices. Try Italian herbs or Cajun seasoning for a new twist. This helps you customize the flavor to your liking. Want to add some heat? It’s simple! - How to kick up the heat: Mix cayenne pepper or chili powder into your flour mixture. Just a little can make a big difference. - Adding spicy ingredients to the coating: You can also add crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix. This will give your chicken tenders a nice kick. You can make a great vegetarian version, too. - Adapting the recipe using tofu or cauliflower: Use firm tofu cut into strips or cauliflower florets instead of chicken. Marinate them just like you would with chicken. Coat them with the same mixture for a tasty dish. Cook them the same way in the air fryer for a crispy delight. To keep your chicken tenders fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a paper towel inside to absorb moisture. This helps keep them crispy. Refrigerate the container right away. They stay good for about three to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze the tenders. Make sure they cool down first. Wrap each tender in plastic wrap, then put them in a freezer bag. This keeps them fresh for up to three months. To reheat your chicken tenders, use the air fryer for best results. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the tenders in a single layer. Heat them for about 5-7 minutes. This makes them crispy again. You can also use your oven. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to keep moisture in, then remove it for the last few minutes to crisp them up. To freeze cooked tenders, follow these steps: Let them cool completely first. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. For thawing, place them in the fridge overnight. This helps keep them moist. Reheat using the air fryer or oven as mentioned. Enjoy your tenders as if they were freshly made! Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. Just remember to thaw them first. Thawing helps the coating stick better. You can leave them in the fridge overnight or use the microwave for quick thawing. Once thawed, you can follow the same steps in the recipe. This method keeps the chicken juicy and delicious. These chicken tenders go well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Crispy French fries - Fresh salad with a tangy dressing - Creamy mac and cheese - Steamed broccoli or green beans - Tangy coleslaw These sides will add color and variety to your meal. The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C) inside the chicken. This ensures it’s safe to eat. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for these signs: - The juices run clear, not pink. - The meat is no longer translucent but white and firm. These visual cues help you know when your chicken is ready. You now have a simple guide to make crispy, flavorful chicken tenders. We covered the key ingredients, marinating tips, and how to air fry them perfectly. I also shared ideas for variations and how to store leftovers. Perfecting this dish takes practice, but the result is worth it. Enjoy it with your favorite sides, and don’t forget to explore the spicy and vegetarian options. With these tips, you can impress anyone with your cooking skills. Try it out, and have fun in the kitchen!

Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders

Deliciously crispy and packed with flavor, these Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders are a must-try for your next meal! Easy to make with just a few ingredients, this recipe features tender chicken coated in a savory everything bagel seasoning blend. Perfectly air-fried, they’re golden brown and oh-so-addictive. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your family and friends with this tasty dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken tenders

1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt)

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups breadcrumbs (Panko recommended for extra crunch)

3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil spray

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, add the chicken tenders and pour the buttermilk over them. Ensure all tenders are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for maximum flavor).

    Prepare the Coating: In one bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, place the breadcrumbs and mix in 2 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning. Set aside.

      Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk. Dredge each tender first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dip it back in the buttermilk before finally rolling it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.

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

          Air Fry the Tenders: Lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. Spray the tops lightly with olive oil.

            Cooking Time: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying any dry areas with more olive oil until golden brown and crispy. Ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

              Serve Hot: Once done, remove from the air fryer and sprinkle with the remaining tablespoon of everything bagel seasoning for an extra kick of flavor.

                Prep Time: 1 hour (marinating) | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Servings: 4