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- Chicken Tenders - Cornflakes - All-Purpose Flour - Eggs - Seasoning Ingredients - Chicken Tenders: 1 lb (450g) - Cornflakes: 1 cup, crushed - All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup - Eggs: 2 large - Seasoning Ingredients: - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper When cooking, I love using fresh, quality ingredients. Each one plays a role in flavor. Chicken tenders give me a juicy base. Cornflakes provide that crunchy finish I adore. For those with dietary needs, you can swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. This keeps the recipe safe while still being crispy. You can also use egg substitutes if needed. Measuring accurately helps the dish shine. I recommend using a kitchen scale for chicken. For the cornflakes, crush them in a bag. This keeps a uniform size for even cooking. Remember, fresh ingredients make a big difference. They enhance the taste and texture. Cooking is all about the joy of food! Preheating the Air Fryer First, set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Let it preheat for about 5 minutes. This step ensures your chicken cooks evenly. Setting Up the Breading Station While the air fryer heats up, prepare your breading station. Grab three bowls: - Bowl 1: Place 1 cup of crushed cornflakes. - Bowl 2: Mix 1/2 cup of flour with 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. - Bowl 3: Whisk 2 large eggs. This setup makes the breading process quick and easy. Coating with Flour Take a chicken tender from the pack. Dip it into the flour mixture, making sure it gets a nice, even coat. Shake off any excess flour. Dipping in Eggs Now, dip the floured chicken tender into the eggs. Let the extra egg drip off. This helps the cornflakes stick better. Rolling in Cornflakes Next, roll the chicken tender in the crushed cornflakes. Press gently to make sure the flakes stick. Repeat this process with all the chicken tenders. Arranging in the Air Fryer Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to let air flow freely. Cooking Time and Techniques Spray the tops of the chicken tenders with more cooking spray. Air fry them for about 10-12 minutes. Flipping and Checking for Doneness Halfway through cooking, flip the tenders. This helps them cook evenly. Check if they are golden brown and cooked through. Enjoy your crunchy chicken tenders! - Importance of Cooking Spray: Cooking spray is key to crispiness. It helps the cornflakes brown well. A light coat on both sides of the chicken ensures an even, crunchy finish. - Ventilation and Airflow: Good airflow is vital in an air fryer. It helps cook the chicken evenly. Make sure to leave space between the tenders. This allows hot air to circulate and achieve that perfect crunch. - Overcrowding the Air Fryer: Avoid putting too many tenders in at once. Crowding can lead to uneven cooking. This means soggy spots instead of crispy goodness. Cook in batches if needed. - Skipping the Preheating Step: Always preheat your air fryer. This step makes a big difference in cooking time. It helps the chicken start cooking right away, leading to a crispy coating. - Best Dipping Sauces: Pair these chicken tenders with honey mustard or ranch dressing. Both add great flavor and balance the crunch. You can also try barbecue sauce for a smoky touch. - Presentation Ideas: Serve the chicken tenders on a colorful platter. Add a side of fresh veggies or fruit for a pop of color. Garnish with parsley or microgreens to make the dish look even better. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of your air fryer cornflake chicken tenders. A simple way is to add spices to the breading. Try mixing in spices like cayenne pepper for heat or Italian herbs for a more savory taste. - Adding Spices to the Breading: - Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne for a spicy kick. - Mix in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano or basil for an herbaceous touch. Using different coatings can also make your chicken tenders unique. Instead of cornflakes, you can use crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs. Panko gives a lighter crunch. - Using Different Coatings: - Swap cornflakes with crushed pretzels for a salty twist. - Use crushed tortilla chips for a fun Mexican flair. If you need diet-friendly alternatives, there are great options. You can make this dish gluten-free easily. Just switch the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Look for brands that mimic the texture of regular flour. - Gluten-Free Alternatives: - Use 1/2 cup of almond flour or coconut flour for a tasty change. - Try gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of cornflakes for crunch. If you prefer leaner meat, use chicken breast instead of tenders. This change will make the meal healthier while still keeping it delicious. - Using Chicken Breast Instead of Tenders: - Cut chicken breast into strips to mimic tenders. - Adjust cooking time, as thinner pieces cook faster. By trying these variations, you can keep your air fryer cornflake chicken tenders fresh and exciting. - Refrigeration Tips: Place any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to let them cool before sealing. - Freezing Options: If you want to keep them longer, freeze the tenders. Wrap them well in plastic wrap, then put them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months this way. - Best Methods for Crispiness: The air fryer is your best friend for reheating. Set it to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps the chicken crispy. You can also use the oven if needed. - Time Needed for Reheating: If using the microwave, be cautious. It may take about 2-3 minutes, but they may lose their crunch. Always check if they are heated through before serving. - Step-by-Step Breakdown To make these tasty chicken tenders, follow these steps: 1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). 2. Set up three bowls: one for crushed cornflakes, one for seasoned flour, and one for eggs. 3. In the flour bowl, mix 1/2 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. 4. Dip each chicken tender in the flour mix, ensuring it is fully coated. 5. Next, dip the tender in the whisked eggs, letting extra drip off. 6. Finally, roll the tender in crushed cornflakes, pressing gently to stick. 7. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. 8. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. 9. Spray the tops with cooking spray for a golden finish. 10. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through. - Alternatives for Different Textures Yes, you can use other cereals. Here are some ideas: - Panko breadcrumbs: for a lighter, crunchier texture. - Rice cereal: offers a unique crunch and flavor. - Cheerios: provides a sweet twist to the dish. Experiment with these options to find your favorite! - Side Dish Suggestions and Pairings Pair your chicken tenders with these sides: - French fries: a classic choice that kids love. - Coleslaw: adds a refreshing crunch. - Veggie sticks: healthy and colorful. - Macaroni and cheese: a creamy, cheesy addition. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, like honey mustard or ranch! This blog post covers a tasty way to make air fryer chicken tenders. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and tips for a crisp finish. Don't forget the variations for dietary needs or different flavors. Storing leftovers and reheating properly ensures you enjoy every bite. With these tips, you can master this dish and impress anyone at your table. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Cornflake Chicken Tenders

Enjoy a delicious twist on classic chicken with these crispy air fryer cornflake chicken tenders! This easy recipe combines juicy chicken and a crunchy cornflake coating for a meal that's quick to make and packed with flavor. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game with this tasty dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) chicken tenders

1 cup cornflakes, crushed

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking spray

Instructions
 

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

    Set up a breading station: in one bowl, place the crushed cornflakes. In another bowl, mix the flour with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In a third bowl, whisk the eggs.

      Take a chicken tender and dip it first in the seasoned flour, making sure it is well coated.

        Next, dip the floured chicken tender into the eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.

          Finally, roll the chicken tender in the crushed cornflakes, pressing gently to adhere the flakes onto the chicken. Repeat with all chicken tenders.

            Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.

              Spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray to achieve a golden finish.

                Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy and golden brown.

                  Remove from the air fryer and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

                    Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 25 mins | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy chicken tenders on a platter with a side of honey mustard or your favorite dipping sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or microgreens for a pop of color.