Craving a healthy chicken recipe that doesn’t compromise on flavor or crispiness? These Air Fryer Almond Crusted Chicken Tenders are a delicious solution. You’ll love how easy it is to achieve perfectly golden-brown tenders with a satisfying crunch.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Chicken Tenders: You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch strips.
- Almond Flour: Use finely ground blanched almond flour for the best crust. No direct substitute for the almond flavor, but you could try crushed cornflakes for a different texture.
- Eggs: Essential for binding the almond crust.
- Spices: Adjust to your preference.
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil spray
Spices:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 320 calories
- Tools Needed: Air fryer, shallow dishes, tongs
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Breading Station
Set up three shallow dishes. In the first, whisk the eggs. In the second, combine the almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken tender first into the whisked egg, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, transfer it to the almond flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
3. Arrange in the Air Fryer
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. You may need to cook in batches.
4. Air Fry to Perfection
Lightly spray the top of the chicken tenders with olive oil spray. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the cooked tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute or two. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce for a fantastic healthy chicken recipe.
Variation Ideas:
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the almond flour for a spicy kick.
- Mix in dried herbs like Italian seasoning or dried parsley into the coating.
- Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Air Fryer Almond Crusted Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can bread the chicken tenders a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator before air frying.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake them in an oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through and crispy.
Are these gluten-free?
Yes, because they use almond flour, these chicken tenders are naturally gluten-free.
What dipping sauces pair well with these?
Honey mustard, sugar-free BBQ sauce, or a simple Greek yogurt dill dip are all great choices for this healthy chicken recipe.
How do I prevent the almond crust from falling off?
Ensure the chicken tenders are patted dry before dipping in the egg, and press the almond flour mixture firmly onto the chicken.
Can I freeze these chicken tenders?
You can freeze cooked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer.