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- 1 pound chicken tenders - 1 cup buttermilk or plain yogurt - 1 cup panko bread crumbs - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - Cooking spray Using fresh ingredients is key. Chicken tenders are tender and cook fast. Buttermilk adds moisture and flavor. If you want a tangy twist, use plain yogurt. Panko bread crumbs give a light and crispy crunch. They work better than regular bread crumbs. All-purpose flour helps the coating stick. The seasonings bring everything to life. Everything bagel seasoning has garlic, onion, and sesame flavors. Garlic powder and onion powder add more depth. Don't forget to add salt and pepper to taste. Lastly, cooking spray helps the tenders brown and crisp in the air fryer. Gather these ingredients, and you're ready for a tasty meal! - Combine chicken tenders with buttermilk. - Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Marinating the chicken is key. Buttermilk tenderizes the meat. It adds moisture and flavor. You can use plain yogurt if you want a tangy twist. Just cover the bowl and let it chill. - Set up panko and seasoning mixture. - Place flour in a separate shallow dish. Next, set up your breading station. In one dish, mix panko with everything bagel seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In another dish, add plain flour. This setup makes it easy to coat the chicken. - Dredge in flour, dip in buttermilk, and coat with panko. - Ensure even coating by pressing mixture onto chicken. To coat the tenders, first, dredge them in flour. This helps the buttermilk stick. After that, dip the chicken back in the buttermilk. Finally, press each tender into the panko mix. Make sure every part is coated well for a crunchy finish. - Preheat to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Preheating the air fryer is important. It helps achieve that golden brown color. Set it to 400°F (200°C) and wait about 5 minutes. This step ensures the chicken cooks evenly. - Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray. - Arrange tenders in a single layer and lightly spray tops. Now, spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This prevents sticking. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer. Make sure they aren't crowded. A light spray on top helps them brown beautifully. - Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. - Check for golden brown and internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Cook the tenders for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. They should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Marinating the chicken is key. It helps keep the meat juicy. Use buttermilk for the best result. A marinating time of at least 30 minutes is ideal. This will allow the chicken to soak in the flavor. For the coating, choose panko bread crumbs. They create a nice, crisp texture. Regular bread crumbs can work, but they won’t give you the same crunch. Panko is lighter and flakier, which makes the chicken tenders more appealing. To achieve an even golden brown, use cooking spray. Lightly spray the basket before adding chicken. This helps avoid sticking. After placing the tenders, spray the tops again. This step promotes browning and crispiness. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket. This allows hot air to move freely. More air means better cooking and crisping. If needed, cook in batches for the best crunch. These chicken tenders shine with great dips. Try honey mustard or ranch dressing for a classic pairing. You can also serve them with a spicy aioli for a kick. For a pop of color, garnish with fresh herbs. Chopped parsley or chives look great on the plate. This adds flavor and makes your dish more inviting. Enjoy your meal! {{image_4}} You can spice up your chicken tenders by adding herbs or spices. Mix in some paprika for a smoky kick or a pinch of cayenne for heat. Try fresh herbs like parsley or dill to bring freshness to the dish. You can also swap out the everything bagel seasoning for a different blend, like taco seasoning or Italian herbs, to create a unique flavor profile. If you want to use chicken breasts instead of tenders, it works great. Just cut the breasts into strips. They will still cook evenly and taste fantastic. You can also use turkey tenders for a leaner option. For plant-based eaters, try using tofu or tempeh. Just marinate and coat them as you would with chicken. If you'd like a lighter option, consider baking instead of air frying. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake on a lined sheet for about 15-20 minutes. Another option is to use low-fat yogurt instead of buttermilk. This swap keeps the chicken moist while cutting down on fat. To keep your chicken tenders fresh, store them in an airtight container. This prevents moisture loss and keeps them tasty. You should eat your leftover tenders within 3 days for the best flavor and safety. When reheating, you want to keep that crunch. The air fryer is best for this. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. This helps revive the crispy texture. The microwave can make them soft and soggy, so avoid it if you can. To freeze your cooked tenders, let them cool completely first. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. This keeps them juicy and tasty. Yes, you can use regular chicken breasts. Just cut them into strips. This will help them cook evenly. Tenders are smaller, which means they cook faster. Chicken breasts take a bit longer. Make sure to check their doneness. Check the chicken's internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer for this. Also, look for a golden brown color on the outside. The juices should run clear when you cut into it. These chicken tenders pair well with many sides. Try serving them with a fresh salad. You can also add baked potatoes or sweet potato fries. They go great with coleslaw too. Don't forget a side of veggies for balance! Yes, you can prep these tenders in advance. Marinate the chicken and coat it in the breading. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This helps save time on busy days. Just cook them when you're ready for a tasty meal. There are many tasty dips to try! Honey mustard is a favorite choice. Ranch dressing also works well. You might like barbecue sauce or spicy ketchup. For a twist, try a yogurt dip with herbs. Each option adds a fun flavor! This blog post offers a simple way to make crispy chicken tenders. We covered the key ingredients, from marinating in buttermilk to using panko for crunch. I shared tips for perfecting the cook and even gave you variations to try. Whether you stick to the classic or explore alternatives, you can enjoy a tasty meal. Remember, the key lies in the details—cook with focus, and you'll serve up something great every time. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders

Savor the deliciousness of Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders with this easy recipe! Marinated for juiciness and coated with a flavorful mix of everything bagel seasoning, these tenders are air-fried to perfection for a crispy bite. Perfect for a family dinner or game day snack! Ready to impress your taste buds? Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your chicken game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken tenders

1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt for a tangy alternative)

1 cup panko bread crumbs

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cooking spray

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the chicken tenders and pour in the buttermilk. Stir the chicken gently to ensure all pieces are well-coated. Cover the bowl and allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, which will help to tenderize the chicken and maintain its juiciness.

    Prepare the Breading Station: Set up your breading station by placing the panko bread crumbs in a shallow dish. Sprinkle in the everything bagel seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. In a separate shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour.

      Coat the Tenders: Once the chicken has marinated, remove the tenders from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each tender in the flour, ensuring it's well-coated, then dip it back into the buttermilk. Finally, press each tender into the panko mixture, making sure to coat it well and pressing lightly to help the crumbs stick.

        Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy exterior.

          Air Fry the Tenders: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer within the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded for even cooking. Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray to promote browning.

            Cook: Air fry the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. They should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

              Serve: After cooking, carefully remove the tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken, enhancing flavor.

                Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, arrange the chicken tenders on a rustic wooden board. Serve alongside dipping sauces such as honey mustard or ranch, and sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color!