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- 1 lb chicken tenderloins - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooking spray Gathering the right ingredients is key for Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders. First, you need chicken tenderloins. They are juicy and cook quickly. Next, buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken. It also adds a nice flavor. All-purpose flour is your first step in the breading process. It helps the next layer stick. Panko breadcrumbs give a great crunch. They are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs. Everything bagel seasoning brings a lot of flavors. It has bits of onion, garlic, and sesame. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth. Salt and pepper will enhance all flavors. Finally, cooking spray keeps everything from sticking in the air fryer. With these ingredients, you will create a tasty dish that everyone will love. Start by soaking the chicken tenderloins in buttermilk. This helps make the chicken tender and juicy. I recommend soaking for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, an hour is even better. The buttermilk not only flavors the chicken but also helps the breading stick better. Next, set up your breading station. Use three shallow dishes. In the first dish, add the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, beat a few eggs. This step is optional but it adds extra crunch. In the third dish, mix panko breadcrumbs with everything bagel seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well combined. Now, it’s time to prepare the air fryer. Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). This high heat ensures a crispy outside. While the air fryer heats, lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. This prevents the chicken from sticking. Once the air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook. Take each tenderloin from the buttermilk and let the excess drip off. First, dredge it in flour, shaking off the extra. Then dip it in the beaten egg, if you chose to use it. Finally, coat it in the panko mixture, pressing down to help it stick. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray. Air fry for 8-10 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. The tenders should be golden brown and reach an internal temp of 165°F (75°C). After cooking, let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Serve them on a platter. You can garnish with fresh parsley or sprinkle some extra everything bagel seasoning on top. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce, like honey mustard or ranch, for extra flavor. - Achieving maximum crispiness: For the crispiest chicken tenders, make sure to use panko breadcrumbs. They give a light and airy crunch. Also, spray a bit of cooking spray on the tenders before air frying. This helps them brown nicely. - Alternative soaking methods: If you want a quick soak, use yogurt instead of buttermilk. Yogurt also adds flavor and keeps the chicken juicy. You can let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes. - Refrigeration procedures: Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container. They can last in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they cool down before sealing. - Reheating methods: To reheat, use the air fryer again at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps them crispy. You can also use a microwave, but they won’t be as crunchy. {{image_2}} You can change the flavors of your chicken tenders easily. Here are some fun ideas: - Adding different seasonings: Try using spicy seasoning for a kick. You can add paprika for a smoky flavor. Lemon zest gives a fresh taste. Mix in some cumin for warmth. - Changing breading options: Instead of panko breadcrumbs, use crushed cornflakes for a crunchier bite. You can also try almond flour for a nutty flavor. For a gluten-free option, use ground oats instead of flour. Looking for a healthier twist? Here are some options to consider: - Using whole wheat flour: Swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This gives you extra fiber and nutrients. It still works great for breading! - Air fryer substitute options: If you want to cut calories, skip the cooking spray. Instead, brush the chicken lightly with oil using a pastry brush. This will still help your tenders crisp up nicely without the added calories. If your chicken is not crispy, try a few simple tricks. First, ensure you coat the chicken well with panko. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken. This helps them stick better. Also, make sure to spray the tops with cooking spray before cooking. This adds extra crunch. If you prefer even more crispiness, try adding cornstarch to your flour. A mix of half flour and half cornstarch works wonders for texture. Air fryers can be tricky. One common issue is overcrowding the basket. If you pack too many tenders in, they won’t cook evenly. Always arrange them in a single layer with space in between. This allows hot air to circulate around each piece. If you find your chicken is undercooked, check the temperature. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C). If it’s not done, simply put it back in the air fryer and cook for a few more minutes. It’s better to check early than to overcook. With these tips, you can enjoy perfectly crispy everything bagel chicken tenders every time. Soak the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the chicken stay juicy and tender. For best results, you can soak it for up to 2 hours. The longer it soaks, the more flavor it absorbs. Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenderloins. Just make sure to thaw them first for even cooking. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Once thawed, soak them in buttermilk as you would fresh chicken. Several sauces work well with these chicken tenders. Here are some tasty options: - Honey mustard - Ranch dressing - BBQ sauce - Spicy mayo - Garlic aioli Feel free to try different sauces to find your favorite! This blog post covered everything you need to make crispy everything bagel chicken tenders. We explored key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and variations to suit your taste. Remember to soak the chicken for the best flavor and texture. Don’t hesitate to experiment with seasonings or try healthier alternatives. If you run into issues, our troubleshooting section can help. With these simple steps, you can create a dish that impresses. Enjoy every bite!

Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders

Discover the deliciousness of Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders that are crispy, flavorful, and oh-so-easy to make! With simple ingredients like chicken tenderloins, buttermilk, and everything bagel seasoning, you can whip up a delightful meal in just 40 minutes. These tenders are perfect for any occasion—serve them with your favorite dipping sauce! Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken tenderloins

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, soak the chicken tenderloins in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This will help to tenderize the chicken and keep it moist.

    Set Up Breading Station: In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour in the first dish, beaten eggs in the second (optional for extra crispiness), and mix the panko breadcrumbs, everything bagel seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in the third dish.

      Bread the Chicken: Take each tenderloin from the buttermilk and let the excess drip off. First, dredge it in flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it in the beaten egg (if using), and finally coat it in the panko and seasoning mixture, pressing firmly to ensure it adheres well.

        Prepare Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

          Air Fry: Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).

            Serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

              Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken tenders on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra everything bagel seasoning. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard or ranch, for added flavor!