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To make these tasty chicken tenders, you need: - 1 pound chicken tenders - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1 large egg, beaten - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs These ingredients create a juicy and crispy base for your dish. Flavor makes all the difference! You will need: - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper These seasonings add a savory touch. The flour helps the chicken stick to the breading. The sauce brings everything together. For the sweet chili sauce, gather: - 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce - 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce - 1 teaspoon sesame oil This mix adds a sweet and spicy kick. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra flair. First, gather your chicken tenders. You’ll need one pound for this recipe. In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This blend gives the chicken great flavor. Toss the chicken tenders in the flour mixture until they are coated evenly. This step helps the breading stick well. Now, let’s set up your breading station. You need two bowls. In the first bowl, beat one large egg. This will help the breadcrumbs stick. In the second bowl, pour in one cup of panko breadcrumbs. These breadcrumbs will make the tenders crispy. You’re ready to coat the chicken! Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for five minutes. This ensures even cooking. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with oil. Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer. They should not touch. This spacing helps them get nice and crispy. Cook for ten minutes. Flip the tenders halfway through to brown both sides. Make sure they reach an internal temp of 165°F (75°C). While the chicken cooks, let’s make the sweet chili sauce. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Stir this mix until it’s well blended. This sauce adds a sweet and tangy kick to your chicken. When the chicken is done, carefully take it out of the air fryer. Place the tenders in a large bowl and drizzle the sweet chili sauce over them. Toss gently to coat. Transfer the glazed chicken tenders to a serving platter. For a colorful touch, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top. Serve with a small bowl of extra sweet chili sauce for dipping. Enjoy your crispy treats! To get that perfect crunch, follow these tips: - Use panko breadcrumbs for extra texture. - Space the chicken tenders apart in the fryer. - Spray a light coat of oil on the tenders before cooking. - Flip them halfway through cooking for even crispiness. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheat it for about 5 minutes. Cook the chicken tenders for 10 minutes. Flip them at the halfway mark. Make sure they reach 165°F (75°C) inside. This ensures they are cooked through and safe to eat. Avoid these common errors to get the best results: - Don’t overcrowd the basket; this leads to soggy tenders. - Skip the flour coating at your own risk; it helps with crispiness. - Forgetting to preheat can make cooking uneven. - Not checking the internal temperature may lead to undercooked chicken. By keeping these tips in mind, you can make the best air fryer sweet chili chicken tenders. Enjoy the crunch! {{image_4}} You can switch up the sweet chili sauce for different flavors. Here are some ideas: - Buffalo Sauce: For a spicy kick, use buffalo sauce. It adds heat and flavor. - Honey Mustard: Mix honey and mustard for a sweet, tangy sauce. It pairs well with chicken. - Barbecue Sauce: Try your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky taste. It’s a crowd-pleaser. - Teriyaki Sauce: For a sweeter Asian twist, use teriyaki sauce. It adds a nice glaze. These sauces offer new tastes and keep things fun. Don’t hesitate to mix and match! If you need a gluten-free meal, you can still enjoy these chicken tenders. Here’s how: - Flour: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. Almond flour or coconut flour work great too. - Breadcrumbs: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. They still give that nice crunch. - Soy Sauce: Opt for gluten-free soy sauce. It tastes just as good and keeps the dish flavorful. These swaps help you enjoy the dish without the gluten. You can use different proteins or vegetables to mix it up. Here are some tasty options: - Chicken Breasts: Cut chicken breasts into strips for a thicker tender. - Turkey Tenders: Turkey is a leaner option and still delicious. - Tofu: For a plant-based twist, use firm tofu. It soaks up flavors well. - Vegetables: Try air frying vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. They turn crispy and tasty. These variations let you explore new flavors while keeping the cooking method fun and easy. You can store leftover sweet chili chicken tenders in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to let them cool first. This helps keep them crispy when you reheat. To reheat, I suggest using the air fryer again. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Cook the tenders for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method helps restore their crunch. You can also use a microwave, but it may make them soft. If you choose this, cover them with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great choice. Place the cooked tenders in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They last up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat in the air fryer for the best results. Cook chicken tenders in the air fryer for 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Flip them halfway through for even cooking. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Cut them into strips to match the size of tenders. Adjust cooking time slightly, as thicker pieces may need a bit longer to cook through. Serve sweet chili chicken tenders with rice, steamed veggies, or a fresh salad. You can also add a side of extra sweet chili sauce for dipping. This combo makes a tasty meal. Absolutely! These chicken tenders store well. You can make them ahead of time and keep them in the fridge. Reheat them in the air fryer for a quick meal later. You've learned how to make tasty chicken tenders using an air fryer. We covered the key ingredients, how to prepare and cook them, and even shared some helpful tips. Remember to keep an eye on the cooking time for best results. You can use various sauces, and feel free to get creative with ingredients. Enjoy your crispy chicken tenders, and don’t forget to explore different options for sides or storage. A little twist can make your meal more fun and fresh!

Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Tenders

Get ready for a flavor explosion with these Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Tenders! This easy recipe guides you through prepping juicy chicken tenders, coating them with crispy panko, and drenching them in a mouthwatering sweet chili sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner or an appetizer that will wow your guests, these tenders are sure to become a favorite. Click to explore the full recipe and bring this delicious dish to your table!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken tenders

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 large egg, beaten

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/4 cup sweet chili sauce

1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

Chopped green onions, for garnish

Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions
 

Prep the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss them in the flour mixture until they are evenly coated on all sides.

    Set Up Your Breading Station: Prepare your breading area by placing the beaten egg in one bowl for dipping, and placing the panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl for coating.

      Coat the Chicken: Take each flour-coated chicken tender, dip it into the beaten egg, letting any excess egg drip off. Then roll it in the panko breadcrumbs, gently pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they adhere well. Continue this process until all chicken tenders are coated.

        Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure it's ready for optimal cooking.

          Arrange for Frying: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a small amount of oil. Carefully arrange the breaded chicken tenders in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch each other. This spacing boosts crispiness.

            Air Fry the Chicken: Cook the chicken tenders in the air fryer for a total of 10 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time (around the 5-minute mark), flip the tenders over to ensure even browning and cooking. Continue cooking until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

              Prepare the Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir until fully blended.

                Toss Tenders in Sauce: After cooking, carefully remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle the sweet chili sauce mixture over the tenders and toss gently until they are completely coated.

                  Garnish and Serve: Transfer the glazed chicken tenders to a serving platter. Finish by sprinkling sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for a burst of color and flavor.

                    Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken tenders on a colorful platter, with a small bowl of extra sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with additional green onions for an appealing visual touch.