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- 1 pound chicken tenders - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 large egg, beaten - 3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste The main ingredients set the base for your tasty chicken tenders. Chicken tenders are juicy and easy to cook. Buttermilk adds moisture and flavor, while the beaten egg helps the coating stick. For seasoning and coating, everything bagel seasoning brings a unique twist. I love using panko breadcrumbs. They make the tenders crispy. All-purpose flour creates a perfect base for the coatings. The additional seasonings enhance the taste. Garlic powder adds depth. Onion powder gives a mild sweetness. Smoked paprika adds a hint of smokiness. Remember to season with salt and pepper to balance the flavors. With these ingredients, you will make mouthwatering everything bagel air fryer chicken tenders. Each bite will burst with flavor. 1. Start by mixing buttermilk with seasonings. Use garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. 2. Whisk until the mixture is smooth. This step adds flavor to the chicken tenders. 3. Place the chicken tenders in the buttermilk mix. Make sure they are well-coated. 4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. You can marinate longer for a deeper taste. 1. Set up three bowls for dredging. 2. In the first bowl, add all-purpose flour. This helps the egg stick. 3. In the second bowl, beat one large egg. This adds moisture to the coating. 4. In the third bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with everything bagel seasoning. This gives the chicken its signature flavor. 1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures even cooking. 2. Remove each chicken tender from the marinade. Let the extra buttermilk drip off. 3. Dredge the tender in flour first. Then dip it in the egg, and finally coat it with the panko mix. 4. Press the coating onto the chicken so it sticks well. 5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking. 6. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overcrowding. 7. Spray the tops with cooking spray for extra crispiness. 8. Air fry the chicken tenders for about 10-12 minutes. Turn them halfway through. They are done when golden brown and reach 165°F (75°C). 9. Remove from the air fryer and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your tasty creation! Cooking spray is key for a crispy finish. It helps the coating get golden and crunchy. Without it, the chicken can turn out soggy. Always spray the chicken tenders lightly before and after placing them in the air fryer. For the best results, set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This high heat cooks the tenders quickly, sealing in the moisture. Cook them for 10 to 12 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through for even cooking. To boost flavor, marinate your chicken tenders in a buttermilk mix. Combine buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This adds moisture and flavor. The ideal marination time is at least 30 minutes. For a deeper taste, consider marinating overnight. Just keep them covered in the fridge. These chicken tenders pair well with many dips. Try honey mustard, ranch, or a spicy aioli. Each dip adds a new flavor layer. For sides, consider crispy fries or a fresh salad. They make a complete meal that everyone will love. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your chicken tenders easily. Try different seasonings to make them your own. For a twist, add some lemon zest or fresh herbs like dill or parsley. If you like heat, toss in some cayenne pepper or chili flakes. These spices add a nice kick to every bite. You don't have to use an air fryer. You can bake or pan-fry these chicken tenders too. For the oven-baked version, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown. For pan-frying, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken tenders for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are crispy and cooked through. Both methods give tasty results! If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. They work just as well in this recipe. For a dairy-free version, substitute buttermilk with almond milk mixed with a splash of vinegar. This keeps the chicken tender and flavorful without dairy. To keep your chicken tenders fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. I recommend using glass or plastic containers with tight lids. This keeps moisture in and prevents the chicken from drying out. You can store leftovers for up to three days. To reheat and maintain that crispy texture, use the air fryer. Set it to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken tenders in a single layer. Heat them for about 5-7 minutes. Check them often to avoid overcooking. They should be hot and crispy again! To freeze your chicken tenders, let them cool completely first. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Try to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the air fryer as mentioned before. This way, they stay delicious and crispy! Everything bagel seasoning is a blend of spices. It often includes sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt. This mix gives your dish a savory crunch and rich flavor. You can find it in stores or make your own. Just mix the seeds and spices together for a tasty boost. To check if chicken tenders are done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature must reach 165°F (75°C). You can also look for a golden brown color. If the juices run clear when cut, they are ready to eat. Both methods ensure safe and juicy chicken. Yes, you can make these chicken tenders ahead of time. Prepare and coat them, then place them in the fridge. They can sit for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them after coating. Just thaw and air fry when ready. This saves time and adds flavor! In this post, we covered how to make delicious chicken tenders with simple steps. You learned about the main ingredients and the importance of marinating. We talked about cooking tips for crispiness and suggested variations to keep things interesting. Remember, experimenting can make your dish unique. Use different spices or cooking methods. Storing leftovers properly helps maintain flavor and texture. Overall, you can easily create tasty tenders at home that everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking and share your results!

Everything Bagel Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Discover the crispy and delicious world of everything bagel air fryer chicken tenders! With a flavorful buttermilk marinade and a crunchy everything bagel coating, these tenders are perfect for a quick meal or snack. Simply coat, air fry, and enjoy a guilt-free twist on a classic favorite. Ready to impress at your next gathering? Click through for the complete recipe and elevate your chicken game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken tenders

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 large egg, beaten

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.

    Add the chicken tenders into the buttermilk mixture, coating them evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for deeper flavor).

      In another bowl, set up a dredging station: place the flour in one bowl, the beaten egg in another, and combine panko breadcrumbs with everything bagel seasoning in a third bowl.

        Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

          Remove each chicken tender from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess to drip off. First, dredge it in the flour, then dip into the egg, and finally coat with the everything bagel panko mixture. Press firmly to ensure the coating sticks well.

            Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer, making sure they do not touch each other.

              Spray the tops of the chicken tenders lightly with cooking spray for a crispy finish.

                Air fry the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).

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

                    Prep Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 4