Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Paleo-Friendly & Delicious)

If you're craving crispy chicken tenders without the guilt, these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are the perfect solution! 

Completely Paleo-friendly, they're made without grains, dairy, or refined sugars, giving you a wholesome meal that satisfies those fried food cravings while sticking to your healthy eating goals.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)

• 1 cup almond flour

• 1/4 cup tapioca flour (or arrowroot starch)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp sea salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tbsp water

• Cooking spray (avocado oil or olive oil)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Breading:

   • In a shallow bowl, combine almond flour, tapioca flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper.

2. Whisk the Eggs:

   • In another bowl, whisk the eggs with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash.

3. Coat the Chicken:

   • Dip each chicken tender into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off.

   • Then, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer:

   • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.

5. Cook the Chicken Tenders:

   • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.

   • Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer (you may need to cook in batches).

   • Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray.

   • Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F).

6. Serve & Enjoy:

   • Serve with your favorite Paleo-friendly dipping sauce, like homemade ranch or honey mustard.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenders:

• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Give each tender space to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

• Double dip for extra crisp: For an ultra-crispy coating, dip the tenders back into the egg wash and flour mixture for a second layer.

• Use a meat thermometer: This ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked without drying out.

Paleo-Friendly Dipping Sauce Ideas:

• Avocado Ranch: Blend avocado, Paleo mayo, garlic, dill, and lemon juice.

• Honey Mustard: Mix Dijon mustard with raw honey and a touch of apple cider vinegar.

• Spicy Aioli: Combine Paleo mayo with garlic and a dash of hot sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use coconut flour instead of almond flour?

Coconut flour tends to absorb more moisture and can make the coating too dry. Almond flour gives a better texture and crispiness for this recipe.

Q2: Can I freeze these chicken tenders?

Yes! After cooking, let them cool completely and freeze in a single layer. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

Q3: How can I make these tenders even crispier?

Double-coating the tenders (egg wash + flour mixture twice) and lightly spraying the tops with oil before air frying enhances the crisp factor.

Q4: What can I use instead of eggs for coating?

For an egg-free option, use a mixture of almond milk and a tablespoon of tapioca starch to help the flour mixture stick.

Q5: Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Yes! Preheat your oven to 425°F, place the breaded tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Paleo Chicken Tenders:

• Healthy & Delicious: No refined grains or oils, yet perfectly crispy.

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.

• Kid-Friendly: A wholesome meal the entire family will love.

• Versatile: Great as a main dish, salad topper, or even a snack.

These Air Fryer Paleo Chicken Tenders bring you the ultimate crispy, juicy goodness without the extra calories or guilt. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to become a regular on your healthy eating menu!