Crunchy on the outside, tender inside—our Air Fryer Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders are perfect for snacks or meals! #airfryerrecipes #pretzelcrust #chickentenders
### Air Fryer Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders: A Savory Delight
Chicken tenders are a classic comfort food that can be elevated to gourmet status when paired with pretzel crust. This recipe will guide you through making air fryer chicken tenders that are crispy on the outside and juicy inside, perfect for any gathering or meal.
#### Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 cup crushed pretzels
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
#### Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Ziplock bag or plastic wrap
- Paper towels
#### Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Prepare the Chicken:**
- Cut chicken breasts into thin strips.
- Place the chicken strips in a zip-lock bag or cover them with plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to flatten each piece gently until they are about 1/4-inch thick.
2. **Coat the Chicken Strips:**
- In one bowl, mix the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- Place the crushed pretzels in a third bowl with panko breadcrumbs mixed together for the coating mixture.
3. **Dredge and Coating:**
- Coat each chicken strip by first rolling it in the flour mixture to coat both sides evenly.
- Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring the strips are fully coated.
- Finally, roll them in the pretzel-panko breadcrumb mixture until well-coated.
4. **Preheat and Air Fry:**
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for about 2 minutes.
- Place the chicken tenders on a wire rack or lined baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other to allow even cooking.
5. **Air Fry Until Crispy:**
- Air fry the chicken tenders for approximately 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Once done, remove from the air fryer and let them rest on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
#### Tips for Success
- **Consistency:** Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps in achieving the perfect texture.
- **Oil Level:** Use minimal oil or none as pretzels naturally create a crisp crust without added fat.
- **Flour Mixture:** You can adjust the flour mixture to your taste, adding more salt or other spices if desired.
#### Conclusion
These air fryer pretzel crusted chicken tenders are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. Perfect for a quick and healthy meal any day of the week! By following these detailed steps, you'll have a satisfying snack or main dish that's sure to please everyone at your table.
*Keywords: Air fryer, chicken tenders, pretzel crust, homemade, crispy outside, juicy inside, easy recipe, air fryer pretzel crusted chicken*
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