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- 1 pound chicken tenders - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 large egg, beaten - Everything bagel seasoning - Panko breadcrumbs - All-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste When making Everything Bagel Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, the right ingredients make all the difference. The chicken tenders are the star of this dish. They are juicy and tender, perfect for a quick meal. The buttermilk adds moisture and flavor. It helps the chicken soak up all the good spices. The egg helps the breading stick. It gives the tenders a nice crunch. Panko breadcrumbs provide a light, crispy coating. They are perfect for air frying. Everything bagel seasoning adds a unique twist. It has a mix of flavors, including sesame and poppy seeds. For extra flavor, I use garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. These spices complement the everything bagel seasoning well. Salt and pepper round out the taste. Together, these ingredients create a tasty dish you will love. In summary, gather these ingredients for a fun cooking adventure. You will enjoy every bite of these tenders! - In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup of buttermilk, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. - Ensure the mixture is smooth and well blended. - Add 1 pound of chicken tenders to the marinade. - Make sure each piece is fully coated. - Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, marinate overnight. - Set up three bowls. - In the first bowl, add 1 cup of all-purpose flour. - In the second bowl, place 1 large beaten egg. - In the third bowl, mix 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs with 3 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning. - This mix gives the tenders a tasty crunch. - Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for around 5 minutes. - Take each chicken tender from the marinade. Let any extra liquid drip off. - Dredge the tender in flour, shaking off the excess. - Dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated. - Finally, press it into the panko mixture for a good coating. - Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to stop sticking. - Place the chicken tenders in a single layer, giving space between them. - Spray the tops of the tenders lightly with more cooking spray. - Cook for 10-12 minutes. Turn the tenders halfway through. - They should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when done. - After cooking, let the tenders cool for a few minutes before serving. Marinating chicken tenders makes a big difference. I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, let them sit overnight in the fridge. This lets the spices soak in deeply, giving you juicy, tasty tenders. For dipping sauces, try honey mustard or ranch. These pair well with the seasoned crust. You can also use a spicy mayo for extra kick. To get that crunchy texture, use cooking spray. Lightly coat both the chicken and the air fryer basket. This helps the coating stick and crisp up nicely. When placing the tenders in the air fryer, arrange them in a single layer. Make sure they don’t touch each other. This allows hot air to flow around them, cooking them evenly. Preheating your air fryer is key. Set it to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes before cooking. This helps the chicken start cooking right away and get crispy. Cook time may vary by air fryer model. I suggest checking your tenders at the 10-minute mark. If they aren't golden brown yet, give them a couple more minutes. Always ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving. {{image_4}} You can change up the flavors with different seasonings. Try using taco seasoning for a fun twist. You can also mix in some ranch seasoning for a creamy taste. For those who like heat, add cayenne pepper or chili powder. Just a pinch will give your chicken tenders a nice kick. If you're gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour. Use gluten-free panko for the crispy coating. You can also bake these tenders instead of air-frying. Just place them on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes. This keeps them crispy while using less oil. Pair your chicken tenders with tasty side dishes. French fries or a fresh salad work great. You can also serve them with sweet potato wedges for a colorful plate. For a fun twist, use small bowls for dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch. Garnish with fresh herbs to make the dish pop. After you make the Everything Bagel Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, store them in the fridge. Place cooked tenders in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure they cool down before sealing them. This helps keep the crust crispy. For reheating, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the tenders in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This will bring back their crunch and warmth. You can also use an oven. Lay them on a baking sheet and heat for 10 minutes. You can freeze cooked or uncooked chicken tenders. For cooked tenders, let them cool first. Wrap each tender in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They last for up to two months in the freezer. If you want to freeze uncooked tenders, coat them as usual but skip the air frying. Lay them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They are good for up to three months. To thaw, move the chicken to the fridge overnight. This keeps them safe and tasty. If you're short on time, you can use the microwave. Just be careful not to cook them while thawing. I recommend marinating chicken tenders for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, let them sit overnight. This allows the buttermilk and spices to soak in well. The longer they marinate, the juicier and more flavorful they become. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Cut them into strips that are about the same size as tenders. This helps them cook evenly. Keep in mind that cooking time may be slightly longer for thicker pieces. Always check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F (75°C). Some great dipping sauces include honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce. These sauces add a nice contrast to the savory bagel seasoning. You can also try a creamy garlic dip or a spicy sriracha mayo for a kick. In this post, we explored making Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders. We started with key ingredients like chicken tenders and buttermilk. Then, we walked through easy steps for marinating, coating, and air frying. Tips for flavor and crispiness will help you get it just right. Don't forget the fun of variations and storage tips. Experiment with your favorite dips to make this dish shine. Enjoy your crispy, tasty creation with loved ones!

Everything Bagel Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Elevate your dinner game with these Everything Bagel Air Fryer Chicken Tenders! Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly crispy, this easy recipe features a delicious marinade and a crunchy everything bagel coating that both kids and adults will love. With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you'll create a meal that’s sure to impress. Click through now to discover the full recipe and unleash these mouthwatering tenders in your kitchen!
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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
 

Make the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined.

    Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken tenders to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; for maximum flavor, let them marinate overnight.

      Set Up the Dredging Station: Prepare three separate bowls: in the first bowl, add the flour; in the second bowl, place the beaten egg; in the third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with everything bagel seasoning.

        Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 5 minutes.

          Coat the Chicken: Remove each chicken tender from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. First, dredge it in flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip it into the beaten egg, then finally coat it with the everything bagel panko mixture. Press down gently to ensure the coating adheres well.

            Prepare the Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer, ensuring that they do not touch each other for even cooking.

              Crisp the Tenders: Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with more cooking spray to promote a crispy texture.

                Air Fry: Cook the chicken tenders in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time. They should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when fully cooked.

                  Serve: Once cooked, remove the tenders from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the crust set.

                    - Prep Time: 40 minutes

                      - Total Time: 55 minutes

                        - Servings: 4

                          Presentation Tips: Serve these delicious tenders on a rustic platter alongside a dipping sauce such as honey mustard or ranch. Garnish with fresh herbs for a vibrant touch!