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Air Fryer Potato Chip Chicken Tenders

If you’re a fan of crispy, flavorful chicken, then this recipe for Air Fryer Potato Chip Chicken Tenders is sure to be a favorite in your household. These delightful tenders are coated in crunchy potato chips and are a hit whether it’s for dinner, a quick lunch, or serving as a tasty appetizer when you have friends over.

Dip them in your favorite sauces like homemade or store-bought Teriyaki sauce, Jack Daniel’s BBQ sauce, hot sauce, ranch, or blue cheese dressing, and watch them disappear in no time! Regardless of what you call them—nuggets, fingers, or strips—these chicken tenders are fun to prepare and utterly delicious.

By marinating the chicken and then coating it with coarsely crushed potato chips, these tenders remain moist and juicy inside while achieving a perfect crispy outer layer from the air fryer. Let’s dive into the details of this easy recipe that will make your mouth water!

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds of boneless chicken breasts, cut into long strips
1 ½ cups of plain wavy potato chips, crushed
½ cup of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon of lemon juice
½ cup of milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon of granulated garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste (about ¼ teaspoon each, adjusted as needed)
Optional: flavored potato chips for a unique coating

Instructions

Prep the Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, beat together the egg, milk, lemon juice, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken strips to the mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for about 1 hour. This step ensures the chicken absorbs all those wonderful flavors.
Crush the Chips: Place the plain potato chips in a sealable plastic bag and crush them gently until they are coarsely ground. You can use a rolling pin or your hands for this step.
Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and dip each piece into the crushed potato chips, ensuring they are fully coated. If there are any gaps, you can sprinkle some Italian breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
Prepare for Air Frying: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Once preheated, place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded to allow for proper air circulation.
Air Fry: Cook the chicken tenders for about 14 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy when done. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, serve your chicken tenders hot with a variety of dipping sauces. They are bound to be a delightful treat for any meal or gathering!

Suggestions and Tips for the Best Chicken Tenders

For a spicy kick, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture.
Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of the chicken before air frying for an extra layer of flavor.
This recipe is also great with other proteins. Try using boneless pork tenderloin, cube steaks, or thinly sliced boneless steaks!
No matter how you cook your chicken, be sure to use an instant-read thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked; you’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
For best results, always opt for fresh chicken breasts rather than frozen.
Explore different flavors by using flavored potato chips—it adds a fun twist to each batch!