Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Low-Carb and Gluten-Free
Crispy Deliciousness Awaits
Ever bitten into a chicken tender so crispy you thought it was straight out of your favorite diner? 🍽️ Get ready to experience this Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Low-Carb and Gluten-Free recipe that’s not just quick but absolutely mouthwatering. The magic happens in your air fryer, giving you the satisfaction of a crispy crunch without the guilt. Your taste buds will thank you!
Why Make This Recipe?
Why should you whip up these tender beauties? Here’s the scoop:
- Simple Clean-Up: No messy frying oil or piles of dishes. Just your air fryer basket and a few bowls. What’s better than that?
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will devour these! Who doesn’t love a good chicken tender? Get ready for the "more, please!" requests.
- Health-Conscious: Low-carb and gluten-free, these tenders fit perfectly into a variety of diets. So, you can indulge a little without the guilt! 😇
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup blanched almond flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 12 chicken tenders – about 1.5 lbs
- Olive oil cooking spray
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions
- Crack the eggs into a shallow bowl and season them with salt and pepper.
- In a separate shallow bowl, mix the almond flour with the garlic powder, parsley, paprika, plus some more salt and pepper.
- Dip each chicken tender into the egg, then coat it in the almond flour mixture. Set them aside on a clean plate. Repeat until all chicken is coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F and spray the basket with olive oil spray.
- Lay some chicken tenders in an even layer in the basket and spray them lightly with more olive oil. Cook for 7 minutes.
- Flip the tenders, spray the other side, and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until crispy.
- Meanwhile, in a pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add hot sauce, honey, tomato paste, and season with salt and pepper. Whisk together and cook for 2-3 minutes on low heat. Set aside.
- Once all the chicken is cooked, transfer to a platter and drizzle with the sauce. Serve warm and enjoy!
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Low-Carb and Gluten-Free (Overview)
Making these chicken tenders is a walk in the park. You’ll first create a crispy coating by mixing the dry ingredients and dipping them in eggs. Then, the air fryer takes care of the rest — cooking them until they’re golden brown and delicious. Pro tip: Don’t skip the butter sauce; trust me, it takes these tenders to another level of yum!
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Low-Carb and Gluten-Free
These tenders are a blank canvas for your culinary creativity!
- Serve them over a bed of crunchy greens for a refreshing salad.
- Pair with a side of veggie sticks and a dipping sauce for a fun appetizer.
- Imagine the aroma of perfectly cooked tenders wafting through your kitchen, making your mouth water in anticipation. Yum!
How to Store Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Low-Carb and Gluten-Free
Got leftovers? No problem! Store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, pop them in the freezer, where they can last for up to 3 months. To reheat, air fry them for 5-7 minutes straight from the freezer. Just like magic! ✨
Tips to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Low-Carb and Gluten-Free
- Timing is Key: Make sure to cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
- Experiment with Flavors: Play around with spices like cayenne pepper for a little kick or Italian seasoning for a twist.
- Keep It Crisp: For extra-crunchiness, give the tenders a light spray of oil halfway through cooking.
Variation
Want to switch things up? Try using tofu or seitan for a vegan version! Just make sure they’re cut into similar sizes as the chicken to ensure even cooking. Throw in some curry powder for an exotic flavor twist — your taste buds will dance!
FAQs
Can I use other types of flour?
Yes! Coconut flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend will work in a pinch. Just know they might change the texture a bit!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the chicken tenders and store them in the fridge for later frying. Just remember to coat and cook them fresh for best results.
How do I reheat these chicken tenders?
Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. They’ll get crispy again, just like when they were fresh!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Method
- Crack the eggs into a shallow bowl and season them with salt and pepper.
- In a separate shallow bowl, mix the almond flour with the garlic powder, parsley, paprika, plus some more salt and pepper.
- Dip each chicken tender into the egg, then coat it in the almond flour mixture. Set them aside on a clean plate. Repeat until all chicken is coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F and spray the basket with olive oil spray.
- Lay some chicken tenders in an even layer in the basket and spray them lightly with more olive oil. Cook for 7 minutes.
- Flip the tenders, spray the other side, and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until crispy.
- Meanwhile, in a pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add hot sauce, honey, tomato paste, and season with salt and pepper. Whisk together and cook for 2-3 minutes on low heat. Set aside.
- Once all the chicken is cooked, transfer to a platter and drizzle with the sauce. Serve warm and enjoy!
