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Crispy Small Batch Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Easy Recipe with Creamy Centers

crispy air fryer chicken tenders - featured image
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These air fryer chicken tenders feature a crispy outside and a luscious creamy cheese center, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or snacks. They are easy to make in small batches with simple ingredients and deliver a comforting, flavorful bite every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) fresh, boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
  • 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 cup (90g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Cooking spray (avocado oil spray recommended)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cream cheese filling by stirring softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  2. Set up coating stations: whisk beaten egg in one bowl; combine flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in another; place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
  3. Stuff each chicken tender with about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese, pinching edges to seal.
  4. Dredge each stuffed tender in the seasoned flour mixture, shake off excess, dip into beaten egg, then coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
  5. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  6. Lightly spray air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange tenders in a single layer without touching. Spray tops lightly with cooking spray.
  7. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If browning too fast, reduce temperature to 375°F (190°C) and add a few minutes.
  8. Let tenders rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Notes

Seal the cream cheese filling well to prevent leaking. Preheat the air fryer for best crisping. Flip tenders halfway through cooking for even browning. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For gluten-free, substitute almond flour and gluten-free panko. For dairy-free, use plant-based spread and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, creamy chicken tenders, easy chicken recipe, small batch chicken, quick dinner, healthy chicken tenders

Find it online: https://avabake.com/crispy-small-batch-air-fryer-chicken-tenders-easy-recipe-with-creamy-centers/