There is something truly irresistible about a crunchy, flavorful coating hugging tender chicken, and that’s exactly what the Air Fryer Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe delivers in every bite. This recipe takes simple chicken tenders and elevates them with a perfectly seasoned, crunchy pretzel crust, baked to golden perfection in the air fryer. The result is a dish that’s crispy, savory, and supremely satisfying without the mess or guilt of deep frying. Whether you’re feeding kids or impressing friends at a casual dinner, these pretzel-crusted tenders are sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Air Fryer Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that pack serious flavor and texture. Each component plays its part—from the crunchy pretzels to the smoky spices—making this dish a simple yet standout meal.
- 2 cups pretzels: Use seasoned pretzels like Dot’s Original for a flavorful, crunchy crust.
- ½ tsp smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that deepens the overall taste.
- ½ tsp Cajun spice: Brings a touch of heat and complexity to the coating.
- 1 tsp garlic salt: Infuses the crust with savory garlic goodness and enhances flavor.
- ¾ cup Panko breadcrumbs: Helps create an extra crispy, crunchy texture in the crust.
- 2 eggs: Binds the crust to the chicken for an even coating.
- 1 pound chicken tenders: The star protein, tender and perfect for crispy crusting.
- Cooking oil spray: Ensures a golden finish when air frying.
How to Make Air Fryer Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Pretzel Crumbs
Start by popping your pretzels into a food processor. Pulse until they resemble coarse breadcrumbs. This texture is key for that signature crunch without being too powdery, giving your crust just the right bite.
Step 2: Combine with Panko and Seasonings
In a bowl, mix your pretzel crumbs with panko breadcrumbs. Panko lends a lightness and extra crunch. Next, add smoked paprika, Cajun spice, and garlic salt, stirring everything together to spread those bold flavors throughout.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Wash
Whisk the two eggs in a shallow bowl until the yolks and whites are fully combined. This egg wash will help the pretzel crust stick beautifully to the chicken tenders and create that irresistible crispy coating.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Tenders
Pat your chicken tenders dry to remove excess moisture for better adhesion. Working one at a time, dip each tender into the egg wash, then press into the pretzel mixture, ensuring a thorough, even coating. Set them aside on a parchment-lined baking tray as you go.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Spray your air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the tenders in a single layer, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Cook at 370°F for about 14 minutes, flipping halfway if your air fryer allows. You’ll know they’re done when golden and crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Step 6: Serve and Savor
Once cooked, let the tenders rest briefly—this helps retain juiciness. Then get ready to dig in to crunchy, flavorful perfection!
How to Serve Air Fryer Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing these tenders with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a delightful zing that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
Pair these chicken tenders with creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp, tangy coleslaw for a classic combo. Roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad also work wonderfully to round out your meal with vibrant textures and colors.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to wow guests? Serve them atop a bed of mixed greens with drizzled honey mustard or spicy sriracha mayo for dipping. You can also slice the tenders and toss them into wraps or sandwiches for a fun, portable meal option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Air Fryer Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them great for quick lunches or snacks.
Freezing
To store longer, place the coated but uncooked tenders on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to cook, you can air fry them straight from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated tenders in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to bring back that original crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crunchy—it tends to get soggy that way.
FAQs
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of pretzels?
While you can substitute with regular breadcrumbs, pretzels bring a unique savory crunch and seasoning that really elevates the dish. If you want that special flavor and texture, sticking to pretzels is definitely worth it.
Do I need a food processor for the pretzels?
A food processor is the easiest way to get evenly crushed pretzels, but you can also place them in a sealable bag and crush with a rolling pin or heavy pan—just aim for coarse crumbs rather than powder.
What dipping sauces go best with these chicken tenders?
Honey mustard, ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, or even a smoky BBQ sauce make fantastic companions. Their creamy or tangy notes complement the crunchy, flavorful crust perfectly.
Can I make this Air Fryer Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe gluten-free?
To keep it gluten-free, choose gluten-free pretzels and panko alternatives. Many stores carry gluten-free breadcrumbs and pretzel options, so it’s entirely possible while maintaining that delicious crunch.
How do I know when the chicken tenders are fully cooked?
Chicken tenders should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The air fryer’s crispiness usually signals they’re done, but using a meat thermometer guarantees safe and juicy results every time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a fun twist on classic chicken tenders, this Air Fryer Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe should be your next go-to. The combination of crunchy pretzel coating, savory spices, and juicy chicken is utterly addictive. Plus, the air fryer makes it so simple and less messy than traditional frying. Give it a try—you might just find a new family favorite you want to make again and again!
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Air Fryer Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Air Fryer Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders are a flavorful, crunchy twist on classic chicken tenders. Coated with a seasoned pretzel and panko breadcrumb mixture, these tenders are air fried to golden perfection, providing a crispy exterior without the extra oil. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or a tasty snack that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Pretzel Crust
- 2 cups pretzels (Dot’s Original Seasoned Pretzels recommended)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp Cajun spice
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- ¾ cup Panko breadcrumbs
Chicken and Coating
- 2 eggs
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- Cooking oil spray (for air fryer basket)
Instructions
- Prepare Pretzel Crumbs: Add the pretzels to the bowl of your food processor and pulse on high until they mostly resemble coarse bread crumbs.
- Mix Coating: In a small bowl, combine the pretzel crumb mixture with the Panko breadcrumbs and stir well to combine.
- Add Seasonings: Add smoked paprika, Cajun spice, and garlic salt to the pretzel crumb mixture. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices.
- Whisk Eggs: In a shallow bowl, whisk the two eggs until fully combined and smooth.
- Prep Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to ensure the coating adheres properly.
- Coat Chicken: Working one tender at a time, dip the chicken first into the whisked eggs, then dredge thoroughly in the pretzel crumb mixture to coat evenly.
- Arrange on Tray: Place coated tenders on a baking tray lined with parchment paper to keep them organized and prevent sticking.
- Repeat Coating: Repeat the egg and coating process with each chicken tender until all are coated and arranged on the tray.
- Prepare Air Fryer: Spray the basket of your air fryer with a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking during cooking.
- Load Air Fryer: Add the chicken tenders to the air fryer basket in batches of three to avoid overcrowding, which helps them cook evenly.
- Air Fry: Set the air fryer to 370°F and cook the chicken tenders for 14 minutes, flipping them halfway through if desired for even crispness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked to a crispy golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches for the best crispiness.
- Use a food processor for quick and even pulverizing of pretzels into crumbs.
- If you don’t have seasoned pretzels, add extra spices to the coating to enhance flavor.
- Patting the chicken dry before coating helps the crumb mixture stick better.
- For extra crispiness, flip the chicken tenders halfway through the cooking time.
- Serve with honey mustard, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
