Air Fryer Naked Chicken Tenders

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Fancy a tasty, healthy meal that’s easy to prepare? Indulge in these naked chicken tenders that are packed with flavor and cooked to perfection in your air fryer.

Naked chicken tenders garnished with parsley.

Welcome to the world of Naked Chicken Tenders, where flavor and simplicity come together to create a delicious, family-friendly meal. If you’re looking for an easy-to-prepare dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor, you’ve come to the right place. These Naked Chicken Tenders are air fried to perfection, using less oil while still delivering the crispy texture we all love. The secret lies in the blend of delicious spices that add a flavor explosion to every tender bite. So gather your loved ones and prepare to indulge in a delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights or a leisurely weekend dinner. Enjoy!

A Brief History of the Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders, also known as chicken fingers or chicken strips, are believed to have originated in the United States in the 20th century. A popular appetizer and fast-food option, these juicy chunks of chicken are typically breaded and deep-fried. Our Naked Chicken Tenders recipe offers a healthier, less fatty alternative to the traditional dish by using an air fryer and skipping the breading.

frequently asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tender?

Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for chicken tenders. Just cut them into strips to resemble tenders. Note that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the strips.

What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake these in the oven?

Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the naked chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. Before serving, check if the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can I sharpen naked chicken tenders?

To add some spiciness, try incorporating cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a flavorful spice blend into the spice mix. Adjust the amount to your taste preferences.

Can I use a different spice blend?

Definitive! Feel free to experiment with different spice mixes such as Italian, Mexican or Caribbean flavors to create a unique taste experience. Just make sure you keep the same total amount of spices for proper coverage and flavor balance.

serving suggestions

Serve naked chicken tenders with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, such as B. honey mustard, barbecue sauce or ranch dressing. Pair it with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a light, flavorful coleslaw for a complete meal.

Top view of naked chicken tenders in an air fryer.

Storage and reheating instructions

Save any leftover naked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To warm up, Simply place the tenders in your air fryer for a few minutes or heat them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through.

Related Recipes

If you like this recipe, you might also be interested in these other delicious chicken recipes:

Naked chicken tenders garnished with parsley.

Fancy a tasty, healthy meal that’s easy to prepare? Indulge in these naked chicken tenders that are packed with flavor and cooked to perfection in your air fryer.

preparation time 5 protocol

cooking time 10 protocol

total time 15 protocol

Ingredients

  • 1 to 1 1/2 Pound chicken keeper
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 5 minutes.

  • Place the chicken breast fillets in a large bowl.

  • Drizzle the chicken with olive oil.

  • In a small bowl, stir together the paprika, basil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the fillets and toss.

  • Air roast at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Remarks

Sauce and spice variations:


Teriyaki sauce:

  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of honey
  • 1 chopped garlic clove

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, cornstarch, and ginger.
  2. Stir in the water, soy sauce, honey, and garlic.
  3. Marinate the chicken in the mixture for 2-3 hours and air fry as above.


Easy BBQ Sauce:

  • ΒΌ cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
  • 3 cloves of garlic, chopped

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together brown sugar, cornstarch, salt, and smoked paprika.
  2. Stir in tomato sauce, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and garlic.
  3. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. Lightly salt and pepper the chicken and drizzle with barbecue sauce.
  5. Air fry as above, basting halfway through with more barbecue sauce.

Portion: 1G | Calories: 392kcal | Carbohydrates: 2G | Protein: 61G | Fat: 15G | Saturated Fatty Acids: 3G | Polyunsaturated fat: 2G | Monounsaturated fatty acids: 7G | Trans fats: 0.04G | Cholesterol: 181mg | Sodium: 621mg | Potassium: 1093mg | Fiber: 1G | Sugar: 0.2G | Vitamin A: 589ie | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 2mg

Air Fryer Naked Chicken Tenders

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