These crispy, golden chicken tenders are a little time-consuming to prep — but trust me, they are so worth it! Coated in homemade, HFI-safe breadcrumbs and cooked in the air fryer, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike. Perfect for lunch boxes, dinner, or even a fun weekend meal the whole family will enjoy.
- Chicken tenderloins (as many as needed)
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Pinch of dried mixed herbs (optional)
- Homemade HFI-safe breadcrumbs (see recipe below)
- Olive oil spray (optional)
Homemade HFI-Safe Breadcrumbs
- HFI-safe Pane Di Casa bread (or similar)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Dried mixed herbs (optional)
Prepare the egg wash: Crack the eggs into a bowl, add a pinch of salt and pepper, and whisk until well combined.
Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated.
Crumb the chicken: Roll each egg-coated tender in a bowl of HFI-safe breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating on all sides.
Cook in the air fryer: Place the crumbed tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Lightly spray with olive oil (optional for extra crisp).Air fry at 190°C for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve and enjoy! Let cool slightly before serving. These are great paired a side of boiled rice or on a burger.
Homemade HFI-Safe Breadcrumbs
Tear safe bread (including crusts) into small pieces.
Add to a food processor or Thermomix and pulse until the texture resembles fine crumbs.
Preheat oven to 170°C and line a tray with baking paper.
Spread the crumbs evenly on the tray.
Sprinkle with a little salt, pepper, and dried herbs if desired.
Bake for about 10 minutes, or until golden and dry.
Allow to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the pantry. I like to make a large batch and pop half of the batch in a sandwich bag and freeze them.