Crispy Air Fryer Cornflake Chicken Tenders Recipe

There’s something undeniably magical about the sound of crispy cornflakes crackling under a golden-brown crust. Imagine sinking your teeth into juicy chicken tenders that perfectly balance crunch and tenderness. The aroma wafting through your kitchen is enough to make even the pickiest eaters perk up in anticipation. crispy sweet potato side dish This is the kind of dish that makes you want to throw on an apron and dance around your kitchen while channeling your inner chef.

I remember the first time I made Air Fryer Cornflake Chicken Tenders for my friends. They were skeptical at first, but one bite in, and the room erupted with happy munching sounds. It turned out to be a delightful evening filled with laughter and second helpings. savory chicken linguine recipe This dish is perfect for casual weeknight dinners or when entertaining guests who might think you’re running a five-star kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • These Air Fryer Cornflake Chicken Tenders are quick and easy to prepare, making them ideal for busy weeknights
  • The flavor profile combines savory chicken with a crunchy cornflake coating that’s hard to resist
  • Their vibrant golden color adds visual appeal, making dinner feel special
  • Plus, they’re versatile enough to pair with various dipping sauces or side dishes

I’ll never forget how my family devoured these tenders like they were candy; they couldn’t get enough of that crispy goodness.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for 3-4 breasts depending on your crowd; they cook evenly and stay juicy.

  • Cornflakes: Use plain or flavored varieties for an extra kick; crush them just enough to maintain texture.

  • Eggs: They act as a binding agent and help the cornflakes stick beautifully to the chicken.

  • Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.

  • Garlic Powder: A dash adds depth and brings out savory notes in each bite.

  • Paprika: Smoked paprika lends a delightful smoky flavor; it’s my secret weapon here.

  • Cooking Spray: A light spray helps achieve that perfect crispiness without excess oil.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Chicken: Start by cutting your chicken breasts into tenders, ensuring even sizes for uniform cooking. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for maximum flavor impact.

Crush Those Cornflakes!: Place cornflakes in a zip-top bag and crush them into coarse crumbs using a rolling pin or your hands—leave some larger pieces for delightful crunch.

Set Up Your Dipping Station: Whisk eggs in one bowl while placing crushed cornflakes in another. delicious taco bowl This setup makes the breading process seamless—like an assembly line but way more delicious!

Dredge and Coat: Dip each chicken tender first into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off before rolling it in the cornflake crumbs. Ensure every inch is covered for optimum crunch.

Air Fry Those Tenders!: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) while you arrange your coated tenders in a single layer inside. Lightly spray them with cooking spray before cooking for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.

Serve with Style!: Once done, let those beauties rest for a few minutes before serving with your favorite dipping sauce—think honey mustard or ranch dressing—and enjoy every crunchy bite!

This recipe not only offers fantastic flavors but can also easily become a crowd favorite at any gathering! taco stuffed shells recipe.

You Must Know

  • Air Fryer Cornflake Chicken Tenders are a fun twist on a classic favorite
  • The crunchiness from cornflakes adds a delightful texture, while the air fryer ensures they stay juicy and tender
  • Perfect for quick dinners or game day snacks!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve crispy perfection, coat the chicken tenders in cornflakes, then preheat your air fryer to 400°F before cooking for 10-12 minutes. This method ensures an even cook while locking in moisture.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to spice things up by adding paprika or garlic powder to your cornflake coating. You can also swap the chicken for tofu or veggies for a delightful vegetarian alternative.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about five minutes to revive their crispiness.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use fresh chicken tenders for the best flavor and texture
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; it leads to uneven cooking
  • For extra crunch, double dip your chicken in egg before coating with cornflakes

Sharing my first attempt at Air Fryer Cornflake Chicken Tenders was hilarious! My friends declared it ‘chef-level’ but later revealed they were just being kind! For more inspiration, check out this sticky honey chicken recipe recipe.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use different cereals for coating?

Yes, try using crushed rice cereal or panko breadcrumbs for variety.

How do I ensure my chicken stays juicy?

Brining your chicken beforehand helps retain moisture during cooking.

What dipping sauces go well with these tenders?

Honey mustard or ranch dressing complement the flavors wonderfully!

Print
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Air Fryer Cornflake Chicken Tenders


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  • Author: Hellen
  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Enjoy the satisfying crunch of Air Fryer Cornflake Chicken Tenders, where succulent chicken meets a crispy cornflake coating. Perfectly seasoned and air-fried to golden perfection, these tenders are a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a casual weeknight dinner, this recipe guarantees smiles all around!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 2 cups cornflakes
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Cut chicken breasts into even-sized tenders and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  3. Crush cornflakes in a zip-top bag until you have coarse crumbs.
  4. Whisk eggs in a bowl and set up your breading station with crushed cornflakes in another bowl.
  5. Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly with cornflake crumbs.
  6. Arrange tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly spray with cooking spray.
  7. Cook for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
  8. Rest for a few minutes before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 tender (approximately 100g)
  • Calories: 260
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 490mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg
Chef & Blogger

Hellen Weiss

Hi, I’m Hellen Weiss—a passionate home cook, food lover, and recipe creator! My kitchen is my happy place, where I experiment with flavors, recreate family favorites, and discover new dishes to share with you.