Air Fryer Potato Chip Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Potato Chip Chicken Tenders are tender, juicy, packed with flavor and healthier than traditional fried chicken tenders. We used salt and vinegar kettle-style chips for this recipe, but you can use almost any style and flavor of potato chips!
Most of us LOVE chicken tenders. They just seem to be one of those comfort foods that appease the soul. But if you're like us, you're trying to cut down on fried foods. That's where the air fryer comes in. A light mist of cooking spray and a few minutes in the fryer and you'll get crispy, juicy tenders without all the extra grease. Of course, we're not going to label these as a health food...they are coated in potato chips after all. But, believe it or not, this recipe has 30% less fat and calories than a traditional deep fryer chicken tender.
One of the things we love when cooking these delicious tenders is the availability of flavor options. They're virtually endless thanks to the vast array of potato chips lining grocery store shelves these days. We used the salt and vinegar flavored chips in this recipe, but we've tried jalapeno, barbecue, salt and pepper...all with great results. The chips just give your tenders a distinct flavor that you can't duplicate with traditional breading.
As for the style of chips, we prefer kettle-style chips. There are dozens of brands that make the kettle chips including, Kettle Brand, Lay's, Hawaiian and a myriad of specialty brands. The kettle-style chips seem to form a more substantial crust on then tender and they brown up a bit better in the air fryer than traditional potato chips.
We usually add the potato chips to a food processor and pulse blend them until we get the right consistency. But don't worry if you don't have a food processor. Just throw a bunch of chips in a plastic bag and crush them with a meat tenderizer or even a rolling pin. When you're done, pour the blended chips into a bowl.
The egg wash used in this recipe is very simple and consists of 2 eggs, mayonnaise, onion powder, pepper, salt and flour. Simply whisk the ingredients together in a bowl and you're ready to coat your chicken tenders. Once coated completely in the egg wash, place the chicken tenders in the potato chip mixture, one by one, and ensure they are coated completely.
Once you've got 5 or 6 tenders coated in the egg wash and potato chip mixture transfer them to the air fryer. We have a large air fryer that will accomodate 6 chicken tenders, but don't be afraid to cook in smaller batches if you're air fryer is smaller.
With all the tenders in the air fryer basket, mist lightly with cooking spray and cook at 400 degrees. The tenders will take anywhere from 4-7 minutes, per side, to cook thoroughly and form a golden brown crust.
For serving, we always like a variety of sauces, and the options are as plentiful as the potato chips. Barbecue is our go-to, but we like honey mustard, buffalo sauce and ranch. We even do a Homemade Pickle Mustard Sauce that gets rave reviews every time we make it!
What we like about Air Fryer Potato Chip Chicken Tenders!
Nicole - We're always trying to eat healthy...well healthier I guess. And these air fryer chicken tenders have 30% fewer calories and fat than deep fried chicken tenders. Great taste. Fewer calories. Less fat. That's a win in my book!
Mike - These chicken tenders turn out crunchy, juicy and tender every time. And I like experimenting with all the different flavors of potato chips. Right now, I've got my eye on a specialty chip called Zapp’s Spicy Cajun Crawtators. I'll be sure to post an update as to how those turn out!
Air Fryer Potato Chip Chicken Tenders Ingredients
1-1/2 lbs. chicken tenders (You can also just cut regular chicken breasts into smaller pieces.)
2 large eggs
1 tbsp flour
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp pepper
13 oz bag of salt and vinegar kettle-style chips
How to make Air Fryer Potato Chip Chicken Tenders
Combine 2 large eggs, 1 tbsp flower, 2 tbsp mayo, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp pepper in a medium bowl.
Whisk ingredients until combined to form the egg wash.
Pulse an entire 13 oz bag of kettle-style salt and vinegar chips in food processor until desired consistency is achieved.
Place potato chip mixture into a second medium bowl.
Pat each chicken tender dry and coat them in the egg wash.
Remove chicken tenders from egg wash and transfer to the potato chip mixture. Coat each tender as much as possible.
Transfer the tenders to your air fryer basket and mist with cooking spray.
Cook for 4-7 minutes per side at 400 degrees. Remember to mist the other side of the chicken tenders with cooking spray when turning. Tenders will come out of the air fryer golden brown and hot, so resist the urge to taste test right away!
Tips and Tricks
Kettle-style potato chips work best for this recipe, but if all you have is regular chips they'll work in a pinch. We've also used corn chips like Doritos with excellent results.
If you don't have, or can't find pre-cut chicken tenders, just hand cut regular chicken breasts into smaller pieces.
Set up an assembly line from left to right when putting together your chicken tenders. Start at the left with the bowl of egg wash, then the bowl of chip mixture and finally the air fryer basket.
We used salt and vinegar flavor chips in this recipe but you can use virtually any flavor, including barbecue, black pepper, jalapeno and more.
No air fryer, no problem. You can make this recipe in your oven very easily. Just set the temperature to 400 degrees and cook for 20 minutes, turning each tender half way through the cooking time.
FAQs
What should I serve with Air Fryer Potato Chip Chicken Tenders? There are so many options for sides to serve with your tenders. French fries, baked potatoes, vegetables, pasta, and yes, even potato chips will pair nicely.
How long will Air Fryer Potato Chip Chicken Tenders last in the refrigerator? This dish will last up to 3 days refrigerated. Just make sure you store it in an airtight container.
How long can Air Fryer Potato Chip Chicken Tenders sit out at room temperature? According to the USDA, cooked chicken can sit at room temperature safely for up to 2 hours. If you're outside and the temperature is above 90 degrees that time decreases to 1 hour.
Can I cook these in the oven? Yes! Just preheat your oven to 400 degrees and cook the tenders for approximately 20 minutes, turning each tender at the 10 minute mark.
Can I use this recipe for whole chicken breasts instead of tenders? Absolutely. If you're wanting more of a chicken sandwich vibe you can use a whole chicken breast. Just make sure to place the breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound with a mallet until thin. This will help the chicken cook evenly all the way through.
