Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Low-Carb and Gluten-Free

These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Low-Carb and Gluten-Free are the perfect solution for a quick, delicious meal. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or just looking for a tasty weeknight dinner, these chicken tenders deliver on flavor and texture. The air fryer ensures they come out crispy without the guilt of deep frying. Pair them with a spicy-sweet sauce, and you have a dish that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The air fryer creates a perfectly crispy coating without added oil.
• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 21 minutes, making them ideal for busy evenings.
• Flavorful Sauce: The spicy-sweet sauce elevates the dish to new heights.
• Low-Carb Friendly: Made with almond flour, this recipe fits into low-carb diets seamlessly.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve as an appetizer, snack, or main course.

Tools and Preparation

To make these delightful chicken tenders, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer
• Shallow bowls
• Whisk
• Pot
• Clean plate

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: This is the star of the show! It cooks the chicken tenders evenly and gives them that desired crunch.
• Shallow bowls: Perfect for dipping the chicken tenders in egg and coating them with almond flour.
• Whisk: Helps combine the ingredients for the sauce effortlessly.

Ingredients

For this simple yet flavorful dish, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chicken Tenders

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup blanched almond flour
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 12 chicken tenders – about 1.5 lbs
• Olive oil cooking spray

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Low-Carb and Gluten-Free

Step 1: Prepare the Coating

1. Crack the eggs into a shallow bowl and season them with salt and pepper.
2. In another shallow bowl, mix together almond flour, garlic powder, parsley, paprika, and additional salt and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture first, then coat it in the almond flour mixture. Set aside on a clean plate.

Step 2: Air Frying the Chicken Tenders

1. Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Spray the basket with olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Place some of the coated chicken tenders in an even layer in the basket. Spray them lightly with more olive oil spray.
4. Cook for 7 minutes; then flip each tender over and spray again with olive oil spray.
5. Continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes until crispy and cooked through. Repeat if necessary for remaining batches.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In a pot over medium heat, melt butter completely.
2. Add hot sauce, honey, tomato paste, salt, and pepper to melted butter.
3. Whisk until combined well and let it simmer on low heat for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Serve Your Chicken Tenders

Once all chicken tenders are cooked:
1. Transfer them to a platter or clean plate.
2. Drizzle or pour your prepared sauce over them.
3. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious meal!

How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Low-Carb and Gluten-Free

These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are not only crispy and tasty, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and dips. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your meal!

With a Dipping Sauce

• Spicy Honey Sauce: Drizzle the chicken tenders with your spicy honey sauce for a sweet and heat combination.
• Creamy Avocado Dip: Blend ripe avocados, lime juice, and garlic for a refreshing dip that complements the tenders.

On a Salad

• Caesar Salad Style: Slice the chicken tenders and serve them on a bed of romaine lettuce with homemade gluten-free Caesar dressing.
• Mixed Greens Salad: Top mixed greens with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette for a healthy option.

In a Wrap

• Low-Carb Wrap: Roll the chicken tenders in lettuce or low-carb tortillas with fresh veggies and your favorite sauce for an easy wrap.
• Chicken Tender Bowl: Create a bowl with cauliflower rice, diced vegetables, and top it off with chicken tenders for a filling meal.

How to Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Low-Carb and Gluten-Free

To achieve the best results with your Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, consider these helpful tips:

• Bold Coating: Make sure to coat the chicken tenders thoroughly in almond flour mixture for that perfect crunch.
• Preheat Smartly: Always preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking; this helps achieve that crispy texture.
• Batch Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the basket; cook in batches if necessary to allow proper air circulation.
• Perfect Timing: Keep an eye on cooking times; adjust based on your air fryer model as they may vary slightly.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Low-Carb and Gluten-Free

Pairing side dishes with your Air Fryer Chicken Tenders can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delightful options:

1. Zucchini Fries: Baked or air-fried zucchini fries offer a crunchy side that complements the chicken well.
2. Cauliflower Mash: Creamy cauliflower mash serves as a low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
3. Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned roasted asparagus makes for an elegant side dish packed with flavor.
4. Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with garlic add freshness and color to your plate.
5. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw made with cabbage and carrots offers a refreshing contrast to the tender chicken.
6. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Filled with quinoa or rice, these colorful peppers make for an enjoyable side that’s also nutritious.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Air Fryer Chicken Tenders can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure they come out perfectly crispy.

• Not seasoning the egg mixture: Season your eggs with salt and pepper before dipping the chicken. This adds flavor throughout.
• Skipping the oil spray: Always spray the chicken tenders with olive oil spray before air frying to achieve that desired crispiness.
• Crowding the air fryer basket: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and soggy tenders.
• Ignoring cooking times: Keep an eye on your cooking times. Each air fryer may vary, so adjust as needed for perfect results.
• Forgetting to preheat: Preheating the air fryer is crucial for ensuring even cooking and that crispy texture you want.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Low-Carb and Gluten-Free

• Let them cool completely before freezing.
• Place in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they will keep for about 2-3 months.

Reheating Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Low-Carb and Gluten-Free

• Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through for crispy results.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. This may make them softer, so not ideal for crispiness.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Air Fryer Chicken Tenders.

How do I make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Low-Carb and Gluten-Free?

To make these tenders, coat chicken pieces in seasoned egg and almond flour, then air fry until crispy.

Can I use other flours instead of almond flour?

Yes, you can substitute almond flour with coconut flour or other low-carb flours. Adjust quantities as needed for best results.

What dipping sauces go well with Air Fryer Chicken Tenders?

Try honey mustard, ranch dressing, or a spicy mayo for delicious dipping options alongside your chicken tenders.

How do I know when my chicken tenders are done?

Chicken tenders should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. They should also be golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are not only low-carb and gluten-free but also incredibly versatile! Feel free to customize them with different seasonings or sauces based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a healthy twist on a classic favorite!