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Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe

by on September 9, 2025
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Are you ready to elevate your chicken tenders game? This Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders recipe combines juicy chicken, crunchy panko, and the bold flavor of everything bagel seasoning. It’s a fast and easy dish that the whole family will love. Follow my simple steps to create crispy, tasty tenders right in your air fryer. Let’s dive in and get cooking!

- 1 lb chicken tenders - 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with a splash of vinegar) - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs - 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs - 3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooking spray For this recipe, I use fresh chicken tenders because they cook quickly. Buttermilk is key. It adds moisture and flavor. If you don't have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a splash of vinegar. This trick works great for a tender result. I use all-purpose flour for coating. It helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick well. The two eggs create a rich, tasty layer on the chicken. The panko breadcrumbs give the chicken a light, crispy texture. I love using panko because it makes the tenders crunchier than regular breadcrumbs. Everything bagel seasoning adds a fun flavor twist. It includes garlic, onion, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds for a savory kick. Lastly, season with salt and pepper to taste. This enhances the dish's overall flavor. And don't forget the cooking spray! It keeps the chicken from sticking and helps it crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Gather all these ingredients for a fun cooking adventure! Start by placing the chicken tenders in a bowl. Pour in the buttermilk until the chicken is fully covered. This step adds flavor and makes the chicken tender. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. For extra flavor, you can add spices to the buttermilk if you like. Now, let’s set up your breading stations. You need three bowls for this. In the first bowl, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. In the second bowl, beat two large eggs until they are well mixed. In the third bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of panko breadcrumbs with 3 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning. Make sure to mix them well so every piece of breadcrumb is seasoned. Once the chicken has marinated, take each tender out of the buttermilk. Shake off any extra liquid. First, dredge the chicken in the flour mix, coating it evenly. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off. Finally, roll the chicken in the panko mixture, pressing gently to make sure it sticks. Repeat this for all chicken tenders. Before you start cooking, preheat your air fryer. Set it to 380°F (193°C) and let it heat up for about 5 minutes. While it’s preheating, lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and gives a nice crisp to the chicken. Now it’s time to cook! Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd them; it’s better to cook in batches. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness. Cook for about 10-12 minutes. Flip the tenders halfway through for even cooking. They are done when they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. For an appealing presentation, serve them on a wooden board lined with parchment paper. Add a side of your favorite dipping sauce, like honey mustard or spicy mayo. For a colorful touch, garnish with fresh parsley or chives. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful chicken tenders! Marinating chicken is key. I suggest at least 30 minutes in buttermilk. This helps keep the chicken juicy. If you’re short on time, even 15 minutes helps. You can swap buttermilk for milk mixed with a splash of vinegar. This gives a similar tangy taste. For crispy tenders, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). This helps the chicken crisp up nicely. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray before you add the chicken. After breading, spray the tops with cooking spray too. This boosts that crunchy texture you want. Fry in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket. This ensures even cooking and crispiness. Watch out for a few key pitfalls. First, don’t skip the marinating step. It keeps the chicken tender. Second, ensure the air fryer is preheated. This makes a big difference. Lastly, avoid using too much breading. It can make the tenders soggy. Aim for a nice, even coat. Following these tips will help you make perfect tenders every time! {{image_2}} You can add a fun spin to your chicken tenders. Mix in spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder with the flour. You can also use herbs like dried oregano or thyme. These additions give a unique taste to the chicken. Get creative and find your favorite mix! If you want a lighter meal, swap out the flour for almond flour. This makes the dish gluten-free and lower in carbs. You can also use whole wheat panko breadcrumbs for more fiber. For a lower-calorie option, try using less oil when cooking. These changes keep the flavor without the extra calories. You can still enjoy these chicken tenders without an air fryer. To bake them, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. For pan frying, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Enjoy the same great flavors! To keep your Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders fresh, place them in an airtight container. If you have a lot, split them into smaller containers. This helps them cool quickly and stay safe. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each tender in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. To reheat chicken tenders, the air fryer is your best friend. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Place the chicken tenders in the basket in a single layer. Heat them for 5 to 7 minutes or until they are crispy again. You can also use an oven for reheating. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Both methods keep the chicken tasty and crisp. In the fridge, cooked chicken tenders last about three days. If you freeze them, they can last up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If they smell off or look strange, it's best to toss them. Enjoy your delicious tenders while they are fresh! Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs. Panko has a lighter, crispier texture. This helps give your chicken tenders a crunchier bite. If you use regular breadcrumbs, your chicken may not be as crisp. You can also mix regular breadcrumbs with a bit of oil for added crunch. To check if chicken tenders are done, look for a few signs. First, the color should be golden brown. Second, the chicken should feel firm to the touch. Most importantly, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat. Yes, you can prep this recipe ahead. Marinate the chicken in buttermilk and store it in the fridge. You can also bread the chicken and keep it in the fridge. Just make sure to cover it tightly. If you plan to freeze the tenders, freeze them before cooking. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready, cook them straight from frozen. Adjust your cooking time as needed. This blog post gave you a complete guide for making tasty chicken tenders. We covered the right ingredients, how to marinate, and step-by-step cooking methods. You now have tips for perfecting crispiness and great serving ideas. Whether you choose to spice them up or keep them classic, these tenders can be a hit. Keep experimenting with flavors and methods to find your favorite version. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious treats with friends and family!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 lb chicken tenders

– 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with a splash of vinegar)

– 1 cup all-purpose flour

– 2 large eggs

– 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs

– 3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning

Seasoning and Extras

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Cooking spray

For this recipe, I use fresh chicken tenders because they cook quickly. Buttermilk is key. It adds moisture and flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a splash of vinegar. This trick works great for a tender result.

I use all-purpose flour for coating. It helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick well. The two eggs create a rich, tasty layer on the chicken.

The panko breadcrumbs give the chicken a light, crispy texture. I love using panko because it makes the tenders crunchier than regular breadcrumbs. Everything bagel seasoning adds a fun flavor twist. It includes garlic, onion, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds for a savory kick.

Lastly, season with salt and pepper to taste. This enhances the dish’s overall flavor. And don’t forget the cooking spray! It keeps the chicken from sticking and helps it crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

Gather all these ingredients for a fun cooking adventure!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

Start by placing the chicken tenders in a bowl. Pour in the buttermilk until the chicken is fully covered. This step adds flavor and makes the chicken tender. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. For extra flavor, you can add spices to the buttermilk if you like.

Setting Up Breading Stations

Now, let’s set up your breading stations. You need three bowls for this. In the first bowl, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. In the second bowl, beat two large eggs until they are well mixed. In the third bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of panko breadcrumbs with 3 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning. Make sure to mix them well so every piece of breadcrumb is seasoned.

Bread the Chicken

Once the chicken has marinated, take each tender out of the buttermilk. Shake off any extra liquid. First, dredge the chicken in the flour mix, coating it evenly. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off. Finally, roll the chicken in the panko mixture, pressing gently to make sure it sticks. Repeat this for all chicken tenders.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Before you start cooking, preheat your air fryer. Set it to 380°F (193°C) and let it heat up for about 5 minutes. While it’s preheating, lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and gives a nice crisp to the chicken.

Cooking the Tenders

Now it’s time to cook! Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd them; it’s better to cook in batches. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness. Cook for about 10-12 minutes. Flip the tenders halfway through for even cooking. They are done when they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Serving Suggestions

Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. For an appealing presentation, serve them on a wooden board lined with parchment paper. Add a side of your favorite dipping sauce, like honey mustard or spicy mayo. For a colorful touch, garnish with fresh parsley or chives. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful chicken tenders!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Marinade

Marinating chicken is key. I suggest at least 30 minutes in buttermilk. This helps keep the chicken juicy. If you’re short on time, even 15 minutes helps. You can swap buttermilk for milk mixed with a splash of vinegar. This gives a similar tangy taste.

Achieving the Best Crispiness

For crispy tenders, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). This helps the chicken crisp up nicely. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray before you add the chicken. After breading, spray the tops with cooking spray too. This boosts that crunchy texture you want. Fry in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket. This ensures even cooking and crispiness.

Common Cooking Mistakes to Avoid

Watch out for a few key pitfalls. First, don’t skip the marinating step. It keeps the chicken tender. Second, ensure the air fryer is preheated. This makes a big difference. Lastly, avoid using too much breading. It can make the tenders soggy. Aim for a nice, even coat. Following these tips will help you make perfect tenders every time!

Variations

Flavor Twists

You can add a fun spin to your chicken tenders. Mix in spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder with the flour. You can also use herbs like dried oregano or thyme. These additions give a unique taste to the chicken. Get creative and find your favorite mix!

Healthier Options

If you want a lighter meal, swap out the flour for almond flour. This makes the dish gluten-free and lower in carbs. You can also use whole wheat panko breadcrumbs for more fiber. For a lower-calorie option, try using less oil when cooking. These changes keep the flavor without the extra calories.

Alternative Cooking Methods

You can still enjoy these chicken tenders without an air fryer. To bake them, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. For pan frying, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Enjoy the same great flavors!

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders fresh, place them in an airtight container. If you have a lot, split them into smaller containers. This helps them cool quickly and stay safe. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each tender in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag.

Reheating Tips

To reheat chicken tenders, the air fryer is your best friend. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Place the chicken tenders in the basket in a single layer. Heat them for 5 to 7 minutes or until they are crispy again. You can also use an oven for reheating. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Both methods keep the chicken tasty and crisp.

Shelf Life

In the fridge, cooked chicken tenders last about three days. If you freeze them, they can last up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If they smell off or look strange, it’s best to toss them. Enjoy your delicious tenders while they are fresh!

FAQs

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs. Panko has a lighter, crispier texture. This helps give your chicken tenders a crunchier bite. If you use regular breadcrumbs, your chicken may not be as crisp. You can also mix regular breadcrumbs with a bit of oil for added crunch.

How do I know when chicken tenders are done?

To check if chicken tenders are done, look for a few signs. First, the color should be golden brown. Second, the chicken should feel firm to the touch. Most importantly, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep this recipe ahead. Marinate the chicken in buttermilk and store it in the fridge. You can also bread the chicken and keep it in the fridge. Just make sure to cover it tightly. If you plan to freeze the tenders, freeze them before cooking. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready, cook them straight from frozen. Adjust your cooking time as needed.

This blog post gave you a complete guide for making tasty chicken tenders. We covered the right ingredients, how to marinate, and step-by-step cooking methods. You now have tips for perfecting crispiness and great serving ideas. Whether you choose to spice them up or keep them classic, these tenders can be a hit. Keep experimenting with flavors and methods to find your favorite version. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious treats with friends and family!

- 1 lb chicken tenders - 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with a splash of vinegar) - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs - 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs - 3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooking spray For this recipe, I use fresh chicken tenders because they cook quickly. Buttermilk is key. It adds moisture and flavor. If you don't have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a splash of vinegar. This trick works great for a tender result. I use all-purpose flour for coating. It helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick well. The two eggs create a rich, tasty layer on the chicken. The panko breadcrumbs give the chicken a light, crispy texture. I love using panko because it makes the tenders crunchier than regular breadcrumbs. Everything bagel seasoning adds a fun flavor twist. It includes garlic, onion, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds for a savory kick. Lastly, season with salt and pepper to taste. This enhances the dish's overall flavor. And don't forget the cooking spray! It keeps the chicken from sticking and helps it crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Gather all these ingredients for a fun cooking adventure! Start by placing the chicken tenders in a bowl. Pour in the buttermilk until the chicken is fully covered. This step adds flavor and makes the chicken tender. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. For extra flavor, you can add spices to the buttermilk if you like. Now, let’s set up your breading stations. You need three bowls for this. In the first bowl, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. In the second bowl, beat two large eggs until they are well mixed. In the third bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of panko breadcrumbs with 3 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning. Make sure to mix them well so every piece of breadcrumb is seasoned. Once the chicken has marinated, take each tender out of the buttermilk. Shake off any extra liquid. First, dredge the chicken in the flour mix, coating it evenly. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off. Finally, roll the chicken in the panko mixture, pressing gently to make sure it sticks. Repeat this for all chicken tenders. Before you start cooking, preheat your air fryer. Set it to 380°F (193°C) and let it heat up for about 5 minutes. While it’s preheating, lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and gives a nice crisp to the chicken. Now it’s time to cook! Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd them; it’s better to cook in batches. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness. Cook for about 10-12 minutes. Flip the tenders halfway through for even cooking. They are done when they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. For an appealing presentation, serve them on a wooden board lined with parchment paper. Add a side of your favorite dipping sauce, like honey mustard or spicy mayo. For a colorful touch, garnish with fresh parsley or chives. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful chicken tenders! Marinating chicken is key. I suggest at least 30 minutes in buttermilk. This helps keep the chicken juicy. If you’re short on time, even 15 minutes helps. You can swap buttermilk for milk mixed with a splash of vinegar. This gives a similar tangy taste. For crispy tenders, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). This helps the chicken crisp up nicely. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray before you add the chicken. After breading, spray the tops with cooking spray too. This boosts that crunchy texture you want. Fry in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket. This ensures even cooking and crispiness. Watch out for a few key pitfalls. First, don’t skip the marinating step. It keeps the chicken tender. Second, ensure the air fryer is preheated. This makes a big difference. Lastly, avoid using too much breading. It can make the tenders soggy. Aim for a nice, even coat. Following these tips will help you make perfect tenders every time! {{image_2}} You can add a fun spin to your chicken tenders. Mix in spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder with the flour. You can also use herbs like dried oregano or thyme. These additions give a unique taste to the chicken. Get creative and find your favorite mix! If you want a lighter meal, swap out the flour for almond flour. This makes the dish gluten-free and lower in carbs. You can also use whole wheat panko breadcrumbs for more fiber. For a lower-calorie option, try using less oil when cooking. These changes keep the flavor without the extra calories. You can still enjoy these chicken tenders without an air fryer. To bake them, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. For pan frying, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Enjoy the same great flavors! To keep your Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders fresh, place them in an airtight container. If you have a lot, split them into smaller containers. This helps them cool quickly and stay safe. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each tender in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. To reheat chicken tenders, the air fryer is your best friend. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Place the chicken tenders in the basket in a single layer. Heat them for 5 to 7 minutes or until they are crispy again. You can also use an oven for reheating. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Both methods keep the chicken tasty and crisp. In the fridge, cooked chicken tenders last about three days. If you freeze them, they can last up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If they smell off or look strange, it's best to toss them. Enjoy your delicious tenders while they are fresh! Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs. Panko has a lighter, crispier texture. This helps give your chicken tenders a crunchier bite. If you use regular breadcrumbs, your chicken may not be as crisp. You can also mix regular breadcrumbs with a bit of oil for added crunch. To check if chicken tenders are done, look for a few signs. First, the color should be golden brown. Second, the chicken should feel firm to the touch. Most importantly, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat. Yes, you can prep this recipe ahead. Marinate the chicken in buttermilk and store it in the fridge. You can also bread the chicken and keep it in the fridge. Just make sure to cover it tightly. If you plan to freeze the tenders, freeze them before cooking. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready, cook them straight from frozen. Adjust your cooking time as needed. This blog post gave you a complete guide for making tasty chicken tenders. We covered the right ingredients, how to marinate, and step-by-step cooking methods. You now have tips for perfecting crispiness and great serving ideas. Whether you choose to spice them up or keep them classic, these tenders can be a hit. Keep experimenting with flavors and methods to find your favorite version. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious treats with friends and family!

Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders

Bite into the deliciousness of Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders! These crispy, flavor-packed tenders are made with simple ingredients and a touch of everything bagel seasoning for a tasty twist. Perfect for a quick family dinner or a fun snack, they come out golden and juicy every time. Ready to impress your taste buds? Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a mouthwatering meal that’s easy to make!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken tenders

1 cup buttermilk (or milk with a splash of vinegar)

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs

3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance tenderness and flavor.

    Prepare the Breading Stations: Set up three bowls:

      - In the first bowl, add the flour, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper.

        - In the second bowl, beat the two eggs.

          - In the third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and everything bagel seasoning. Mix well.

            Bread the Chicken: Remove each chicken tender from the buttermilk, shaking off excess liquid. Dredge it in the flour mix, coating evenly. Dip into the beaten eggs, then finally roll in the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.

              Prepare the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

                Air Fry the Tenders: Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray to enhance crispiness. Fry in batches if necessary, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

                  Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 45 min | 4 servings

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken tenders with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, like honey mustard or spicy mayo, on a wooden board lined with parchment paper for an appealing rustic look. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color!