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Close-up shot of golden, extra crispy air fryer chicken tenders served on a plate with a side of creamy white dipping sauce.

Ultra-Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Low-Carb & Gluten-Free)

Enjoy these golden, crispy air fryer chicken tenders made with a low-carb almond flour and parmesan crust. Naturally gluten-free, keto-friendly, and ready in under 30 minutes!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 340
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 lb Chicken tenders or chicken breasts cut into strips
  • 2 Large eggs
  • 1 tbsp Heavy cream or water
  • High-heat cooking oil spray such as avocado oil or olive oil
For the Crispy Breading
  • 1 cup Super-fine blanched almond flour
  • 1/2 cup Grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Onion powder
  • 1 tsp Paprika or smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken tenders completely dry with paper towels to ensure the egg wash and breading stick perfectly.
  2. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream until fully combined.
  3. In a second shallow bowl, combine the almond flour, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  5. Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then press it firmly into the almond flour mixture until fully coated. Place on a clean plate.
  6. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Place the tenders in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap or touch.
  7. Spray the tops of the chicken tenders lightly with the oil spray. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 5-6 minutes.
  8. Flip the tenders over, spray the other side lightly with oil, and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. Let the chicken tenders rest for 2 minutes before serving to maximize crispiness.

Notes

  • Air Fryer Tip: Do not overcrowd the basket! If your air fryer is small, cook the tenders in two batches to ensure maximum crispiness.
  • Oil Spray: Avoid using aerosol sprays like Pam, as they can damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer basket. Use a refillable oil mister instead.
  • Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to restore the crunch.