Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Sweet and Spicy Sauce Recipe

Introduction

These air fryer chicken tenders are a delicious low-carb and gluten-free option for a quick weeknight meal. Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, they are paired perfectly with a sweet and spicy sauce that adds a wonderful kick.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup blanched almond flour
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 12 chicken tenders (about 1.5 lbs)
• Olive oil cooking spray
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt (for sauce)
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (for sauce)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Crack the eggs into a shallow bowl and season with salt and pepper. In a separate shallow bowl, mix the almond flour, garlic powder, dried parsley, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and ground black pepper.
2. Step 2: Dip each chicken tender first in the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the almond flour mixture. Set the coated tenders aside on a clean plate. Repeat until all chicken is coated.
3. Step 3: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and spray the basket with olive oil cooking spray. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer inside the basket, spray them with more olive oil.
4. Step 4: Cook the tenders for 7 minutes. Flip them over, spray the other side with olive oil, and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Cook in batches if necessary.
5. Step 5: While the chicken cooks, melt butter in a small pot over medium heat. Add the hot sauce, honey, tomato paste, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk together and simmer on low heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
6. Step 6: Once all tenders are cooked, transfer them to a serving platter and spoon the sweet and spicy sauce over them. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, allow the coated chicken to rest for 10 minutes before air frying to help the coating adhere better.
• Swap the almond flour with crushed pork rinds or coconut flour for different low-carb coatings.
• Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the sauce if you prefer more heat.
• Use your favorite hot sauce to customize the flavor of the dipping sauce.

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to maintain crispiness. The sauce can be refrigerated separately for up to 4 days and warmed gently on the stove before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake these chicken tenders instead of air frying?

Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and cooked through.

Is almond flour necessary for this recipe?

Almond flour keeps the dish low-carb and gluten-free while providing a crispy coating, but you can substitute with other gluten-free flours if needed.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Sweet and Spicy Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 109 reviews

Crispy, flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Tenders coated in a low-carb almond flour mixture and topped with a tangy, sweet and spicy homemade sauce. This gluten-free, low-carb recipe is easy to make, ready in under 30 minutes, and perfect for a healthy snack or meal.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Carb, Gluten Free

Ingredients

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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
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 12 chicken tenders (about 1.5 lbs)
• Olive oil cooking spray

For the Sweet and Spicy Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Dredge the Chicken: Crack the eggs into a shallow bowl and season with salt and pepper. In a separate shallow bowl, combine almond flour, garlic powder, dried parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Dip each chicken tender first into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the almond flour mixture. Place coated tenders on a clean plate and continue until all tenders are coated.
2. Cook in the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and spray the basket with olive oil cooking spray. Arrange some chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, spray the tops with olive oil spray, then close and cook for 7 minutes. Flip the tenders, spray the other side, and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until golden, crispy, and fully cooked. Repeat for any remaining tenders.
3. Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, melt butter in a small pot over medium heat on the stovetop. Once melted, add hot sauce, honey, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Whisk together and simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes to blend flavors, then remove from heat and set aside.
4. Serve: After all chicken tenders are cooked, transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle or generously top with the sweet and spicy sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy warm.

Notes

• You can make this recipe dairy-free by substituting the butter in the sauce with a dairy-free alternative.
• If you prefer extra crispy tenders, feel free to add an additional minute or two to cooking time but watch carefully to avoid burning almond flour.
• Use gluten-free hot sauce to keep the recipe fully gluten-free.
• Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the air fryer model and size of chicken tenders.
• This recipe is great for meal prep; store cooked tenders in the refrigerator and reheat in the air fryer for best texture.

Keywords: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, Low Carb Chicken, Gluten Free Chicken Tenders, Healthy Chicken Recipe, Crispy Chicken Tenders, Sweet and Spicy Sauce