These easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Low-Carb and Gluten-Free are a game-changer for dinner! They are not only simple to make but also turn out perfectly crispy and delicious, thanks to the air fryer. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even game day snacking, these tenders will impress everyone at the table. Top them with a spicy-sweet sauce that elevates the flavor profile and adds an exciting twist. Whether you’re following a low-carb diet or need gluten-free options, this recipe is sure to please.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Crispy Texture: The air fryer ensures that your chicken tenders come out crispy without the need for deep frying.
Healthy Ingredients: Made with almond flour and wholesome spices, these tenders are low in carbs and gluten-free.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as a main dish or slice them up for salads and wraps; they’re perfect for any occasion.
Kid-Friendly: These tenders are a hit with kids and adults alike, making family meals more enjoyable.

Tools and Preparation

To get started on your Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment makes preparation easier and ensures great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Air fryer
Shallow bowls
Whisk
Cooking spray
Pot

Importance of Each Tool

Air fryer: This tool allows you to cook chicken tenders quickly while keeping them crispy without excess oil.
Shallow bowls: These are crucial for easy coating of the chicken tenders with egg and almond flour mixtures.
Whisk: A whisk is essential for combining ingredients smoothly when preparing your sauce.

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

Crack the eggs into a shallow bowl and season them with salt and pepper. In another shallow bowl, mix together the almond flour, garlic powder, dried parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
– Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture.
– Coat it thoroughly with the almond flour mixture.
– Place coated tenders on a clean plate.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees F. Spray the basket lightly with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
– Arrange some chicken tenders in an even layer in the air fryer basket.
– Lightly spray them again with olive oil.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Tenders

Cook for 7 minutes until they start to crisp up.
– Flip each tender carefully after 7 minutes.
– Spray the other side with olive oil spray.
– Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until they are fully cooked through.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

While your chicken cooks, melt butter in a pot over medium heat. Once melted:
– Add hot sauce, honey, tomato paste, salt, and pepper.
– Whisk until well combined and let it simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Serve

Once all chicken tenders are cooked:
– Transfer them to a platter or serving plate.
– Drizzle or pour the prepared sauce over the top.
Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Chicken Tenders!

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

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are incredibly versatile and can be served in many delicious ways. Whether you’re enjoying them for a casual dinner or a party, there are plenty of serving suggestions that will elevate this dish.

Dipping Sauces

Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch pairs perfectly with the crispy tenders, adding a cool contrast.
Honey Mustard: A blend of sweet and tangy, honey mustard makes for a delightful dip.
BBQ Sauce: Smoky BBQ sauce enhances the flavors and adds a classic touch.

Salads

Caesar Salad: Toss your tenders on a bed of romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing for a hearty meal.
Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and balances the richness of the chicken.

Wraps and Sandwiches

Chicken Tender Wrap: Wrap up the tenders with lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite sauce for an easy meal on-the-go.
Tender Sandwich: Serve the chicken tenders on a gluten-free bun with avocado and spicy mayo for added flavor.

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

Getting your Air Fryer Chicken Tenders just right is all about technique. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out perfect every time.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken tends to cook better and yields juicier results than frozen.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating ensures even cooking, which is key for crispy tenders.
Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can cause uneven cooking and soggy textures.
Spray Generously: A good amount of olive oil spray helps achieve that desired crispiness.
Check Internal Temperature: Always ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

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 great low-carb options to consider.

Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed or spiralized zucchini noodles offer a fresh alternative to pasta.
Roasted Broccoli: Crispy roasted broccoli is nutrient-packed and complements the chicken perfectly.
Cauliflower Rice: A fluffy cauliflower rice can soak up any extra sauce while keeping carbs low.
Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes provides a refreshing crunch.
Garlic Mashed Cauliflower: Creamy mashed cauliflower delivers comfort without the carbs of traditional mashed potatoes.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Fill bell peppers with cheese and spices for a flavorful side that’s satisfying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Low-Carb and Gluten-Free can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some to avoid.

Skipping the egg wash: Not using an egg wash can lead to the coating not sticking properly. Always dip your chicken tenders in beaten eggs before coating them with almond flour.
Overcrowding the air fryer: Placing too many tenders at once can result in uneven cooking. Cook in batches to ensure each tender gets crispy.
Not preheating the air fryer: Failing to preheat means your chicken may not cook evenly or get crispy. Always preheat your air fryer for best results.
Using too much oil: While a little oil is necessary, overdoing it can make your tenders greasy. Lightly spray oil just enough for crispiness without excess.
Ignoring cooking times: Cooking for too long or not long enough can ruin your dish. Keep an eye on the cooking time and adjust as needed for perfect tenders.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

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

Place cooled chicken tenders in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Freeze them for up to 2 months for best quality.

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

Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Low-Carb and Gluten-Free.

Can I use different seasonings?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with various herbs and spices according to your taste preferences.

What if I don’t have almond flour?

You can substitute almond flour with coconut flour, but reduce the amount as coconut flour absorbs more moisture.

Are these chicken tenders suitable for meal prep?

Yes! These tenders store well and can be made ahead of time for easy meal prep throughout the week.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

The internal temperature of cooked chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Low-Carb and Gluten-Free are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with different sauces or spices according to your mood or dietary needs. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a healthy twist on a classic favorite!

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

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Florence
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Experience the joy of crispy and delicious Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Low-Carb and Gluten-Free! This quick and easy recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for family dinners, game day snacking, or meal prep. The air fryer ensures a satisfyingly crunchy texture without the excess oil, making it a healthier choice. With a spicy-sweet sauce that brings an exciting twist to each bite, these tenders are bound to impress everyone at your table. Enjoy them as-is or pair with your favorite dipping sauces, salads, or wraps for a versatile dining experience. Get ready to indulge in this guilt-free delight!

Instructions

Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and lightly spray basket with olive oil.
In one bowl, beat eggs with salt and pepper; in another, mix almond flour with garlic powder, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Dip each chicken tender in the egg mixture then coat with the almond flour mixture.
Place coated tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer and lightly spray again with olive oil.
Cook for 7 minutes; flip tenders, spray the other side with olive oil, and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until fully cooked.