Perfectly seasoned chicken tenders with a crunchy, low-carb coating—ready in under 20 minutes!

Servings: 4

Craving crispy chicken tenders but want to keep it keto? These Air Fryer Keto Chicken Tenders are the answer! Coated in a perfectly seasoned, low-carb breading, they’re golden and crispy on the outside while staying juicy on the inside. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding the family, or just treating yourself, this recipe is quick, delicious, and so easy to make. Dip them in your favorite keto-friendly sauce and enjoy a healthier twist on a classic favorite!

Ingredients

1 lb chicken tenders (or boneless chicken breasts sliced into strips)
1 large egg
2 tbsp heavy cream
½ cup almond flour
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Olive oil spray

Supplies Needed

Air fryer
Shallow bowls for breading
Tongs

Instructions

Prepare the Breading:

In one shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and heavy cream.
In a second shallow bowl, mix the almond flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Coat the Chicken:

Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Transfer to the almond flour mixture, pressing gently to coat both sides evenly.

Air Fry the Tenders:

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch.
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Serve:

Serve hot with your favorite keto-friendly dipping sauce, such as ranch, sugar-free ketchup, or spicy mayo.

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Freezer: Freeze breaded, uncooked chicken tenders on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes to the cooking time.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

For extra crispiness, spray the breaded chicken tenders with olive oil before cooking.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breading for a spicy kick.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.

Variations

Herb-Crusted Tenders: Add dried herbs like oregano or thyme to the breading for a flavor boost.
Coconut Crust: Replace almond flour with unsweetened shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Cheese Lover’s Option: Increase the Parmesan cheese and reduce the almond flour for an extra cheesy coating.

FAQ

Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Yes! Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) on a wire rack over a baking sheet for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What’s the best dipping sauce for these tenders?

Try keto-friendly ranch, sugar-free BBQ sauce, or even guacamole for a fun twist.

Can I use coconut flour instead of almond flour?

You can, but the texture may be slightly different as coconut flour is denser. Use half the amount of coconut flour and adjust as needed.

These Air Fryer Keto Chicken Tenders are crispy, flavorful, and so easy to make, they’ll quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, lunch, or as a snack, they deliver all the crunch and flavor you love without the carbs. Grab your air fryer and whip up a batch today!

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