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

These easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Low-Carb and Gluten-Free are perfect for any occasion! Whether you need a quick dinner, a tasty snack, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these chicken tenders are sure to impress. With their crispy exterior and juicy inside, they are not only delicious but also healthy. The low-carb and gluten-free recipe makes them suitable for various diets, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes just 21 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Crispy Texture: Thanks to the air fryer, these chicken tenders achieve the perfect crispy texture without deep frying.
• Flavorful Sauce: The spicy-sweet sauce elevates the dish, adding an exciting flavor that your family will love.
• Low-Carb Friendly: Perfect for those following low-carb diets, these tenders keep your carb count in check while satisfying your cravings.
• Versatile Meal: Serve them as a main course, a party appetizer, or even in salads for added protein.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started with the recipe, make sure you have all the necessary tools ready. This ensures a smooth cooking process and helps you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Shallow plates
• Whisk
• Cooking spray

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: This tool is essential for achieving that perfect crispy texture while keeping the chicken tenders low in fat.
• Mixing bowls: Having a few mixing bowls helps in organizing your ingredients and preparing the coatings efficiently.
• Whisk: A whisk is crucial for blending sauces smoothly, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.

Ingredients

For these delicious Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Low-Carb and Gluten-Free, you’ll need:

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

For the Sauce

• Olive oil cooking spray
• 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

1. Crack the eggs into a shallow bowl and season with salt and pepper.
2. In another shallow bowl, combine the almond flour with garlic powder, parsley, paprika, and more salt and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, then coat with almond flour mixture. Set aside on a clean plate.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Tenders

1. Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
3. Place some chicken tenders in an even layer in the basket. Spray them lightly with olive oil spray.
4. Cook for 7 minutes. Flip each tender over, spray again with olive oil spray, and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until crispy.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In a pot over medium heat, melt the butter completely.
2. Once melted, add hot sauce, honey, tomato paste, salt, and pepper.
3. Whisk together until well combined and let cook on low heat for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Serve Your Dish

1. Once all chicken tenders are cooked, transfer them to a serving platter.
2. Drizzle or toss with the spicy-sweet sauce before serving warm.

Enjoy your homemade Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Low-Carb and Gluten-Free!

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

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a family dinner, these tenders will shine on your table. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dish.

With a Sweet and Spicy Sauce

• Drizzle the spicy sauce made from butter, hot sauce, honey, and tomato paste over the chicken tenders for an extra flavor kick.

On a Salad

• Toss the cooked chicken tenders onto a fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and avocado for a healthy and satisfying meal.

In a Wrap

• Wrap the chicken tenders in lettuce leaves or low-carb tortillas with sliced veggies and your favorite dressing for a tasty handheld option.

With Dipping Sauces

• Serve with various dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or guacamole to cater to different taste preferences.

As Sliders

• Place the chicken tenders on small buns with toppings such as pickles and slaw for delicious sliders that everyone will love.

With Veggies

• Pair the tenders with roasted or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal that is both low-carb and gluten-free.

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

To achieve perfectly cooked Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your tenders come out crispy and flavorful every time.

• Choose fresh chicken: Fresh chicken tenders provide better texture than frozen ones, ensuring they cook evenly.

• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation for crispiness.

• Use enough olive oil spray: A light coating of olive oil on both sides of the chicken keeps them moist while promoting that desired crunchiness.

• Preheat your air fryer: Always preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking temperatures from the start.

• Adjust cooking times as needed: Depending on your air fryer model, cooking times may vary. Check doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken tender.

• Let them rest before serving: Allowing the cooked chicken tenders to rest for a few minutes helps maintain moisture inside before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Low-Carb and Gluten-Free

Pairing side dishes with Air Fryer Chicken Tenders enhances your meal experience. Here are some fantastic low-carb options that complement this dish wonderfully.

1. Cauliflower Rice

2. A fluffy alternative to traditional rice, it’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce or juices from your chicken.

3. Zucchini Noodles

4. Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles make an excellent pasta substitute that pairs well with chicken tenders’ flavors.

5. Steamed Broccoli

6. This nutrient-rich vegetable adds great color and crunch while being low in carbs — an ideal side choice!

7. Avocado Salad

8. Fresh avocado tossed with lime juice, cilantro, and diced tomatoes creates a refreshing salad that balances the spiciness of the chicken.

9. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

10. Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts bring depth to your plate while keeping it low-carb — simply toss them in olive oil before roasting.

11. Cabbage Slaw

12. A crunchy cabbage slaw with a light vinaigrette adds freshness and texture alongside your tender bites.

13. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

14. Creamy mashed cauliflower seasoned with garlic is a delicious low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes that pairs perfectly with chicken tenders.

15. Radish Chips

16. Crunchy radish chips can serve as a unique snack while adding variety to your meal alongside these tasty tenders.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Low-Carb and Gluten-Free can be easy, but it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that might ruin your dish.

• Skipping the seasoning: Always season the egg and the almond flour mixture. This enhances flavor and prevents bland chicken tenders.
• Overcrowding the air fryer: Place chicken tenders in a single layer. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking and soggy tenders.
• Not preheating the air fryer: Preheating ensures that your chicken tenders cook evenly and achieve that perfect crispy texture.
• Ignoring cooking times: Follow the recommended cooking times closely. Cooking too long can dry out the chicken, while undercooking is unsafe.
• Using too little oil spray: Don’t skimp on olive oil spray. It helps achieve crispiness without adding carbs or gluten.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

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

• Freeze the cooked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

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

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for about 1-2 minutes. This method may not keep them crispy.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil, and warm the chicken tenders for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use different flour instead of almond flour?

Yes, you can substitute with coconut flour or another low-carb flour. Adjust quantities as needed.

How do I make these chicken tenders dairy-free?

Simply omit the butter from the sauce or use a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil.

What dipping sauces pair well with Air Fryer Chicken Tenders?

These tenders go great with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or even a spicy sriracha sauce!

Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?

While an air fryer is best for crispiness, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for around 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Low-Carb and Gluten-Free are not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize with different spices or sauces to suit your taste. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, give this recipe a try!