The PERFECT Air Fryer Chicken Tender (Ranking 6 Methods)

In this episode of Air Fryer Lab, we dove into the work of chicken tenders and the results
were astounding! Best air fryer in the game: amzn.to/3nmMXK6, checkout the Cosori Dual Blaze
00:00 - Intro
00:38 - Controlled Variables
06:28 - Chicken Trials
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• THE BEST Air Fryer Chi...
The complete breakdown and recipes for this video:
prohomecooks.com/recipes/thes...
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All music provided royalty free by Epidemic Sound
Video Credits
Creator and Host - Mike G
Producer - McGraw W @McGraw_Wolfman
Co-Editor - Christopher Pressler
Blog Writer - Alex C @threhungrybellies

[@SkyWolfSkydive]

⚠️ BRO!!! You do THE BEST AIR FRYER videos on KZbin! NO ONE besides you does good trials like this! PLEASE keep them up!!! ⚠️

[@iwanttowatchyoutubenow]

টরেন্ট

[@Anna-gy9wx]

This is amazing! We only ever see the final best version/technique, but it was great to see your testing process and seeing how some things don’t work. Would love to see more of these types of videos

[@OlgaTsybulina]

Thank you for this research! I’ve tried yesterday 3 ways - corn flakes, pringles and panko. My family had a blast! They liked all, but classic panko that I used in the past went from 10 to 8! And corn flakes now are on 10 and potatoes chips are on 9,5. Thank you for inspiration!

[@ishantiku]

What a great video for air fryer chefs!! 😍 Just love the whole concept of minimalism and how you managed to get such variety of consistencies with a change of just one ingredient!! Keep up the great work my friend!! ❤️‍🔥

[@cathleenvance4441]

My Lord, this is like a masterclass in air frying. I cannot thank you enough. I just bought my first air fryer and you have been my favorite instructor. Well done you.

[@Murderbot2000]

This video is over two years old, but I have a contribution: I’ll dip my chicken in pancake batter, then drag it through some toasted panko. That works really well.

[@theKOmorita]

TLDR: toast the grated almonds first long version: here in Brazil, we use grated manioca (or corn) flakes for breading (called "farinha")... and if we toast those grated manioca and season it, we make "farofa", which in itself is a common brazilian crunchy side dish. And many times we add grated ant toasted nuts to the "farofa" for more texture and flavor... Turns out, i tried breading chicken (or beef) with toasted grated almond (alone or mixture with panko) and it went great... Cashew nuts are even better

[@judacs]

os gringos precisam aprender a magia da farofa kkkkk nice tip, tho! don't sleep on this, guys

[@rafa1bertoldi1]

Manioca? Tú não quer dizer mandioca? Eu uso biju pra empanar pois sou ciliaco, parece uma panko, bom d+

[@theKOmorita]

@@rafa1bertoldi1 lá fora chamam "manioc"/"manioca"...

[@LuvLexyU]

YEAH TOAST THE NUTS FIRSTTTT just frigging toast them a bit for some crunch. Toast the entire breading cause toasted sesame seeds are fucking great as well

[@pittaaaabread]

@@LuvLexyU Agreed I tried all of these and by far the best was the toasted peanuts if you aren't afraid of really cooking that dark meat then you can get them crispy as all hell and so delicious.

[@lootcifer460]

@ProHomeCooks I promise toy won't regret this... TRY THIS TIP: Try using fried pork skins (pork rinds, the packaged snacks) in the food processor to grind them as the coating. It gives great flavor, the breading sticks and the texture is super crispy... + it is potentially a 0 carb version of chicken tenders.

[@brianking9424]

They sold a 2 pack of pork panko crumbs at costco and it’s amazingly perfect

[@SweetHopeCookies]

I always use ground pork rinds with a bit of Parmesan cheese!

[@saircor]

Was going to suggest this before seeing your comment. I've done this muliple times and they've turned out great.

[@rneustel388]

Sounds delicious

[@BluePoo52]

Toy lol

[@BillAndersonNS]

For my three part breading system, I love using pie plates instead of bowls. Lots of room, it's flat allowing the ingredients to spread out. It really does work well

[@sarahbyington2440]

i do the same, they work great.

[@heatherwebber537]

Me, too

[@yvonnebretz8165]

Me three

[@cwitham69]

what a smartie-pants. luv it kiddo - thanks!

[@drisraptor2992]

the real cheat is those styrofoam chinese takeout boxes, 3 seperate built in cavicles and you can just close & throw it away after.

[@andilongmeadowfarm]

I must say, @ProHomeCooks is my new hero. I've now watched almost all the videos, (including Brother's Green) and this is my go-to guy for making quick meals on a home cook scale. Sure I have watched so many others, but he is straightforward and easy to follow.

[@moatsy5429]

For a quick airfry meal you can use a light coat of mayo then add bread crumbs. Works great for parm crusted chicken/salmon too.

[@cwitham69]

just tried it and came out scrumptious - thanks!

[@theacidscreen]

thanks, this was more useful than the entire meandering video above

[@MayaMarsland]

I made delicious chicken tenders last night in my Heritage Air Fryer Convection oven and they turned out amazingly. I used Organic Blanched Almond Flour and Unsweetened shaved coconut for the coating. It was amazing. Dipping sauce was Sriracha, Maple Syrup sauce. It was amazing.

[@dorkwell]

Would love to see how the mayo + crumb coatings go in the airfryer. Just coat chicken piece in mayo, roll in the crumb and off you go. Saves the flour and egg wash steps and gives a heap more flavour

[@GryphonDes]

good points - I will have to try this one :D

[@mrca9344]

Lol. I just commented about this. This is my preferred method. Way easier. I like to coat seasoned chicken in mayo, let it sit in my fridge for like a half hour then add some seasoned breading right before I toss in the AF

[@christianf4305]

@@mrca9344 what temp and how long in the air fryer?

[@mrca9344]

@@christianf4305 I can't remember off-head, but the temps used in the vid above work fine. Usually under 15min for me.

[@kobed2060]

@@christianf4305 380F @ 7ish mins

[@james95a14]

I love double breading my chicken tenders when I do them in the air fryer. Flour, Egg Wash, Bread Crumbs, and then repeat that process. Makes them extra crunchy!!

[@adamsnider100]

Great to see controlled variable experiments, very unique and scientifically valid. Looks delicious and will give it a try! Thx for posting this.

[@dianamiles-hannah1286]

Great episode-Thank you!. Appreciate the many trial methods, but not surprised by the winner. My dad used to make baked chicken coated in french dressing and cornflakes! Brilliant 😎

[@litewinger]

I've made air fryer chicken tenders using Sunchips (both original and French Onion) as the breading. I think they turned out really nice.

[@maitrayee22]

Amazing video to learn all the techniques in air fryer cooking ! Thank you for your elaborate demonstration. Much appreciated !

[@alannolet3109]

When you pulled out the corn flakes, I was all, NO! WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT! But then I saw them and they looked mighty fine, and you gave them a 9.7, so now I've gotta make them. 🤤

[@wookinooki9023]

he's so freaking adorable. his spontaneous reactions, his choice of words, etc.

[@nunyabeezwax9991]

Love this style honey mustard. Been looking for a base recipe and this is a perfect start. I even subbed some of the jarred mustard with mustard powder. Love your recipes and your new kitchen! Happy cooking and gardening!

[@wesleykruis6673]

I really like this video. I especially appreciate that you thoroughly test many different techniques 🙏

[@inguracka]

My crumbs of choice is crushed nachos, give it a go! So much better than chips or plain corn flakes, it adds great flavor and I also sprinkle seasoning into crumbs or eggs, that way its incorporated and all over chicken and gets toasted!

[@evelynkessinger4714]

Wow! What great variations you tried! Thanks for sharing this!

[@muzerhythm2242]

Perfect timing on this!😁 In April I had a gallbladder attack and when I saw my doctor she said "NO beef and NO greasy food"☹️. So I've been looking for healthier alternatives to my favorites...I like the corn flakes breading and for a spray instead of avocado oil I'll use olive oil spray. My substitute for French Fries: I use red potatoes, cut them into wedges and steam cook for 4 minutes. Rinse and dry on paper towel. Then freeze them. When I want to make fries I just use 2 tbsp of olive oil in nonstick pan and brown. Then coat in my favorite seasoning mix. Crispy and not greasy.😁

[@figment9625]

Corn flakes are GMO processed with chemicals. Pork rinds are healthier. Olive or avocado oil. Veg oils use hexane to process. It's poison.

[@wendellas3420]

Avocado oil is also healthy ❤

[@TheSlugSea]

Love ya channel! Good structure to the cooking comparisons across the board Dude!

[@Reniu87]

I actually use the corn flakes breading for making a meat balls in air fryer. I wanted the meat balls to be less heavy and it works so good it's amazing... Crispy outer shell and cooked and tender inside!

[@ryankuhlmann2162]

Thanks! Just did the wet batter fail, and this is just what I was looking for. The other options, other than your best for tenders, were also something to keep in mind possibly for other use models.

[@ianleech5110]

Great channel, extremely helpful, succinct and sensibly entertaining. Well done!

[@wolverinegnr]

Just made these with the cornflake breading and I am impressed. These are better than the ones you get at restaurants for a 1/4 of the price. Thanks for recipe!

[@Bot-rp7rj]

Your going out to a restaurant to eat chicken nugget?

[@nikita2560]

@@Bot-rp7rj fuck yea

[@lisaarmstrong3428]

@@Bot-rp7rjwho doesn’t!

[@Ypsilion]

I always use panko on my chicken when I air fry it, and I was so paranoid that I was doing something wrong because it never went golden brown. Now I know I need to try corn flakes haha

[@kathywinslow7993]

I love your recipes...thank you! I put some buttermilk in my egg after soaking the chicken.. and season my flour and panko....paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. I cook at 390..flipping and spraying after 8 min. The breading stays on 100%...thick and crunchy...and this is better than any deep fried chicken we've ever had.

[@raffinataonline]

Going to try this. Thank you!

[@kirakowolik4530]

The kitchen looks GREAT! I love the blue tile

[@pat.l.h.2730]

thanks for your trial and error cooking its very educational love it nobody does this, true original.

[@neopeace7773]

In blender 1. Saltiness crackers approximately 20 squares. 1 tbl spoon corn starch. 1 cup flour. Season mix as preferred. Coat tenders in egg white. Roll tenders in flour mixture. Spray tenders with oil. Ready to air fry. (saltiness crackers add a nice consistency and taste)

[@kscheuerman5378]

Thanks for working out the good options for us to try

[@miranda.cooper]

I love how you keep touching fresh hot chicken tenders and being surprised that it hurts... Ahhh man xD

[@suemarlette1857]

My FAV breading for chicken and fish of all times, is pulverized pork rinds. Especially the spicy ones! I discovered this for myself (years ago) when I needed a zero carb breading. I was snacking on pork rinds and thought aha! 💡 I’ve not tried it in the air fryer (I have 2 Cosori’s, don’t judge) but now that I’ve seen this video I’m going to do it. Thank you for you expertise ☮️ & ❤️

[@lvoecloud]

How did it work out?

[@lindseyitamoto]

✌️ and 💕

[@bethschloo7418]

I combined the panko and crushed corn flakes. We all loved them!

[@sheakielknowles1444]

used the cornflake version, it was delicious, great crunch and taste. thanks for the tutorial

[@99zanne]

ATK used cornstarch and buttermilk with the cornflakes - you might try that instead of the flour and egg. They thought that combo made the most crunch! TFS.

[@srk7982]

I got an air fryer for my birthday a few days ago, this video came at a perfect time!

[@AfterTheRains]

Congrats on your fryer but I have to say, my husband once got me a food processor for Christmas and I asked how he would like a lawn mower for Christmas. We are no longer married. 😆

[@kristycargile6917]

Nicely done, thanks!

[@maitrayee22]

Excellent and an enjoyable video ! Thanks for sharing.

[@malcolmdrain1756]

When I was working in catering we did our crumbing for chicken 1:1 breadcrumbs and almond meal (course) +seasoning and herbs.

[@isaacnewton9336]

Loved the video! Going to try those out this weeekend.

[@MattX28025]

I've found using the grated parmesan cheese that you sprinkle on spaghetti makes a great crust for chicken and pork in an air fryer. Adds amazing flavor when you mix it with your favorite seasoning.

[@giannimassaro4636]

Finally the video everyone has been waiting for 😤👊🏻💯

[@wayneosteen1539]

I've used ground Corn Chex to batter chicken, and it was REALLY good!

[@clairepalmer3537]

This video inspired me to try some creative breading. I usually do flour->egg-> flour but today I did masa harina instead of regular flour and the flavor was incredible!! Highly recommend!

[@xanderprime9737]

Haven't heard of masa harina since I was a kid, forgot it existed. I'm gonna try that.

[@Mirandanik]

Back when the heat wave ovens were big my friend and I made chicken tenders with crushed saltine crackers and they were SO good! They are the best though fried in butter, or if you could dip them in butter and then fry them in the air fryer or maybe put melted butter in an oil sprayer and spray them with butter? All I know is that the saltines with butter are REALLY good, just like the old casserole toppers where you mix saltines with butter and put it on top of your casseroles. Idk if that's just an Ohio thing but our grandma's did that A LOT lol

[@13Voodoobilly69]

Chicken fried steak is awesome breaded with saltine crackers also. I believe it is a southern thing.

[@jaypeak]

loving the look of the blue fireplace

[@robhowe8353]

O. M. G. I tried the cornflakes breading last night. It was so awesome. Super crunchy. Now I want to try it with seafood. 😋

[@wcouch8]

Been waiting for this. Got my popcorn. Yay!

[@Zachafinackus]

This is cool! I do have to say that my favorite breading is a mix of two that you've done. Panko+Kettle Chips make such a good crunchy breading that helps get that color.

[@Rohanfagwani]

Hey, love you videos. One life hack to clean those air fryers is to use a silicone reusable Air Fryer liner that can go into the diswasher as well. Will save you so much time and energy

[@jen_graham]

Great video!! Wish you would do more quick 15 min meals, they're fantastic! I love my air fryer, and hardly use my oven anymore!! Noticed the "magic" in your air fryer, or perhaps great editing. 🤔😉 The potato chip breaded fingers, had 5 at the start and only 4 at the end of cooking. 😄

[@tracymason2384]

Trying this! Thank you

[@mrca9344]

Wow. I gotta try the potato chip and corn flake options. When I make tenders in the air fryer, I tend to use mayo instead of the 3-dip process. Massage chicken in mayo, drop in breading, pop in air fryer. No spray oil needed bc mayo gets the job done.

[@JuanGutierrez-vm3iz]

Great recipes thanks and god bless you and your family

[@aaronrolette634]

Ritz or Club Crackers are hands down my favorite bredding for frying anything 🤌 be interested to see what it's like in an airfryer !! Especially the ritz bacon, roasted vegetables, or garlic butter

[@jennifertaylor261]

Thank you! Trying the corn flake tenders this week!! :)

[@noahjoseph9633]

i want to see this with a bunch of different cereals as the breading, like we use corn flakes as the base, then use things like fruit loops, vector, multigrain, cinnamon toast crunch,rice crispy, cheerios, shreddies, stuff like that

[@lazolayani2271]

You saved us time testing, corn flakes it is, sending love from south Africa

[@AllStateTR]

We use the cornflakes method all the time but we use a healthy pop pop of Chipotle Dano’s in the mix first. Tasty!!

[@biffwellington6144]

I think Chee-tos seem like they'd make a good air fryer breading, too. It'd probably have a nice crunch, and you'd get some built-in seasoning, too. The Flamin' Hot variety might be just a little intense for a lot of folks, but they do have a jalapeno and lime flavor that's a bit more mellow and might be really nice.

[@Court.M]

I just noticed the change in the kitchen. Looks really good!

[@ChrizzeeB]

highly educational

[@ericcollins8100]

Just got an air fryer and excited I found your channel!

[@henrykampenhout3027]

Awesome video! 👍👍

[@SchayLaVie]

"This channel's makin' me hungry!" Thanks for the air fryer tips and spray oil suggestion.

[@gfdgf599]

Glad you're still making these videos. For some reason I thought you had stopped.

[@antoniopina2667]

Thank for the experiments! I already tried using corn flakes based on another video of yours. They were good in the crunchy levels but they stayed too long in the air frier so thay were a bit dry. 😅 I liked the idea of your walnut and nuts, even if I dont get the crunchyness the flavour could be a plus. Thank you! 😆 Love your videos so keep doing them, please 😅🙏😄

[@clarasantiso8246]

Oh yeah I definitely learned some tips!!!!

[@rjtmsc]

I love your videos man been watching for years.. just made a cornflake chicken breast but I preseaoned my breasts with buttery poultry kinders seasoning over night and also I tenderize my chicken I also go into the flour and back into the egg wash a few times and it builds up layers for the batter so good!

[@figment9625]

While you were doing the potato chips and corn chips, I was yelling at the screen: chiccharones. Crunch!

[@figment9625]

AKA pork rinds brah.

[@Roy-G-Biv]

i learn so much from you!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@iTechGamingLOL]

Awesome idea with the potato chips, i am about to get an Air fryer so this was quite a refreshing idea, perhaps some flavored chips like barbeque or mustard would make an interesting result.

[@thehltraveller2241]

soooooo good!

[@montybc]

I once made some chicken strips covered with flour+egg and pork chicharron -pork skin chips- (the one that is sold in stores, like chips in a bag). Put the chicharron in the food processor, minced it and used it as "bread" and it gave GREAT results in texture, color and most of all, FLAVOR

[@shanerowsey]

My mom would always use saltines for the breading, it was great

[@TemperedStorm]

I don't have an air fryer yet, but I'm wondering about blending the breading. For example, blending the potato chips and corn flakes for the breading to get the best of both types while offsetting the not-so-great results from using the breading individually.

[@David-en6jg]

I've made them with Ritz crackers before as well, pretty good.

[@WhimsyGalore]

Tried the cornflake batter and they are amazing, new staple

[@brichter4669]

Love making chicken tenders in my air fryer. I think the first coating mixture was too much like tempura. You definitely won't get a true crunchy texture. Glad you tried different coatings and was interesting to see which one did the best.

[@healthy_quick_recipes]

Thank you!

[@snilrach]

I recommend using 50/50 AP flour/rice flour. Worked well for me.

[@VileVisionshaunt]

I was never a fan of honey mustard until I tried the now deceased Honey Dijon from chick fil a. It was a creamier honey mustard, obviously made with Dijon. I miss that stuff.

[@itsmedavidd]

i always fine the best breading for my chicken in the air fryer is the planko cumbs, eggs, and flour. i put them in for 375 for 10 minutes. They are usually larger than those shown in the video.

[@chrisburrows9758]

I use my Air Fryer mostly for reheating cooked foods, tends to make sure its crispy along with being quick.

[@kwedl]

For anyone who wants to use chips for breading. Use protein chips, they are really thick soy chips, have basicly no fat at all, are super crunchy and you can get them in a bunch of flavours.

[@judyross182]

I have figured out that your target audience is not diabetics, however, when you do tests like this if you could also add a healthy option which you do (low carb) such as cauliflower rice vs. white rice, you might get more viewers. I have been researching what I can do in my air fryer and someday try this for chicken tenders: Lupin flower for the first coat, egg (of course), and then 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese, 1/3 cup of pork panko and 1/3 cup of EverCrisp. For those who don't make sauces from scratch, G Hughes makes many low-sugar sauces a diabetic can use in moderation. I love what you demonstrate and appreciate your advice.

[@pizzaishappiness7994]

Sriracha Panko is awesome with the honey mustard dip. 😋

[@shadowtheimpure]

I wonder how well corn chips (tortilla chips) would work as a breading for the air fryer. You'll get that nice corn flavor and they tend to be a bit less oily than potato chips.

[@tp4016]

I’m gonna have to give that a try bro

[@biffwellington6144]

Some flavor of Doritos might be especially nice if you want some seasoning built in with the breading. Or maybe Taki's if you like it spicy.

[@kelliehatch1712]

I can attest they are amazing with cround up Cheetos! We've done that and it's sooooo yummy!!!!!

[@RazorQ10]

Used the flammin hot doritos yesterday and man were they yummy😁😋

[@vittoriabakes]

I like to use panko crumbs, and add just a little bit of oil to the crumbs beforehand, and mix that in to get them all lightly coated with oil. Then do the 3 part dredge. This way I'm not having to use a ton of oil sprayed on them and they get more evenly browned.

[@yahligilboa7489]

great video, i will for sure go for the cornflake one but maybe pulverise them less to get the flakey corn flakes

[@Kenny_Edmonton]

Great video, I usually use panko for my breading but maybe I should give corn flakes a shot. Wonder which is healthier that’s what’s most important to me really

[@vbella39]

My Mama used corn flakes for breading quite often and we loved it! Back in the day before food processors and way before any cooking devices other than a cast iron frying pan, cast iron deep fry pot or oven baked. Of course she also used co-mingled oils like lard or crisco after fish, hush puppies, fritters, chicken, etc. Jeez I miss that corn flake covered chicken! Thanks for the reminder! I will be making tenders in the air fryer with corn flakes and avocado oil spray. I am sure they will be good, healthier, but not as good as Mamma’s!

[@figment9625]

And before all the corn was GMO.

[@bierbrauer11]

Time saving tip: for pasta, first put the dry pasta in the pan then cover with water (maybe 1/4” over the top). Then start to boil. Once it reaches boiling let it go for about 4 minutes. Check it along the way and adjust cooking time. This minimizes volume of water used and therefore the amount of time needed to heat up the watee