Elevate your snack or meal prep with these High Protein Airfried Chicken Tenders—a delicious, guilt-free twist on classic comfort food! Packed with lean protein from chicken breast and unflavored whey protein powder, these tenders offer a crispy, golden crust made with whole wheat breadcrumbs and a flavorful blend of spices like paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Prepared effortlessly in the air fryer, they’re not only lower in fat but also ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for fitness enthusiasts or families looking for healthier alternatives, these chicken tenders are ideal for dipping in your favorite sauces or serving alongside fresh salads for a balanced, satisfying dish. Try this protein-packed recipe for a mouthwatering meal that combines health and indulgence!
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 5 minutes.
Cut the chicken breast fillets into strips, approximately 1 inch wide, resembling tenders.
In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg whites until slightly frothy. Set aside.
In another bowl, mix the whey protein powder, whole wheat breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper together until well combined.
Dip each chicken strip into the egg whites, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
Place the coated chicken tenders onto a plate. Repeat the process until all tenders are coated.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Air fry the chicken tenders for 12-15 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispiness. They should be golden brown and cooked to an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve the high protein airfried chicken tenders with your choice of dipping sauce or a side salad for a well-rounded meal.
Calories |
1513 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.6 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.5 g | 42% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 420 mg | 140% | |
| Sodium | 3588 mg | 156% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 81.1 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.7 g | 42% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.3 g | ||
| Protein | 227.3 g | 455% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 444 mg | 34% | |
| Iron | 9.6 mg | 53% | |
| Potassium | 1930 mg | 41% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.