Crispy Cheese Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer
Quick and easy chicken tenders coated in a cheesy, crunchy crust made with cheddar and Cheez-Its, cooked in the air fryer.
Steps
- 1
In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise with shredded cheddar cheese.
- 2
Add chicken tenderloins and toss to coat evenly.
- 3
In another bowl, combine crushed crackers with garlic salt and paprika.
- 4
Coat each piece of chicken in the cracker mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- 5
Place chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
- 6
Lightly spray with olive oil spray.
- 7
Cook at 200°C (400°F) for 9-10 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
- 8
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Shopping list
1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins, 1 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt / beaten egg), 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 3 cups crushed Cheez-Its (or salty crackers), 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, olive oil spray
Recipe story
Cheese-crusted chicken tenders are a modern twist on American comfort food, popular in the southern United States. The combination of cheddar cheese and savory crackers adds extra crunch and flavor, inspired by home-style cooking.
Ingredient Secrets
Sea salt
Sea salt, extracted from ocean waters by evaporation, was one of the most precious goods of antiquity, used both as food and as currency. In ancient Rome, soldiers were paid with salt, which is the origin of the word 'salary'. Salt roads connected entire civilizations, and in the Middle Ages, salt was so valuable it was called 'white gold'.
Paprika
Paprika, a emblematic spice brought to Europe by Christopher Columbus from the New World. Although associated with Hungarian cuisine, its origins are in Central America, where it was used by the Aztecs.
Garlic
Native to Central Asia, garlic was already known in ancient Egypt, where it was given to slaves to boost their strength. In ancient Greece, athletes consumed it before competitions, and in Rome, legionaries considered it essential for courage. During the Middle Ages, it was used to ward off vampires and the plague.
Olive oil
Originating in the Mediterranean basin, olive oil was already produced in ancient Crete 5,000 years ago. In ancient Greece, it was considered a gift from Athena and used in lamps, cosmetics, and religious ceremonies. The Romans spread it throughout the empire, and in the Middle Ages, monasteries preserved the tradition of its production.
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