If you miss that shatter-crisp crunch from your favorite chicken chain but want something healthier at home, these Homemade Extra Crispy Tenders deliver big time.

They’re juicy on the inside, ridiculously crispy on the outside — all without deep frying. Made with a grain-free, gluten-free coating and baked or air-fried until golden, these tenders are perfect for dipping, wrapping, or tossing on a salad. Trust me, once you try them, they’re going on weekly repeat.

This is Healthy Fast Food at Home that tastes like the real deal — with none of the junk.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders or sliced chicken breast

• 1 egg

• 2 tbsp milk of choice

• ½ cup almond flour

• ¼ cup crushed grain-free crackers or gluten-free panko (for crunch!)

• 2 tbsp arrowroot starch or cornstarch

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• Olive oil spray or avocado oil for baking

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven or air fryer
   Preheat oven to 425°F or air fryer to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment and spray lightly with oil.

2. Set up breading station
   In one bowl, whisk together egg and milk. In another bowl, mix almond flour, crushed crackers, arrowroot, and all seasonings.

3. Coat the chicken
   Dip each tender in the egg wash, then into the crispy flour mixture, pressing firmly to coat well.

4. Bake or air fry until extra crispy

   • Bake: Arrange on baking sheet, spray tops with oil, and bake 22–25 minutes, flipping halfway.

   • Air fry: Cook 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway until crisp and golden.

5. Serve hot
   Perfect with clean honey mustard, spicy ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Sarah’s Tips:

• Want extra extra crisp? Chill the coated tenders in the fridge for 10 minutes before cooking — it helps the coating stick better!

• No almond flour? Use oat flour or a gluten-free breadcrumb blend.

• Add heat: Stir in ½ tsp cayenne for a spicy kick.

• Freezer-friendly: Bread raw tenders and freeze. Bake from frozen — just add 5 extra minutes.

Flavorful Conclusion:

These Homemade Extra Crispy Tenders are crunchy, juicy, and loaded with that “fast food but cleaner” flavor we all crave. Whether you’re making them for your family, your game day crew, or just yourself on a nugget-craving Tuesday, they hit the spot every time.

Nutrition (per serving, serves 4):

• Calories: 310

• Protein: 28g

• Carbs: 9g

• Fat: 18g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 1g