Best 2 Air Fried Vegetarian Chicken Tenders Recipes

**Air-Fried Vegetarian Chicken Tenders: A Plant-Based Delight**

If you're a vegetarian or simply looking for a healthier alternative to traditional chicken tenders, look no further than these air-fried vegetarian chicken tenders. This delectable dish is not only easy to make, but also packed with flavor and nutrients. Made with a combination of wholesome ingredients like chickpeas, oats, and spices, these tenders deliver a satisfying crunch and a tender, juicy interior. Air-frying ensures a crispy coating while keeping the inside moist and succulent.

The recipe also includes an array of delicious dipping sauces to complement the tenders. From a classic honey mustard to a creamy ranch, and a tangy barbecue sauce, there's a sauce for every taste preference. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your air fryer, and get ready to indulge in a guilt-free, plant-based meal that will leave you craving for more.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

AIR FRIED VEGETARIAN "CHICKEN TENDERS"

Air Fried Vegetarian

Great-grandma's timeless recipe for crispy fried 'chicken.' The best part: because it is adapted for an air fryer, it's a healthier version compared to its fried cousin! Serve with honey-mustard sauce for dipping.

Provided by Chef Wheeler del Torro

Categories 100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes Vegetarian Protein Seitan

Time 40m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
3 eggs, beaten
2 cups panko bread crumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¾ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon salt
2 (16 ounce) packages imitation chicken breast halves (seitan), cut into 1-inch wide strips
cooking spray

Steps:

Pour flour onto a large plate. Place eggs in a shallow bowl. Combine bread crumbs, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, chili powder, and salt in another shallow bowl.
Coat imitation chicken strips in flour, dip into eggs, then dredge in bread crumb mixture, and place on a plate.
Heat an air fryer to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C).
Place a row of coated strips in the air fryer basket. Spray with a light coat of cooking spray.
Cook strips in the air fryer for 6 minutes. Open fryer to flip strips with tongs. Continue cooking until golden brown, 4 to 6 minutes more.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 647.1 calories, Carbohydrate 86.5 g, Cholesterol 122.8 mg, Fat 5.6 g, Fiber 9.2 g, Protein 76.6 g, SaturatedFat 1.6 g, Sodium 1171.5 mg, Sugar 0.6 g

AIR FRYER CHICKEN TENDERS

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders image

This weeknight supper is a kid-friendly and healthier alternative to your run-of-the-mill chicken fingers.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories main-dish

Time 1h45m

Yield about 8 pieces

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

3/4 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 pound chicken tenders
1 1/2 cups panko
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon olive oil
Kosher salt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons yellow mustard
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Steps:

For the chicken: Combine the buttermilk, Worcestershire sauce and paprika in a resealable plastic bag. Add the chicken, making sure it is completely coated. Seal the bag and place in a bowl. Let marinate at room temperature for 1 hour.
Meanwhile, stir together the panko with the Parmesan, olive oil and 1 teaspoon salt in a shallow baking dish or pie plate.
For the dipping sauce: Stir together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, honey and Dijon in a small bowl and set aside.
Preheat a 3.5-quart air fryer to 390 degrees F. Remove 1 piece of chicken at a time from the bag, shaking off excess buttermilk. Place in the panko and press gently with your hands to adhere the panko evenly. Gently shake to remove the excess and place in the air fryer basket. Repeat with enough chicken to fill the basket (about 4 pieces) and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 7 minutes on each side. Repeat with the remaining chicken and serve warm with the dipping sauce.

Tips:

To achieve a crispy texture, use a combination of panko breadcrumbs and crushed cornflakes in the coating.
For a savory flavor, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in the breading mixture.
Enhance the taste of the tenders by marinating them in a mixture of soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
To ensure even cooking, arrange the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece.
Keep an eye on the tenders during cooking and shake the basket occasionally to promote even browning.
For optimal results, serve the tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing.

Conclusion:

By following these tips and experimenting with different seasonings and marinades, you can create delicious and versatile air-fried vegetarian chicken tenders that are perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you're hosting a party, preparing a quick weeknight dinner, or simply craving a satisfying snack, these tenders are sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.