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Air Fryer Keto Chicken Tenders (Pork Rind and Cayenne)

Chicken tenders in a spiced crushed pork rind crust with a cayenne kick, air fried to a shatter crust in about 20 minutes.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 12 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lb chicken tenders or breasts cut into strips
  • 1.5 cups pork rinds crushed to panko-fine crumbs
  • 1/4 cup almond flour optional
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2-1 tsp cayenne
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 eggs beaten with a splash of water
  • avocado oil spray

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Two shallow bowls
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (205°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.
  2. Combine the pork rinds, almond flour, and spices. Pat the tenders dry, dip in egg, then press into the crumb mix.
  3. Spritz the basket and the tenders, arrange in a single layer, and cook 8 to 10 minutes, flipping and misting at the midpoint, to 165°F and deep golden.
  4. Rest 2 minutes so the crust sets.

Notes

Crumbly, not dusty — over-pulverised pork rinds don't crunch.
Dry the chicken or the coating goes soggy.
Heat-sensitive? Swap some of the cayenne for extra smoked paprika.