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Air Fryer Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Tenders with Cheddar Dip

air fryer pretzel-crusted chicken tenders - featured image
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Crunchy, salty, and addictive, these air fryer pretzel-crusted chicken tenders are the ultimate comfort snack with a fun twist. Served with a velvety cheddar dip, they’re perfect for game day, parties, or a quick family meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced into strips
  • 1 cup pretzel twists or sticks, crushed
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour if needed)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Cooking spray (avocado oil spray recommended)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup whole milk (or 2%)
  • 1/2 tsp Dijon or yellow mustard
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Crush pretzels in a food processor or zip-top bag with a rolling pin until coarse crumbs form. Set aside in a shallow bowl.
  2. Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour (seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper), one with beaten eggs mixed with Dijon mustard, and one with pretzel crumbs.
  3. Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels. If using breasts, slice into 1-inch strips.
  4. Dredge each chicken strip in seasoned flour, shake off excess, dip into egg-mustard mix, then press into pretzel crumbs until well coated.
  5. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
  6. Lightly spray air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange breaded tenders in a single layer, not touching. Cook in batches if needed.
  7. Spritz tenders lightly with cooking spray. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  8. While chicken cooks, make cheddar dip: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add milk, whisking until smooth and thickened, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low, stir in shredded cheddar, mustard, garlic powder, cayenne, and salt/pepper. Whisk until cheese melts and dip is silky.
  9. Transfer cooked chicken tenders to a wire rack or plate lined with paper towels. Serve hot with cheddar dip.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free pretzels and flour. Double-dip chicken for extra crunch. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket for best results. Let chicken cool for 2-3 minutes before serving to keep coating crisp. Cheddar dip can be made dairy-free with plant-based milk and cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer, chicken tenders, pretzel crusted, cheddar dip, snack, appetizer, game day, easy recipe, crunchy chicken, comfort food

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/air-fryer-pretzel-crusted-chicken-tenders-recipe-easy-snack-with-cheddar-dip/