Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re craving something crispy, spicy, and packed with flavor, these Peri Peri Chicken Tenders are your perfect match. Whether you’re a fan of fiery food or just want to spice up your dinner, these tenders are made to impress! With the goodness of crispy cornflakes coating tender chicken strips and a delicious peri peri glaze, they’re cooked to perfection in the air fryer, making them healthier and just as crispy as deep-fried!
Method
First, season the chicken. Begin by placing your chicken strips in a mixing bowl. To add flavor, sprinkle in the all-purpose seasoning, garlic granules, onion granules, paprika, salt, and red chili powder. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together, ensuring that each piece of chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings. This is the base layer of flavor, so take your time to make sure every strip is fully covered in the fragrant spice blend.
Next, dredge the chicken. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and add the hot sauce, stirring it together until it’s well-mixed. This egg wash will help the cornflakes adhere to the chicken. Take one of the seasoned chicken strips and dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. After that, roll the chicken in the crushed cornflakes. Press down gently so the cornflakes stick properly, ensuring the entire strip is covered in a crunchy, golden layer. Repeat this process for each chicken strip, one at a time, until all the pieces are ready for cooking.
Now, it’s time to air fry. Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Once heated, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, making sure they aren’t overlapping. This ensures they cook evenly and get that perfect crispiness. Air fry the tenders for about 16 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly on both sides. After the cooking time is up, check to make sure the chicken is fully cooked through—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Finally, glaze and serve. Once your chicken tenders are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. To finish, generously brush each piece with your favorite peri peri sauce, or if you prefer, dip the tenders directly into the sauce for an extra kick. Serve the tenders immediately, while they’re still hot and crisp, and enjoy the flavorful, spicy goodness of your freshly cooked Peri Peri Chicken Tenders!
Necessary Tools
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Beating fork or whisk
- Brush for glazing
- Cooking spray
Peri Peri Chicken Tenders – Crispy, Spicy, and Simply Irresistible!
Cuisine: Portuguese, AfricanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes16
minutes26
minutesIngredients
400g Chicken breast, cut into thick strips
1 tsp each of the following:
All-purpose seasoning
Garlic granules
Onion granules
Paprika
1/4 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Red chili powder
For dredging:
Corn flakes, crushed
1 egg, beaten – add 1 tsp hot sauce
For the glaze:
Nando’s Peri Peri sauce (or your favorite peri peri sauce)
Directions
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, add your chicken strips and mix in all the seasonings garlic, onion, paprika, chili powder, and salt. Make sure each piece is well-coated in the flavorful mix!
- Dredge the chicken: Take a chicken strip, dip it into the beaten egg, then roll it in the crushed cornflakes, pressing gently to make sure the flakes stick. Continue this for the rest of the chicken strips.
- Air fry: Preheat your air fryer to 190°C. Spray the tray with a little cooking oil, then lay the chicken tenders in a single layer. Air fry for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure that perfect crispy texture.
- Glaze and serve: Once the tenders are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. Brush them generously with your favorite peri peri sauce, or dip them directly into the sauce for extra flavor! Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Cornflake Coating Tip: Make sure the cornflakes are well-crushed but not powdered. This helps create the crunchy coating we all love!
- Air Fryer Tip: Each air fryer model is different, so check on your chicken after about 15 minutes to ensure it’s cooked through, especially if you’re using thicker chicken pieces.
- Sauce Application: When applying the glaze, be sure not to add it too early or it might burn in the air fryer. Glaze after cooking for the best result!
Serving Suggestions
These Peri Peri Chicken Tenders are best enjoyed with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. You can also pair them with a creamy dip like ranch or a cool yogurt-based sauce to balance out the spice. For a full meal, serve with a side of steamed veggies or even some rice to soak up that spicy glaze!
Fun Fact
Did you know that the peri peri sauce originally comes from the African bird’s eye chili? It’s loved all over the world for its perfect balance of heat and tang, making it a perfect marinade for chicken dishes like these tenders!
Conclusion
And that’s it! These Peri Peri Chicken Tenders are crispy, flavorful, and full of spice that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. Whether it’s a quick dinner or a fun snack for a get-together, these tenders are sure to be a crowd favorite. Don’t forget to enjoy them while they’re hot with your favorite sides. Spice up your life one bite at a time! Enjoy!
