A Zesty, Crunchy Delight
Introduction
Crispy lemon pepper fried chicken tenders are a perfect combination of crunch and citrusy goodness. This dish features juicy, tender chicken with a golden, crispy cornflake coating, complemented by a tangy, buttery lemon pepper sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser, ideal for game nights, parties, or a fun family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 500g (17.5 oz) chicken tenders
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 4 tbsp plain flour
- 2-3 cups crushed cornflakes
For the Lemon Pepper Sauce:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 4 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp crushed chili flakes
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp crushed black pepper
- 3 tbsp water
- ¼ tsp cornstarch + 3 tbsp water (cornstarch slurry)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine chicken tenders with garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, eggs, and plain flour. Mix well to coat the chicken.
- Coat with Cornflakes: Crush the cornflakes into small pieces. Dredge the seasoned chicken tenders in the crushed cornflakes, pressing gently to ensure a good coating.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F). Lightly spray the air fryer rack with cooking oil. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer and air fry for 12-13 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying more oil for even crispiness.
- Make the Lemon Pepper Sauce: In a pan over low-medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic and chili flakes until fragrant. Reduce the heat to low and add lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, water, salt, black pepper, and the cornstarch slurry. Stir until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Serve: Coat the crispy chicken tenders in the lemon pepper sauce or serve the sauce on the side as a dip. Garnish with finely chopped parsley for a pop of color.
Tips for Success
- Crush Cornflakes Evenly: Crush the cornflakes into small, consistent pieces for an even coating.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Air fry in batches to ensure every piece gets crispy.
- Balance the Sauce: Taste the lemon pepper sauce and adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your preference.
Why This Recipe Works
The crispy, golden cornflake coating provides a delightful crunch, while the lemon pepper sauce brings a perfect balance of zesty, sweet, and savory flavors. The air fryer method ensures a healthier alternative to deep-frying without compromising on texture or taste. This dish is quick, satisfying, and packed with bold flavors, making it a guaranteed hit for any occasion.
