Pesto chicken tenders cooked in air fryer its a super easy dish, ready in under 10 minutes and requires minimum effort to prepare. Made with store bought pesto or homemade, either way you will get a delicious flavorful chicken that goes so well as a snack, lunch or dinner!
Air fryer jerk chicken thighs is another delicious way to cook chicken for a dinner in a very short time!
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This dish, air fryer pesto chicken tenders, is a super tasty and easy way to make chicken. It's all about taking soft and juicy chicken tenders and coating them with pesto sauce. Pesto is this awesome green sauce that's made from basil leaves, garlic, nuts, cheese, and olive oil, and it's packed with flavor.
When you cook these chicken tenders in an air fryer, they get a little crispy on the outside but stay really tender and juicy inside. Plus, the pesto adds a big burst of herby and garlicky taste to the chicken, making it super delicious.
It's a quick meal that feels a bit fancy but is actually really easy to make. Perfect for dinner on a busy night or when you want something yummy without a lot of fuss.
Recipe ingredients
Chicken Tenders: These are the main part of the dish. They're soft, juicy pieces of chicken that cook fast and taste great with any flavor you add to them. We're using them because they're perfect for a quick meal.
Pesto Sauce: Pesto is a bright green sauce that tastes fresh and herby. It's made from basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Pesto makes the chicken taste amazing because it adds lots of flavor – it's like a little flavor-packed sauce that makes everything better.
How to cook pesto chicken tenders in air fryer
First, get your chicken tenders out. If they feel wet, use a kitchen towel to dry them off. This helps the pesto stick better. Now, grab a bowl and put your chicken tenders in it.
Add some pesto sauce—enough to cover all the chicken. You can use the pesto from a jar or homemade, whichever you like. Make sure all the chicken pieces are nicely coated with the pesto.
We're not going to bother preheating the air fryer this time. Just move straight to cooking. If your air fryer usually does better with a preheat, just cook the chicken a tiny bit longer.
Put the pesto chicken tenders in the air fryer basket. Lay them out so they're not touching each other. This way, the hot air can get all around them and cook them evenly.
Turn your air fryer to 380°F and let it cook for 8 minutes. If you know your air fryer doesn't cook evenly, you might want to flip the tenders over halfway through. If not, just let them be.
After 8 minutes, check if the chicken is done. It should be safe to eat if it's reached 165°F inside, and it'll look a bit crispy and golden on the outside. Do not overcook or the chicken will become try and chewy.
Once they're cooked, take the chicken tenders out of the air fryer carefully because they'll be hot. Serve them right away while they're still warm. They're great on their own, or you can dip them in your favorite sauce or eat them with a salad.
And there you go, super simple and tasty pesto chicken tenders made in the air fryer!
Homemade pesto sauce
If you choose to make your own pesto, her are some easy step by step instructions for you!
To make an easy homemade pesto, you'll need fresh basil leaves, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and olive oil. Start by washing the basil leaves and patting them dry. In a food processor or blender, combine a couple of handfuls of basil leaves with a few cloves of garlic, a good amount of grated Parmesan cheese, and a handful of pine nuts.
Blend these ingredients together, gradually adding olive oil until you get a smooth, creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the pesto is too thick, you can add a little more olive oil to reach your desired consistency. This pesto sauce can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Leftovers and reheating
Store leftover pesto chicken tenders in air tight container for 4-5 days easily. You can also freeze them in the freezer safe container for up to 4 months.
Reheat in the air fryer for 3 minutes at 350 degrees. Also microwaving is another option, just watch the chicken, it can become dry quick.
Recipe variations
Pesto Variations: You can use different types of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato or spinach, and even make your own fresh pesto.
Seasonings: Experiment with seasonings like paprika or cumin, or mix pesto with mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a creamy sauce
Frequently asked questions
Absolutely, you can use various types of pesto such as sun-dried tomato or spinach pesto, or even make your own fresh pesto according to your preference.
Yes, skin-on chicken can be used. Ensure to get pesto under and over the skin for optimal flavoring. Adjust cooking times and temperatures as necessary to achieve crispy skin.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray or use parchment paper liners designed for air fryers to prevent sticking. With the oily pesto sauce liners are only needed for an easy clean up.
Definitely! Homemade pesto is a great option and allows you to customize the flavors to your liking.
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Hope you will like this pesto chicken tenders air fryer recipe as much as we do. Please rate the recipe if you made it and leave a comment below if you have any questions or suggestions.
Recipe
Air fryer Pesto Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- ¼ cup pesto sauce
Instructions
- Cover chicken tenders with pesto sauce and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, can be overnight.
- Place chicken in the air fryer and cook for 8-9 minutes at 380 degrees.
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