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Healthy Air Fryer Turkey Tenders with Crispy Herb Coating

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These Healthy Air Fryer Turkey Tenders are juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and packed with savory herbs. They’re a quick, family-friendly dinner that’s lighter than fried but just as satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb turkey breast tenders (or turkey breast cut into strips)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free works too)
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon dried Italian herb mix (or 1 teaspoon each dried basil, thyme, and rosemary)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • Olive oil spray
  • Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat turkey tenders dry with paper towels. Season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper. If using turkey breast, slice into 1-inch thick strips.
  2. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with eggs whisked with Dijon mustard, and one with panko, parmesan, Italian herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and lemon zest.
  3. Dredge each turkey strip in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg-mustard mix, letting extra drip off. Press into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides well. Place coated tenders on a plate or sheet pan.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with olive oil spray.
  5. Arrange turkey tenders in a single layer in the basket. Spray the tops lightly with oil. Air fry at 400°F for 7 minutes. Flip tenders, spray again, and cook 5-7 more minutes, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
  6. Transfer cooked tenders to a plate or wire rack. Let rest 2-3 minutes before serving. Serve hot with lemon wedges.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and panko. For dairy-free, omit parmesan and add nutritional yeast. Don’t skip preheating the air fryer and spacing out tenders for best crispiness. Leftovers reheat best in the air fryer. You can substitute chicken breast strips for turkey.

Nutrition

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Find it online: https://evabake.com/healthy-air-fryer-turkey-tenders-recipe-for-perfect-crispy-dinner/