Ninja Foodi Chicken Tenders
The ultimate comfort food, Ninja Foodi Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, these tenders are easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table. Make them tonight for a delicious meal!
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 chicken breasts cut into 1" strips
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Start by gathering your ingredients: lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, and your chicken breasts. This step is crucial to ensure you have everything on hand.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, coriander, cumin, and nutmeg. Mix them well until fully blended. The fragrance of the marinade will start to fill the kitchen, and it smells divine!
- Now, add the chicken strips into the bowl, making sure they are fully coated in the marinade. Spoon the mixture over the chicken to ensure every piece is covered. This helps the flavors penetrate the meat.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for about 20 minutes. This step is essential for developing the flavors, so don't skip it!
- While the chicken is marinating, preheat your Ninja Foodi air crisp basket for about 5 minutes at 360 degrees. This ensures that the chicken will cook evenly and get that desired crispiness.
- Once the basket is preheated, carefully place the marinated chicken strips in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow hot air to circulate properly.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. I like to sprinkle these generously for a good seasoning base.
- Cook the chicken tenders for 5 minutes at 360 degrees. After the time is up, flip the chicken tenders to ensure both sides get that golden brown color.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes on the other side. The chicken should be cooked through, with an internal temperature reaching at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Once done, carefully remove the chicken from the Ninja Foodi. They should look perfectly crispy and golden. Serve immediately and enjoy! These are best enjoyed hot, straight from the air fryer!
Notes
- Chicken Thickness: For perfectly cooked chicken tenders, make sure the strips are even in thickness. This ensures they cook uniformly.
- Marination Time: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 20 minutes enhances the flavor. If you have more time, marinating for a few hours can deepen the taste even further.
- Batch Cooking: If cooking for a crowd, it’s better to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket. This helps maintain crispiness.
- Check for Doneness: Always check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer, ensuring it reaches at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.