Popeyes Blackened Chicken Tenders Air Fryer Recipe

Name: Popeye's Blackened Chicken Tenders Air Fryer Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Chicken tenders (optional to remove tendon); 1/4 tsp Smoked paprika; 1/4 Paprika; 1/4 Black pepper; 1/4 Onion powder; 1/4 Garlic powder; 1/4 Basil; 1/4 Oregano; 1/4 Thyme; Cayenne pepper (to taste); Salt (to taste)

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You’ll fall in love with these Popeyes Blackened chicken tenders air fryer recipe. This is an amazing copycat recipe that’s loaded with tons of flavor and perfect for meal prep. If you want more chicken tenders recipe then you’ll love these air fryer chicken tenders or crispy hot honey chicken tenders.

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Popeyes Blackened Chicken Tenders Recipe

If you are a fan of popeye blackened tenders then you will definitely love this copycat recipe. It’s a great option to make at home where you can control the heat level to your personal preference. Given this recipe uses the air fryer cooking method it makes it such an easy dinner or lunch recipe.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

Flavor: Blackened chicken tenders are seasoned with a mixture of herbs and spices, typically including ingredients like paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano. This seasoning blend gives the chicken a bold, spicy, and smoky flavor that many people find irresistible.
Texture: When cooked properly, blackened chicken tenders have a crispy exterior while remaining juicy and tender on the inside.
Versatility: Blackened chicken tenders can be served in a variety of ways, making them a versatile option for meals. They can be enjoyed on their own as a protein-packed snack or appetizer, served atop salads, stuffed into sandwiches or wraps, or paired with sides like rice, vegetables, or potatoes.
Health benefits: Chicken is a lean source of protein, making blackened chicken tenders a healthier option compared to fried chicken tenders.

INGREDIENTS FOR BLACKENED CHICKEN TENDERS

This easy chicken recipe uses some simple ingredients that you can find at your local grocery store.

Chicken tenders – chicken tenderloins already cut are perfect to cut down on prep time. Alternatively you can slice boneless skinless chicken breasts into strips to make chicken tenders.
Seasoning mix – we make a simple homemade blackened seasoning blend for this yummy copycat popeye recipe. A simple spice blend of smoked paprika, regular paprika, black pepper, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, basil, oregano, thyme is what we use to season the chicken strips.
Avocado oil – a high heat oil is used to coat the tenders prior to cooking. Alternatively you can use extra virgin olive oil as well.

HOW TO COOK AIR FRYER BLACKENED CHICKEN TENDERS

Full instructions including measurements are included on the recipe card below.

Place the chicken tenders on a plastic cutting board. In a small bowl, mix the spice blend together and liberally season the tenders on both side. Next pour the avocado oil over the tenders and rub until fully coated.

Place the blackened chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Air fry on 400 degrees f for 11-12 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer or the thickness of the chicken tenders.

Remove the blackened chicken tenders from the air fryer and allow to rest on paper towels or on a paper towel lined plate.

DIPPING SAUCE RECOMMENDATIONS

These blackened tenders are so tender and juicy and simply delicious on their own. However if you’re a sauce person, here are a few suggestions you can try:

Honey mustard
Ranch dressing
BBQ sauce
Ketchup
Bang bang sauce

WHAT TO SERVE WITH POPEYES BLACKENED CHICKEN TENDERS

This Popeye’s chicken copycat recipe is such a great low carb high protein snack on its own. However if you want to make this more of a complete meal, I’m providing a few serving suggestions:

Vegetables – vegetables are always a great addition to any high protein meal. You can add some steamed green beans, broccoli or make a flavorful side salad.
Potatoes – no matter how you make them, crispy potatoes, mashed potatoes, or scalloped potatoes, these are a great addition to this meal
Sandwich – these spicy homemade blackened chicken tenders would make a great blackened chicken sandwich. Place them on a whole wheat bun and add your toppings of choice like lettuce and tomato.

STORING AND REHEATING

Store any leftover blackened chicken tenders in an air tight container and place in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

To reheat, place the chicken tenders in the air fryer on 300 degrees f for 3-4 minutes. Alternatively you can reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until the chicken is heated through.

FAQ’s

Can blackened chicken tenders be baked instead of air fried?

Yes, blackened chicken tenders can be baked in the oven instead of air fried. To bake blackened chicken tenders, arrange the seasoned chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil, and bake them in a preheated oven at around 400°F for about 15-20 minutes or until cooked through, flipping halfway through cooking.

Can blackened chicken tenders be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare blackened chicken tenders ahead of time by seasoning the chicken strips and storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also cook the chicken tenders in advance and reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

Are blackened chicken tenders spicy?

The level of spiciness in blackened chicken tenders can vary depending on the seasoning blend used and personal preference. Typically, blackened chicken tenders do have some level of spiciness due to ingredients like cayenne pepper and paprika in the seasoning mix. However, you can adjust the amount of spice to suit your taste by modifying the seasoning blend or using less spicy ingredients.

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