Chicken tenders coated with puff puff crumbs, air-fried to crispy perfection – a delectable combination that will leave you craving for more!

At African Food Box, we're all about transforming familiar favourites into exciting, mouthwatering experiences. Today, we're taking chicken tenders, a beloved classic, and giving them a unique twist by coating them in the delightful crunch of puff puff crumbs. These Puff Puff Chicken Tenders are the perfect fusion of flavours and textures – crispy, tender, and utterly delicious.

Tips for Perfection: To achieve chicken tenders that are both tender and full of flavour, marinate them for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavours to penetrate and infuse. Additionally, this recipe calls for air frying, a healthier alternative to deep frying, which results in that irresistible crispy exterior.

Ingredients: Servings: 4 people | Cook Time: 20 mins | Prep Time: 2 hours or more

For the Breading:

• 100g Puff Puff Croutons 
• A pinch of salt

For the Chicken:

• 300g Chicken breast (cut into strips)
• 1 cup Milk with 2 tsp of lemon juice (for the marinade)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp Parsley (finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp Garlic powder
• 1 tbsp Onion powder
• 1 tbsp Chilli Flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tbsp Black pepper
• 1/4 tbsp Nutmeg
• 1/2 tbsp Chicken stock cube (crushed)
• Salt (to taste)
• Spray Oil for air frying

For the Shito Mayo Dipping Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons of Mayo
• 1 tablespoon Shito sauce (adjust to taste) 

Instructions:

Marinate the Chicken:

1. In a bowl, mix 1 cup of milk with 2 tsp of lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes until the milk curdles slightly, creating buttermilk.
2. Cut the chicken breast into tenders and place them in a bowl
3. Add parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, chilli flakes, black pepper, nutmeg, crushed chicken stock cube, and a pinch of salt.
4. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken tenders, ensuring they are fully submerged.Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavours to meld.
5. Crush the Puff Puff Croutons into fine crumbs, adding a pinch of salt.
6. Take each marinated chicken strip, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Dip into whipped eggs
7. Roll the chicken strip in the Puff Puff crumbs, pressing gently to ensure even coating.
8. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F).
9. Lightly spray the breaded chicken tenders with oil to promote crispiness. Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
10. Air fry for approximately 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a golden-brown, crispy exterior.
11. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and Shito sauce until well combined. Adjust the Shito sauce to your preferred level of spiciness.
12. Serve your Puff Puff Chicken Tenders hot, with the Shito Mayo dipping sauce on the side for an extra burst of flavour.

These Puff Puff Chicken Tenders are a delightful blend of textures and flavours that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or a unique twist on a weeknight dinner, this recipe combines the crunch of puff puff with the tenderness of chicken for a taste sensation you won't soon forget. Enjoy!