3-Ingredient Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Strips Recipe

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Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe yields 5 servings. Adjustments to ingredient amounts may change the flavor balance slightly, but cooking steps remain the same.

• 1 pounds chicken tenders
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/3 cup everything bagel seasoning, or to taste

Directions

1. Gather all ingredients and preheat your air fryer to 400F (200C), or follow your air fryers instructions.
2. Place the chicken tenders in a mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss well to ensure every piece is coated.
3. Sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning over the tenders and toss again until evenly coated.
4. Arrange the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
5. Air fry until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and juices run clear, approximately 12 minutes. Check with an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165F (74C).
6. Transfer cooked tenders to a serving plate and pair with your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	366
Total Fat	22g (28%)
Saturated Fat	4g (19%)
Cholesterol	52mg (17%)
Sodium	907mg (39%)
Total Carbohydrate	22g (8%)
Dietary Fiber	1g (4%)
Total Sugars	0g
Protein	21g (43%)
Vitamin C	0mg (0%)
Calcium	20mg (2%)
Iron	1mg (5%)
Potassium	367mg (8%)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Individual needs may vary. **Nutrient information is based on available data and may not be complete. Consult a healthcare professional for medically restrictive diets.

Origins of the Dish

Although the 3-Ingredient Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Strips recipe is a modern creation, its roots trace back to two culinary trends in the United States: quick home cooking and the skyrocketing popularity of everything bagel seasoning. This blend, originally invented to replicate the coating of New Yorkstyle everything bagels, soon found its way into savory dishes as cooks experimented with its bold flavors. The chicken strip adaptation emerged as air fryers became a household staple, inspiring simplified recipes with big taste and minimal effort.

Regional Variations

Across the U.S., these chicken strips take on subtle regional twists. In the Northeast, cooks often use seasoning mixes that lean more heavily on garlic and poppy seeds, reflecting classic bakery-style blends. In the South, the dish may be served with creamy, spicy dips inspired by regional barbecue sauces. On the West Coast, variations include organic blends or seasoning with added dried onion flakes for a sweeter finish. Despite these differences, the core simplicity of the recipe remains unchanged.

How It Differs From Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional breaded chicken strips, this recipe skips flour and eggs altogether, relying instead on the coarse texture of everything bagel seasoning for its crunchy exterior. It also differs from marinated chicken tenders, as the flavor profile comes almost entirely from the seasoning blend. The air fryer method ensures a lighter result compared to deep-fried or heavily coated versions, making it both faster and cleaner to prepare.

Where It Is Commonly Served

While this dish is primarily a home-cooking favorite, it has also gained popularity in casual dining spaces, such as food trucks and cafs that specialize in quick, trend-driven meals. It is often served as an appetizer, a protein option for salads, or a high-protein snack. In many family households, it has become a go-to weeknight dinner due to its short prep time and minimal ingredients.

Interesting Facts

Everything bagel seasoning rose to fame when it moved from bagels to grocery shelves, becoming a versatile pantry staple. The air fryer, originally designed for industrial kitchens, only became widespread in home cooking in the late 2010s, paving the way for recipes like this one. Despite its simplicity, the dish pairs well with a surprising range of sauces, from honey mustard to yogurt-based dips. Many cooks also repurpose leftovers for wraps, bowls, or even breakfast dishes, proving the recipes adaptability and ongoing appeal.

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