Cajun Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Crispy Fries

Ingredients

• 2 lb Chicken Tenders (trimmed, pat dry)
• 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning (store‑bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp Avocado Oil (for light spray)
• 2 Russet Potatoes (medium‑size, scrubbed and dried)
• 1 tsp Sea Salt (plus extra for seasoning fries)
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder (for fries)

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken

   Pat the chicken tenders dry, place them in a bowl, sprinkle 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, and drizzle 1 tbsp avocado oil. Toss until evenly coated.

   Time: PT5M

2. Air Fry Chicken

   Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (optional). Arrange the seasoned tenders in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

   Time: PT12M

   Temperature: 400°F

3. Rest the Chicken

   Transfer the cooked tenders to a plate and let them rest for 10 minutes. This locks in juices.

   Time: PT10M

4. Prep the Potatoes

   Wash, dry, and cut each potato into thick‑cut fries (about ½‑inch thick). Place on a damp towel to prevent sliding while cutting.

   Time: PT10M

5. Season and Oil the Fries

   In a bowl, toss the cut potatoes with a drizzle of avocado oil, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1 tsp garlic powder until lightly coated.

   Time: PT2M

6. Air Fry Fries

   Place the seasoned fries in the air fryer basket (you may need to do two batches). Air fry at 400°F for 25 minutes, shaking the basket every 8 minutes.

   Time: PT25M

   Temperature: 400°F

7. Plate and Serve

   Arrange the rested chicken tenders and crispy fries on plates. Drizzle any rendered juices from the air fryer basket over the chicken for extra flavor.

   Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

518

Protein

52 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

4 g

Fiber

5 g

Ingredient Substitutions

• Instead of Chicken Tenders: Chicken breast cut into strips
• Instead of Cajun Seasoning: Paprika + garlic powder + cayenne
• Instead of Avocado Oil: Olive oil spray, Canola oil
• Instead of Russet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes
• Instead of Sea Salt: Kosher salt
• Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic (use less)

Equipment Needed

• 6‑Quart Air Fryer
• Cutting Board
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Tongs
• Spray Bottle (optional)
• Paper Towels (optional)

Critical Steps — Do Not Skip

• Season chicken evenly with Cajun spice and oil.
• Do not touch the chicken after cooking; let it rest to retain juices.
• Shake the fries basket regularly to ensure even crisping.

Chef Tips from the Video

• Use a damp towel under the cutting board to keep it from sliding while you slice potatoes.
• A light spritz of avocado oil after seasoning adds extra crisp without adding much fat.
• If you prefer extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne to the Cajun blend.

Troubleshooting

Storage

Refrigerator: Store cooked chicken and fries in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Chicken tenders freeze well for up to 1 month; reheat in the air fryer. Fries lose crispness when frozen.

Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature longer than 2 hours.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Season the chicken up to 12 hours ahead and keep refrigerated; this deepens flavor.
• Cut and soak potatoes in cold water for 15 minutes ahead to remove excess starch, then dry thoroughly.