Prepare Your Dredging Stations: Set up three shallow dishes. In the first, mix the plain flour with half of the salt (1/2 tsp) and black pepper (1/4 tsp). In the second dish, whisk the eggs and milk together until smooth. In the third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and the remaining salt and pepper. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.

Cut and Dry the Chicken: If you haven't already, slice your chicken breasts into even-sized tenders. Pat each piece thoroughly dry with a paper towel. This step is essential for a coating that sticks.

Coat the Chicken Tenders: Working with one chicken tender at a time, first dredge it in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it completely into the egg mixture, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, press the tender firmly into the panko breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is coated all over. Place the coated tender on a clean plate or wire rack.

Let Them Rest: Once all your chicken tenders are coated, let them rest for about 5-10 minutes. What works best for me is using this time to preheat the air fryer. This short rest helps the breading set and adhere to the chicken, so it won't fall off during cooking.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 200°C (180°C fan) and let it preheat for at least 3 minutes. A hot air fryer is key to getting a crispy exterior from the start.

Arrange in the Basket: Lightly spray the inside of your air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook them in two batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Overcrowding will steam the tenders instead of crisping them up.

Air Fry to Perfection: Spray the tops of the chicken tenders lightly with oil. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The tenders are done when they are a deep golden brown, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 74°C. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer for perfect results, as recommended by the Food Standards Agency.

Serve Immediately: Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and serve them hot with your favourite dipping sauces.