Potato Crunchy Tenders

Potato Crunchy Tenders are a quick, crispy, and flavorful alternative to traditional fried chicken. Made with instant mashed potatoes as the coating, these tenders offer a unique texture and savory garlic punch in every bite. Ideal for busy nights, game-day snacks, or weeknight dinners, they come together in just 20 minutes with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 20 minutes

• Crispy coating with a unique potato crunch

• Garlic-flavored instant potatoes add bold flavor

• Kid-friendly and adult-approved

• Easy to adapt for oven or air fryer

• Requires minimal prep and ingredients

• No need for breadcrumbs or flour

• Great for freezing and reheating

• Ideal for busy weeknights

• Perfect base for custom seasonings or dipping sauces

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

• Milk

• Egg

• Garlic-flavored instant mashed potatoes

• Salt

• Ground black pepper

• Chicken tenders

Directions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. In a shallow bowl, beat together the milk and egg.

3. In a separate shallow bowl, combine the instant mashed potatoes, salt, and pepper.

4. Dip each chicken tender into the milk mixture to coat thoroughly, then shake off the excess.

5. Press each tender into the potato mixture, coating all sides.

6. Carefully place the coated tenders into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 7 to 10 minutes, turning as needed for even cooking.

7. Transfer cooked tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Baked version: Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes (10 minutes per side) with a light oil spray for a healthier option.

• Air fryer method: Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

• Add cheese: Mix in grated Parmesan cheese with the potato flakes for extra flavor.

• Spicy version: Add cayenne pepper, paprika, or chili powder to the potato coating.

• Use different potato flavors: Try loaded baked, four-cheese, or butter & herb varieties.

• Make it gluten-free: Ensure the potato flakes and all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Use buttermilk instead of milk: Enhances tenderness and adds tang.

• Double-dip for extra crunch: Coat in potato flakes, dip again in the milk mixture, and re-coat.

• Add herbs: Mix in dried parsley, thyme, or rosemary with the potato flakes.

• Turn into nuggets: Cut tenders into smaller pieces for bite-size snacks.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Freeze fully cooked tenders for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen for convenience.

• Reheating:

  • Oven: Bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes until crispy.

  • Air fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.

  • Microwave: Not recommended—may result in soggy texture.

FAQs

Can I use plain instant mashed potatoes instead of garlic-flavored?

Yes, but consider adding garlic powder or other seasonings to the coating to boost flavor.

How do I prevent the coating from falling off?

Make sure to shake off excess milk and firmly press the chicken into the potato mixture. Double-coating also helps.

Can I make this recipe without frying?

Yes. You can bake or air fry the tenders for a healthier alternative with great texture.

What oil is best for frying these tenders?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil all work well due to their high smoke points.

Can I use other meats besides chicken?

Absolutely—this coating works great with pork, fish fillets, or even vegetables.

Are these tenders spicy?

Not as written, but you can easily add heat with cayenne, hot sauce, or spicy seasoning mixes.

Can I prep these in advance?

Yes. Bread the tenders and refrigerate for a few hours before cooking, or freeze them breaded and uncooked.

How do I make the coating extra crispy?

Double-dip the tenders and avoid overcrowding the pan during frying.

What dipping sauces go well with these?

Ranch, honey mustard, BBQ, buffalo sauce, or even gravy work wonderfully.

Are these good for meal prep?

Yes! Cooked tenders store and reheat well, making them ideal for lunchboxes and weekday meals.

Conclusion

Potato Crunchy Tenders are a fun and flavorful twist on classic fried chicken. With a crispy garlic-potato crust and juicy chicken center, this recipe is quick to make and endlessly customizable. Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry them, they’re sure to become a favorite go-to for weeknight dinners, game days, or anytime cravings strike.