Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor—these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a game-changer for quick and delicious meals! Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken tenders or just need a fast and easy weeknight dinner, this recipe has you covered.

With a golden, crunchy breadcrumb coating and tender, juicy chicken, these tenders cook in just 10 minutes in the air fryer. No oil splatters, no messy deep-frying—just perfectly crispy chicken with minimal effort! The air fryer uses hot circulating air to achieve a deep-fried texture with 75% less oil, making it an ideal cooking method for crispy, guilt-free indulgence.

Best of all, these homemade tenders are way better than anything from a fast-food restaurant. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, buffalo sauce, or BBQ sauce, and watch them disappear in no time! Whether you’re making them for kids, adults, or a crowd, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Crispy and golden without deep frying

• Healthier than traditional fried tenders

• Cooks in just 10 minutes

• Perfect for kids and adults alike

• Customizable with different seasonings and coatings

• Pairs perfectly with a variety of dipping sauces

• No messy oil splatters or greasy cleanup

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

• Yield: 4 servings

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 280

• Carbohydrates: 18g

• Protein: 30g

• Fat: 9g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 1g

Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika

For the Breading:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Wet Batter:

• 2 eggs

• 2 tablespoons milk

For Cooking:

• Olive oil spray (for crispiness)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasonings and breading stick better.

2. In a bowl, season the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss well to ensure each piece is evenly coated.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

1. In one bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk to create the wet batter.

2. In another bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. The Parmesan adds extra flavor and crispiness!

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

1. Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.

2. Transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to help the coating stick.

3. Place the coated chicken tenders on a plate and repeat for all pieces.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes.

2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken Tenders

1. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd!

2. Lightly spray the top of the tenders with olive oil spray for an extra crispy texture.

3. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy.

4. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Let the chicken tenders cool for a couple of minutes.

2. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or buffalo sauce.

Ingredient Background

1. Chicken Tenders – The Star of the Recipe

Chicken tenders come from the underside of the chicken breast and are naturally tender and juicy. If you don’t have tenders, you can slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips for the same effect.

2. Panko Breadcrumbs – The Secret to Extra Crispiness

Panko breadcrumbs are a Japanese-style breadcrumb that is lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs. They don’t absorb as much oil, which helps the tenders get extra crunchy.

3. Parmesan Cheese – A Flavor Booster

Parmesan cheese adds savory, nutty, and salty flavors while also helping to create a crispy crust. It pairs beautifully with the Italian seasoning and smoked paprika.

4. Smoked Paprika – A Subtle Smoky Kick

Unlike regular paprika, smoked paprika has a rich, smoky depth that enhances the overall flavor. It gives the tenders a restaurant-quality taste.

5. Olive Oil Spray – The Key to a Golden Crust

A light spray of olive oil on the tenders before air frying helps them develop a crispy, golden crust without deep frying in oil.

Technique Tips for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket

For the crispiest tenders, place them in a single layer with space between each piece. If needed, cook in batches to avoid steaming the chicken.

2. Use a Meat Thermometer for Perfectly Cooked Chicken

Chicken tenders cook quickly, so to avoid drying them out, use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

3. Flip Halfway for Even Crispiness

Flipping the tenders at the halfway mark ensures that both sides cook evenly and get that golden-brown crispiness.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

1. Chicken Tender Wraps

Slice the tenders and wrap them in a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and ranch dressing for a quick and delicious meal.

2. Chicken Tender Salad

Chop up the tenders and toss them into a Caesar or garden salad for a protein-packed lunch.

3. Chicken Tender Sliders

Place the tenders in mini slider buns with lettuce, pickles, and a drizzle of honey mustard for a fun party appetizer.

Freezing and Storing Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

1. Storing Leftovers in the Fridge

Store cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

2. Freezing Uncooked Chicken Tenders

Bread the tenders as directed, then place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen by adding an extra 3–5 minutes to the air fryer time.

3. Reheating for Maximum Crispiness

To reheat, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 3–4 minutes until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.

Healthier Twist Ideas

1. Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs for Extra Fiber

Swap panko for whole wheat breadcrumbs to increase fiber and make the tenders more nutritious.

2. Low-Sodium Parmesan for a Heart-Healthy Option

Use reduced-sodium Parmesan cheese to cut down on salt without sacrificing flavor.

3. Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders

Replace panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a delicious gluten-free version.

Serving Suggestions for Events

1. Game Night Platter

Serve these tenders alongside mozzarella sticks, French fries, and multiple dipping sauces for the ultimate game night snack.

2. Kid-Friendly Dinner

Pair with mac and cheese or roasted sweet potatoes for a meal that kids (and adults!) will love.

3. Healthy Meal Prep Option

Pack them with quinoa salad and roasted veggies for a high-protein, balanced lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Yes, but panko breadcrumbs give a crunchier texture. If using regular breadcrumbs, mix in a bit of cornmeal for extra crispiness.

2. Do I need to flip the tenders in the air fryer?

Yes! Flipping them halfway ensures even cooking and crispiness on both sides.

3. Can I make these without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with buttermilk or Greek yogurt to help the breadcrumbs stick.

4. How do I make spicy chicken tenders?

Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the egg mixture for extra heat.

5. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Just slice the chicken breasts into strips and follow the same steps.

6. What’s the best dipping sauce for these tenders?

They go great with ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or garlic aioli.

7. Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

Yes, but let them thaw completely before breading for even cooking.

8. How can I make these tenders even crispier?

Double-coat them by dipping in egg, then breadcrumbs, back into egg, and again in breadcrumbs.

9. What’s the best way to store leftover chicken tenders?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

10. How do I prevent my tenders from drying out?

Don’t overcook them—use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (75°C).

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are the perfect crispy, juicy, and flavorful alternative to deep-fried chicken. With minimal oil, quick cook time, and endless dipping sauce possibilities, they’re ideal for a fast, satisfying meal.

Whether you’re making them for kids, serving them at a party, or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a must-try. Once you taste these golden, crunchy tenders, you’ll never want fast food chicken again! Happy cooking!

Print