Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these air fryer chicken tenders are a great mix of crunchy texture and flavor. With a juicy interior and perfectly seasoned coating, they’re a quick go-to for a delicious meal!
The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.
One thing about me is that I am a huge fan of low-effort meals. Seriously, the lower the better. Not only do I appreciate them but so do my kids who will gladly have chicken tenders for dinner.
That's why this air fryer chicken tender recipe is great for when I want crispy chicken tenders. I can enjoy them with less work and in half the cooking time. These chicken strips are a healthier version of a classic favorite, providing the same crispiness as deep-fried tenders but without the extra oil.
They are great with different dipping sauces. You can try classic BBQ sauce, Carolina Gold BBQ sauce, or spicy mayonnaise. For an extra burst of flavor, try tossing these chicken tenders in buffalo sauce for an added kick.
And if you don't have an air fryer, don't worry; you can enjoy these crispy oven-baked chicken tenders.
Ingredients Needed
Ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions are on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Chicken: Chicken tenderloins are lean and cook fast. This makes them great for air frying, giving you juicy and tender pieces.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper enhance the flavor of the chicken, giving it a savory taste.
- Coating: The combination of flour, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs creates a crispy outer layer. The flour helps the egg stick to the chicken. The eggs also bind the panko, giving the tenders their crunch.
- Oil: Cooking spray is used to lightly coat the tenders and air fryer basket, helping to achieve a golden, crispy finish without the need for excessive oil.
Tools Needed
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Season the chicken tenders with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Set up three shallow bowls. Add the flour to the first bowl, whisk the eggs in the second bowl, and add the panko breadcrumbs to the third bowl.
Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere. Set the chicken tenders aside.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C)
Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, making sure they do not overlap. Close the basket and cook the tenders for 4 minutes. Open the basket and spray the tenders, then flip them.
Continue cooking for another 4-6 minutes, until the chicken cooks through and turns golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
How To Store
Allow the chicken tenders to cool to room temperature before storing. Place the tenders in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, put the chicken tenders in the air fryer or oven. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C). Heat them for a few minutes until they are warm and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
If you want to store the chicken tenders for a longer time, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once they are solid, move them to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Keep in mind that freezing may cause texture change and can dry out the chicken tenders.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of breadcrumb?
Yes, you can experiment with using different breadcrumbs. I prefer using panko because of the level of crispiness I can achieve. However, you can use other types such as regular or Italian-seasoned. You can even try crushed crackers for a different texture and flavor.
To keep the tenders crispy, ensure they are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket and lightly spray them with oil. Do not use too much oil as this will make them too oily.
Notes
- Ensure space between tenders for even air circulation and optimal crispiness. Cook in batches if needed.
- The cooking time will depend on the size of the tenders. Larger tenders will need a little longer of a cook time.
I hope you like these air fryer chicken tenders as much as we do! Looking for more air fryer recipes? Try these out:
- Nashville Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer Fried Chicken
- Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
- Air Fried Spatchcock Chicken
- Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Bites
If you have tried this or any other recipe on my blog, please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Instructions
- Season the chicken tenders with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Set up three shallow bowls. Add the flour to the first bowl, whisk the eggs in the second bowl, and add the panko breadcrumbs to the third bowl.
- Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere. Set the chicken tenders aside.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C)
- Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Close the basket and cook the tenders for 4 minutes. Open the basket and spray the tenders, then flip them.
- Continue cooking for another 4-6 minutes, until the chicken is cooked and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
Nutrition
Notes
- Ensure space between tenders for even air circulation and optimal crispiness. Cook in batches if needed.
- The cooking time will depend on the size of the tenders. Larger tenders will need a little longer of a cook time.
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