Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and made healthier without deep frying. Coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer, these tenders are quick, easy, and kid-approved—perfect for weeknight dinners, lunches, or snacking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy texture without the oil
• Healthier than traditional fried tenders
• Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes
• Great for kids and adults alike
• Perfect for dipping, sandwiches, or salads

ingredients

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

• Chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
• Eggs
• All-purpose flour
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt and black pepper
• Optional: Parmesan cheese, onion powder, cayenne pepper
• Cooking spray or oil spray (for air fryer)

directions

this recipe

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and optional spices or Parmesan.
3. Dredge each chicken tender in flour, then dip in egg, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer (work in batches if necessary).
5. Spray the tops of the tenders lightly with cooking spray.
6. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F).
7. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Tenders: Add cayenne or hot sauce to the egg mixture for heat.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
• Parmesan-Crusted: Mix grated Parmesan into the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
• Buttermilk Marinade: Soak chicken in buttermilk for a few hours before coating for extra tenderness.
• Low-Carb: Use crushed pork rinds or almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes until crisp.
To freeze, cool completely and store in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 375°F for 6–8 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, just cut them into strips for similar cooking times and texture.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Yes, preheating helps the chicken cook evenly and get crisp on the outside.

What’s the difference between panko and regular breadcrumbs?

Panko is lighter and crispier, making it ideal for air-fried recipes.

Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Yes, bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I know when the tenders are done?

They’re done when golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Are these kid-friendly?

Very! These tenders are mild, crunchy, and perfect for dipping.

Can I add cheese to the breading?

Yes, Parmesan cheese adds great flavor and helps with browning.

Can I freeze them before cooking?

Yes, freeze breaded raw tenders on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag. Air fry straight from frozen.

What sauces go well with these tenders?

Ranch, honey mustard, BBQ, buffalo, or copycat Chick-fil-A sauce are all great choices.

How do I prevent the coating from falling off?

Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken and avoid overcrowding the basket.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a fast, flavorful, and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. With a crispy, golden coating and juicy interior, they’re perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a hungry family. Once you make them, you’ll ditch the deep fryer for good.

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