These air fryer chicken tenders are ultra crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and made with simple pantry ingredients. No deep frying, no greasy mess just easy, family-friendly chicken tenders ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or dipping night. Save this air fryer chicken tenders recipe for later.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy (ready in under 20 minutes)
- Family-friendly and kid-approved
- Budget-friendly with simple ingredients
- Crispy without deep frying
- Customizable with different seasonings and coatings
Ingredients
Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Chicken
- 1½ lbs (700 g) chicken tenders or chicken breast strips
Breading
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Wet Coating
- 2 large eggs
Optional additions:
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (for heat)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C / 400°F for 3 minutes.
- Prepare the chicken – Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
- Set up a breading station – One bowl with flour and seasonings, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Bread the chicken – Coat chicken in flour, dip in egg, then press into breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Air fry – Place tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
- Check doneness – Internal temperature should reach 75°C / 165°F.
- Serve immediately for maximum crispiness.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Paper towels
- Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
Tips & Variations
- Extra crispy: Use panko breadcrumbs and press firmly
- Spicy version: Add chili powder or cayenne to the flour
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C / 350°F for 4–6 minutes
- Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even crisping
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with fries, sweet potato wedges, or roasted vegetables
- Pair with a fresh green salad or coleslaw
- Offer dipping sauces like honey mustard, BBQ, ranch, or ketchup
- Serve on a platter for parties or family-style meals
Nutrition Facts
(Per serving – estimates)
- Calories: 280
- Carbs: 20 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Fat: 9 g
Conclusion
These air fryer chicken tenders are proof that you can enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken without deep frying. They’re fast, versatile, and perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to casual gatherings. Save, print, or share this recipe and enjoy homemade chicken tenders anytime.
FAQ
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes. Freeze cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.
How can I make this ahead of time?
Bread the chicken up to 8 hours ahead and store covered in the refrigerator. Air fry just before serving.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely. Slice chicken breasts into even strips for consistent cooking.
Do I need oil for this recipe?
No oil is required, but a light spray can enhance browning if desired.
Why aren’t my chicken tenders crispy?
Make sure the chicken is dry before breading and don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.