Name: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 9 pieces chicken tenders; 1 large egg (beaten); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon smoked sweet paprika; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 8 tablespoons Panko breadcrumbs (1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon); kosher salt (to taste); ground black pepper (to taste); olive oil (or spray)

Jump to Recipe Pin This Save for Later

Discover the secret to irresistibly crunchy air fryer chicken tenders. With this recipe, there's no need to buy greasy takeout fried in oil.

Fried chicken tenders on a plate with dipping sauce.

Want to save this post?

Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you the latest recipes and tips every week!

Imagine sinking your teeth into a golden-brown piece of chicken, knowing it was perfectly cooked using air fryer technology. No more greasy fingers or messy kitchen counters. Just delicious, guilt-free crispy chicken in no time.

Using an air fryer cuts down on cooking time and reduces the amount of oil needed to achieve that coveted crunch. Whether you prefer classic chicken nuggets, juicy chicken strips, or even flavorful fried chicken breasts, the air fryer will cook them to perfection.

Reasons to Love This Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
Variations
Tips
Serving suggestions
Storage
Related Recipes

Reasons to Love This Recipe

Healthier alternative. Using hot air circulation instead of oil, you can achieve that crispy, golden-brown exterior without the excess fat and calories.
Incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious meal on the table.
Cooks quickly. With this healthy air fryer recipe, you can have tender and juicy chicken ready in just minutes.

Ingredients

The beauty of this chicken recipe is that you'll get restaurant-quality tenders using simple ingredients at home.

Here are the items you'll need to make this recipe.

raw chicken tenderloins
egg
garlic powder
smoked sweet paprika
all-purpose flour
Panko breadcrumbs
kosher salt
ground black pepper
olive oil

Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 370°F and set the timer to 12 minutes. Then, pat dry the chicken. Next, add seasonings to chicken tenderloins, flour, and Panko breadcrumbs.

Three bowls with different ingredients on a table for making chicken tenders.

Arrange containers of flour, egg, and homemade Panko breadcrumbs. Coat raw chicken tenders in flour, dip in egg, and coat in breadcrumbs.

Prepared chicken tenders on a white plate with a red and white checkered napkin.

Shake excess flour, egg, and breadcrumbs after coating each piece.

Prepared chicken tenders on air fryer tray.

Transfer breaded chicken tenders onto Air Fryer basket or tray.

Air fryer chicken tenders on tray with a checkered tablecloth.

Place chicken tenders in the air fryer and begin cooking. Turn them half-way through.

Remove Air Fryer chicken tenders once the breadcrumbs are golden in color and the internal temperature of the chicken is 165°F.

Hint: It's best to close the door when turning chicken tenders. If you do not close the door, the air fryer temperate might change.

Air fried chicken tenders in a bowl on a table.

Variations

One of the great things about chicken tenders is their versatility, and with a few simple tweaks, you can easily switch up the flavors to keep your taste buds intrigued.

No breading - Explore a healthier alternative by ditching the breading altogether. Marinate the chicken tenders in your favorite seasonings or sauces before air frying them.
Use different types of chicken - We like to use chicken thighs and chicken wings too. You can also make air fryer chicken breast.
Experiment with different seasonings - Add some cumin and chili powder for a Tex-Mex twist, or swap in Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean flare.
Change the coating - Try using crushed cornflakes for an extra crunch. You can also experiment with adding grated parmesan cheese or finely chopped nuts to the coating mixture to add a new layer of flavor and texture.

You can also make crispy air fryer chicken nuggets and popcorn chicken in the air fryer. Or, try putting them in the toaster oven for a simple baked chicken.

Tips

Top tip: Consider lightly brushing oil on top of your coated chicken tenders before placing them in the air fryer. This will help promote even browning and crisping during cooking.

Make sure you pat dry the chicken tenders before coating them with any kind of breading or seasoning. Excess moisture on the surface of the chicken can prevent it from getting crispy in the air fryer.
Always preheat your air fryer before cooking the chicken tenders. preheating helps create that initial burst of heat that will quickly crisp up the coating on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Leave enough space between each tender to allow hot air to circulate evenly around them. This ensures they cook evenly and become crispy all over.

Chicken tenders with dipping sauce on a white plate.

Serving suggestions

These crispy and golden bites of deliciousness can be enjoyed in various ways, depending on your preferences and creativity in the kitchen. One classic option is to serve them alongside a bed of crunchy air fryer potato wedges or a fresh Greek chopped salad for a well-rounded meal.

If you want something more casual, why not create a tasty chicken sandwich with soft buns, lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite condiments? The tenders can also be sliced up and added to a breakfast burrito or tacos for an extra kick of flavor.

While air fryer chicken tenders are perfectly delicious on their own, they are even better with dipping sauces. You can try classic options such as ketchup, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing. If you like things spicy, try a buffalo chicken sauce or sriracha mayo. Or, add an Asian twist with soy ginger sauce or sweet chili dipping sauce.

Storage

Place the cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container or zipper bag and refrigerate them. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days.

If you want to freeze them, it is recommended to separate each tender with parchment paper or plastic wrap to prevent them from sticking together. Frozen air fryer chicken tenders can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

When reheating, you can either use the air fryer again by preheating it and cooking at a lower temperature until heated through, or you can reheat them in a conventional oven at around 350°F (175°C) until warmed up.