Growing up in North Carolina, crispy chicken tenders were always a family favorite something my grandma would make on lazy Sundays when cousins piled into the kitchen. Now, I’ve found a way to enjoy that same crunchy, golden goodness with a healthier twist: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. These tenders are juicy inside, perfectly crispy outside, and made without deep frying. This is one recipe you’ll definitely want to save – Pin it now for later!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
- ⏱ Quick and weeknight friendly
- 🥗 Healthy chicken strips with no extra oil
- 🌶 Can be mild or spicy chicken tenders
- 👩👩👧 Family-friendly and kid-approved
- 🍽 Works as snack, main dish, or party appetizer
Tools and Preparation
- Air Fryer – creates crispy edges without oil.
- Mixing Bowls – for breading stations.
- Tongs – easy flipping without mess.
- Measuring Spoons – for spices and breadcrumbs.
- Sharp Knife & Cutting Board – to prep chicken.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders or boneless chicken breast cut into strips
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for spicy chicken tenders)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Olive oil spray
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
- Set up three bowls: flour with spices, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
- Coat chicken strips first in flour, then dip into eggs, then press into breadcrumbs.
- Lightly spray each breaded tender with olive oil.
- Place in air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- With honey mustard or ranch dipping sauce.
- As a protein topper for garden salads.
- With French fries or potato wedges for a kids’ meal.
- Stuffed into wraps with lettuce and cheese.
- On top of creamy mac and cheese for comfort food night.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket cook in batches.
- Spray lightly with oil to get that fried look.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for crunchier chicken.
- For extra spicy chicken tenders, add more cayenne.
- Let tenders rest a minute before serving to stay crispy.
Best Pairings and Side Dishes
These tenders pair beautifully with a fresh salsa or side of roasted vegetables. This salsa also pairs beautifully with my Air Fryer Beef Chops Recipe for a fresh balanced meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping preheating the air fryer leads to uneven cooking.
- Using too much oil spray causes soggy coating.
- Not flipping halfway through one side will brown more.
- Crowding the basket results in steamed chicken instead of crispy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store cooled chicken tenders in airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked tenders in a zip bag up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 5 minutes until heated and crispy again.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions.
Q: Can I marinate the chicken first?
Absolutely marinate in buttermilk or a light spicy mix for extra flavor.
Q: What dipping sauces go best?
Ranch, BBQ, buffalo sauce, or honey mustard all work perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something heartwarming about biting into a crispy tender that tastes like Sunday suppers without the guilt of deep frying. These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are proof that you can keep tradition alive while making it easy and healthy. If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments – I love hearing your stories and kitchen wins!
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
- Set up three bowls: one with flour and spices, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat chicken strips in flour, dip into eggs, then press into breadcrumbs.
- Lightly spray each breaded tender with olive oil.
- Place chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.