Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders offer crunchy, flavorful chicken prepared with minimal oil. These tenders cook quickly and remain juicy while achieving a perfect golden exterior.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers the crispiness of deep-fried chicken without the excess oil. It is fast, family-friendly, and ideal for weeknight meals or meal prep.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken tenders
- Flour
- Eggs
- Breadcrumbs or panko
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Cooking spray
directions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Prepare a dredging station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumb mixture.
- Season the flour with spices.
- Coat each tender in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
- Arrange the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer.
- Spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 12 minutes
- Total time: 22 minutes
Variations
- Use seasoned panko for extra crispiness.
- Add Parmesan cheese to the breading.
- Replace chicken with turkey tenders.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
storage/reheating
Store cooked tenders for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to maintain crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Thaw them first to ensure even cooking.
Why are my tenders not crispy?
Ensure they are arranged in a single layer without crowding.
Can I skip the flour?
Flour helps the coating adhere; skipping it may reduce crispiness.
Which breadcrumbs are best?
Panko provides the most crunch.
Can I season the breadcrumbs?
Yes, additional spices enhance flavor.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating ensures even cooking and crispiness.
How long to cook thicker tenders?
Increase cooking time by 2–3 minutes and check internal temperature.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
It can be if you avoid Parmesan and check breadcrumb ingredients.
Can I freeze cooked tenders?
Yes, freeze individually, then reheat in the air fryer.
What dip pairs well with these tenders?
Honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce work well.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders offer a healthier yet satisfying alternative to deep-fried chicken. They are simple to prepare, highly adaptable, and consistently delicious.
PrintCrispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders made with seasoned breading and cooked to golden perfection without deep frying.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Total Time: 22 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Set up three bowls: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs mixed with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in the third.
- Coat each chicken tender first in flour, then dip in eggs, then fully coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Lightly spray both sides of the breaded tenders with olive oil.
- Place tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer; cook in batches if necessary.
- Add cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tenders
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg