Name: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon water; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; olive oil spray

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If you crave that irresistible crunch of fried chicken tenders but want something lighter, this Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight hero. It delivers all the golden, juicy satisfaction of classic tenders, but uses barely any oil and comes together quickly, thanks to the magic of the air fryer. Each bite sings with a savory blend of spices, tender chicken, and a crispy Parmesan-panko crust. Whether you’re feeding your family or prepping for game night, you simply can’t go wrong with this recipe!

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference with the Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe. Each component, from the seasoned flour to the cheesy panko coating, is thoughtfully chosen for maximum flavor and that unforgettable crunch you love.

Boneless, skinless chicken tenders: Choose quality tenders for juicy, flavorful bites—or slice chicken breasts if you can’t find tenders.
All-purpose flour: This provides the first layer of coating so the seasonings and breadcrumbs stick beautifully.
Garlic powder: Adds a gentle boost of savory depth without overwhelming the chicken.
Onion powder: Brings a hint of sweetness and extra flavor complexity.
Smoked paprika: Gives the tenders a subtle smokiness and gorgeous golden color.
Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing all the flavors in the breading.
Black pepper: A pinch helps wake up the entire dish with gentle spice.
Large eggs: Whisked with water for the perfect “glue” that helps the final crumb coating adhere.
Water: Just a splash in the eggs loosens them up for easy dipping.
Panko breadcrumbs: Way crispier than regular breadcrumbs, these make the coating ultra crunchy.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
Olive oil spray: A quick mist boosts browning and helps the coating crisp up evenly in the air fryer.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes. This step is important because a hot air fryer helps create that signature crispy coating right from the start. While it’s warming up, you can prep all your breading stations so the process moves quickly.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Stations

Arrange three shallow dishes. In the first, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. In the second, whisk the eggs with water until smooth. In the third, mix the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan. This setup makes coating the chicken neat and simple with minimal mess.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Tenders

Working with one tender at a time, dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour, making sure it’s lightly and evenly coated, then tap off any excess. Dip it into the egg mixture so it’s just covered, then transfer to the breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently so the panko and Parmesan stick well, giving each tender that extra crunch.

Step 4: Arrange in the Air Fryer

Lightly spray both sides of each coated tender with olive oil spray. This helps promote even browning and the crispiest result. Arrange the tenders in a single layer in your air fryer basket—don’t overcrowd! If needed, cook in batches for the best texture.

Step 5: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Air fry your chicken tenders at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping once halfway through. The tenders are done when the coating is a deep golden brown and the chicken reads 165°F at the thickest point. They’ll emerge perfectly crisp on the outside and irresistibly juicy inside—exactly what the Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe promises!

How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a little extra Parmesan right before serving adds color and a pop of fresh flavor. Don’t forget a side of lemon wedges for a zesty squeeze that brightens up the whole platter.

Side Dishes

Pair your chicken tenders with crisp homemade fries, tangy coleslaw, or a handful of fresh veggies and your favorite dip. Classic honey mustard, creamy ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo take these tenders to a whole new level.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve them stacked on a wooden board for a casual family dinner, or cut them up and scatter over a hearty salad for lunch. You can even use these tenders as a protein upgrade in wraps, tacos, or atop mac and cheese for kid-friendly fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the tenders cool to room temperature before popping them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and tasty in the fridge for up to three days, making for easy lunches and snacks.

Freezing

To freeze, spread cooled chicken tenders on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months, so you can always have homemade tenders ready in a pinch. Just reheat from frozen!

Reheating

For best results, reheat the Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe in the air fryer or oven at 375°F until warmed through and re-crisped, about 5 to 8 minutes. This way, they keep their juicy interior and signature crunch instead of getting soggy in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I make the Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Double-check your seasonings to confirm they’re gluten-free, and enjoy delicious, worry-free tenders.

What dipping sauces go best with Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe?

The options are endless—classics like ranch, honey mustard, and barbecue sauce are always winners. For a gourmet twist, try garlic aioli, buffalo sauce, or chipotle mayo for a little kick.

Can I make these tenders spicy?

Definitely! For a spicy version of the Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe, add a pinch (or more) of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture. You could also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce or drizzle with hot honey.

Do I need to marinate the chicken first?

No marinating is required for this recipe. The seasoning and coating pack plenty of flavor, and using fresh chicken tenders ensures every bite is juicy and tender without extra steps.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still make these chicken tenders in a conventional oven. Set your oven to 425°F and bake on a greased rack for about 15–18 minutes, flipping once, until crispy and cooked through.

Final Thoughts

Give this Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe a try and watch it quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. It’s easy, lighter than fried, and guaranteed to please adults and kids alike. The hardest part will be deciding what to dip them in first!

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are crispy, flavorful, and easy to make. They are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or to serve at a party as a delicious appetizer. Using the air fryer ensures a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Tenders:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon water
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
olive oil spray

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Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
Prepare Coating Stations: In separate shallow dishes, set up one with the flour and seasonings, one with the eggs and water, and one with the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Cook: Lightly spray the coated tenders with olive oil spray and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.