Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chicken tenders deliver everything you want in comfort food—crispy coating, tender meat, and loads of flavor—without the mess or oil of traditional frying. They’re quick, kid-friendly, and easy to prepare, making them perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even party platters. The air fryer gives you the texture you love with far less effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
all-purpose flour
eggs
panko breadcrumbs
regular breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
garlic powder
onion powder
paprika
salt
black pepper
cooking spray or oil (for misting)
optional: Parmesan cheese or dried herbs for added flavor

Directions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of panko, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge each chicken tender first in flour, then in the egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly to help the coating stick.
4. Place the tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Lightly mist with cooking spray or oil.
5. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
6. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 20–25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Tenders: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture for extra heat.
• Parmesan Crust: Mix grated Parmesan into the breadcrumbs for added flavor and crunch.
• Buttermilk Marinade: Soak chicken tenders in buttermilk for a few hours before coating for extra tenderness.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
• Buffalo Style: Toss cooked tenders in buffalo sauce and serve with ranch or blue cheese.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 4–5 minutes until crispy. You can also reheat in the oven or toaster oven.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, just slice them into strips for similar size and cook time.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating helps ensure even cooking and crispiness but isn’t always required—check your air fryer’s instructions.

Can I freeze these?

Yes, freeze them after cooking. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F until warmed through and crispy.

How do I keep the breading from falling off?

Pat the chicken dry before coating, and press the breadcrumbs onto the tenders firmly. Let them rest for a few minutes before cooking.

What sauces go well with these tenders?

Ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, and ketchup are all great options.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, just avoid adding cheese and check your breadcrumb brand to ensure it’s dairy-free.

How long do I cook them in the air fryer?

Typically 10–12 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs only?

Yes, but using a mix with panko gives a crispier texture.

Are these healthier than deep-fried tenders?

Yes, air frying uses significantly less oil while still achieving a crispy result.

Can I cook a double batch?

Only if your air fryer is large. Avoid overcrowding—cook in batches for even crispiness.

Conclusion

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a fast, flavorful, and healthier way to enjoy a classic favorite. Whether you’re feeding kids, prepping meals, or craving a satisfying crunch, these tenders deliver every time. With endless dipping sauce options and seasoning variations, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are golden, crunchy on the outside, and tender on the inside. They’re a healthier alternative to deep-fried tenders, made easily in the air fryer with flavorful breading and minimal oil.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup regular breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray or oil for misting
• Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or 1 teaspoon dried herbs

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Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and optional Parmesan or herbs.
3. Dredge chicken in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly mist with cooking spray or oil.
5. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

• Let breaded chicken rest for 5–10 minutes before cooking to help coating stick.
• Use panko for best crunch, or a mix with regular breadcrumbs.
• Adjust seasoning to your taste—add cayenne for heat or herbs for flavor.
• Preheating the air fryer helps ensure even browning and texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: 340
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 33g
• Cholesterol: 145mg