Name: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487277H35M57S
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Olive oil spray (or cooking spray)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a great alternative to traditional fried chicken. They’re quick and easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients. The air fryer creates a crispy exterior with less oil, making the tenders much lighter but still packed with flavor. The coating is perfectly seasoned and provides the satisfying crunch you love, while the chicken stays moist and tender. Plus, these tenders are versatile—you can dip them in sauces like honey mustard, BBQ, or ranch, or serve them alongside your favorite sides. Best of all, they cook in under 20 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Olive oil spray (or cooking spray)

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

Directions

Prepare the breading stations: Set up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Coat the chicken: Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, making sure it’s coated evenly. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the crumbs stick well to the chicken.
Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
Arrange the tenders in the air fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure there’s space between each piece for proper air circulation. If necessary, work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Cook the chicken tenders: Air fry the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked.
Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces and sides.
Enjoy: Enjoy these crispy, juicy chicken tenders with a side of fries, salad, or veggies!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Spicy chicken tenders: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
Parmesan garlic tenders: Mix extra Parmesan cheese and garlic powder into the breadcrumb mixture for even more flavor.
Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make these chicken tenders gluten-free.
Buffalo chicken tenders: After cooking, toss the chicken tenders in buffalo sauce for a spicy, tangy flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken tenders in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to keep them crispy. You can also reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Simply cut them into strips to make them the size of chicken tenders, and follow the same breading and cooking instructions.

2. Can I make these chicken tenders ahead of time?

Yes, you can bread the chicken tenders ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook them, just pop them in the air fryer for a quick meal.

3. Can I make these chicken tenders without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the eggs with a mixture of milk and flour or use a vegan egg substitute like aquafaba (chickpea brine) or flax eggs.

4. Can I cook frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer. Simply increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes, checking that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

5. Can I bake these chicken tenders instead of using the air fryer?

Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

6. Can I freeze the chicken tenders?

Yes, you can freeze the breaded raw chicken tenders before cooking them. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1-2 hours, then transfer them to a freezer bag. To cook, air fry them straight from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a quick, healthy, and delicious alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders. With a perfectly crispy exterior and juicy interior, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight dinner, a party, or as a snack, these chicken tenders are easy to make, flavorful, and versatile. Try them with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy a healthier, homemade version of this classic dish!