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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders | Quick, Easy & Healthy

Crispy panko-breaded air fryer chicken tenders served with orzo pasta salad, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and a fresh lemon wedge on a white plate.

Golden, crunchy, and juicy air fryer chicken tenders recipe with minimal oil! Quick homemade healthy crispy chicken—perfect for dinners, snacks, or meal prep.

Chicken Tenders:

Chicken tenders are the superstar of finger foods: tender, boneless chicken strips (usually from the tenderloin, a delicate muscle under the breast) that are breaded, seasoned, and cooked until golden and crispy. Think of them as the chicken’s “filet mignon”—naturally juicy, quick-cooking, and perfect for dipping!

Why “tenders”?

  • They’re named for their ultra-tender texture (no chewing required!).
  • Often called “strips” or “fingers” when cut from the breast, but true tenders are that specific tenderloin cut.

Chicken Tenders History: Fast Food to Air Fryer!

Born in the 1950s, originating from Southern American cuisine, but skyrocketing to stardom in the 1980s thanks to Chick-fil-A’s genius “Chick-n-Strips,” chicken tenders became America’s go-to crunchy, dippable delight. Fast-food chains jumped on the bandwagon, turning them into a menu must-have. Today, the air fryer chicken tenders recipe era has reinvented them as a healthy crispy chicken hero—crispy outside, juicy inside, and loved by all. What started as a fast-food hack is now a universal comfort food icon, proving that great taste always evolves!

Crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders garnished with fresh parsley and served with lemon wedges on a ceramic plate.

Crispy, Crunchy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders!

Love crispy chicken but not the grease? This air fryer chicken tenders recipe delivers golden-brown crunch without deep frying! Juicy inside, crispy outside, and ready in 12 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights, kid-friendly snacks, or party appetizers.

Crunch Time: When to Enjoy Them:

These tenders are perfect for:
Quick Dinners – Ready in just 10 minutes!
Snack Attack – Dunk ’em in ranch, ketchup, or your favorite dip.
Party Platters – Watch them disappear in minutes!
Lunchbox Hero – Add them to wraps, salads, or bowls.

Eat them plain, smother them in sauce, or sneak in some veggies underneath—no matter how you enjoy them, they taste like takeout but are so easy to make at home!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzQMZfx8W7Q

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken tenders (trimmed of excess fat)
  • 2 large eggs (whisked for coating)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (optional for extra crispiness)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko recommended for maximum crunch)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Cooking spray (avocado or olive oil preferred)

Optional Add-ons :

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (mix into breadcrumbs for umami)
  • ½ cup buttermilk (marinate chicken for 30 mins for extra juiciness)

Directions to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders:

This method guarantees healthy, crispy and, juicy chicken tenders with minimal oil and maximum flavor. Follow these steps closely for consistent results!

Prepping the Chicken

Raw chicken tenders seasoned with salt and pepper on a white plate, ready for marination or cooking.

Start by patting the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is critical for achieving a crispy exterior, as moisture can steam the coating instead of crisping it. Next, trim any visible fat or connective tissue from the tenders using kitchen shears or a sharp knife. This step ensures even cooking and a more enjoyable texture. Lightly season fresh chicken tenders with salt and pepper.

Coating Process

Two glass bowls on a marble surface, one containing beaten eggs and the other filled with seasoned breadcrumbs.
  1. Optional Flour Dredge: Lightly coat each tender in flour (use almond flour for gluten-free chicken tenders) and shake off excess. This creates a base layer for the egg and breadcrumbs to adhere to, enhancing crispiness.
  2. Egg Dip: Dunk the floured chicken into whisked eggs, ensuring full coverage. The egg acts as a "glue" for the breadcrumbs.
  3. Breadcrumb Coating: Press the chicken into seasoned breadcrumbs (Panko recommended for extra crunch). Mix in spices like paprika, garlic powder, or grated Parmesan for added flavor.
  4. Rest the Coated Chicken: Place tenders on a plate and refrigerate for 10 minutes. This step allows the coating to set, reducing the risk of breading falling off during cooking.
Uncooked breaded chicken tenders arranged on a wire rack, ready to be air-fried or baked for a crispy and golden finish.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes before cooking. Skipping this step can lead to uneven cooking, as the appliance needs time to distribute heat properly.

Cooking the Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, cooking in an air fryer for a healthier, crunchy texture.
  1. Arrange in basket: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place tenders in a single layer, leaving space between them (cook in batches if needed). Overcrowding traps steam and prevents crispiness.
  2. Spray lightly: Mist the coated chicken with cooking spray (avocado or olive oil works best) to enhance browning and texture.
  3. Cook: Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Flipping ensures both sides achieve a golden, crunchy crust. Spray again lightly after flipping. Thicker tenders may need 12 minutes; thinner ones cook faster.
Crisp, crumbed chicken tenders placed inside an air fryer basket.

Check for Doneness:

  1. Internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If unsure, slice into a tender to ensure juices run clear.
  2. Visual check: The coating should be golden brown and crispy, with no pink in the center.

Rest & Serve: 

Crispy breaded chicken tenders served with golden fries, garnished with parsley and lemon wedges on a white plate.

Let cool for 2–3 minutes before serving to lock in juices. Pair with your favorite dips (honey mustard, BBQ, ranch) or serve over salads, wraps, or roasted veggies.

Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenders:

  • How to cook chicken tenders in an air fryer successfully: Avoid overcrowding. Cook in batches to allow proper airflow and even crisping.
  • Get extra-crispy results: Use a wire rack in the air fryer basket to maximize airflow around the tenders.
  • Enhance the flavor: Experiment with different seasoning blends like buffalo, ranch, or BBQ spice mix in the breadcrumb coating.
  • Let the coating set: Allow the breaded chicken to rest for 10 minutes before air frying to help the breading adhere better.
  • For the best cooking results, Always preheat your air fryer and avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
  • Keto-friendly hack: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds for a low-carb, crunchy coating.
  • Gluten-free option: Use almond flour and gluten-free panko to keep it crispy and suitable for gluten-free diets.

Serving Suggestions:

Dipping Sauces

  • Classic ranch
  • BBQ sauce
  • zesty sriracha mayo.
  • Honey mustard
  • Buffalo sauce

Side Dishes

  • Crispy air-fried fries
  • Coleslaw
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Mac and cheese
  • Orzo pasta salad

Meal Ideas

  • Serve the tenders in a wrap with lettuce, tomato, and a creamy dressing.
  • Slice them up and toss them into a fresh salad.
  • Use them as a crispy filling in a chicken sandwich or layer on sliders with pickles.

Dietary Variations:

1. Spicy Chicken Tenders

  • Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
  • Mix 1 tbsp hot sauce into the beaten eggs for extra heat.

2. Gluten-Free Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

  • Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed cornflakes.

3. Keto-Friendly Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

  • Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds for a low-carb, keto-approved crispy coating.

4. Herb-infused: 

  • Mix 1 tbsp dried thyme or rosemary into breadcrumbs.

Storage and Reheating Instructions:

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze uncooked coated tenders on a tray, then transfer to a bag for 2 months. Cook frozen—add 3-5 minutes.

Reheating Tips

To maintain crispiness, reheat in

  • Air fryer: 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  • Oven: 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes.
  • Avoid microwaving, as it can make the tenders rubbery!

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Using too much oil: A light spray is enough; too much makes tenders soggy.
  • Overcrowding the basket prevents even cooking—cook in batches if needed.
  • Skipping the preheating step: Preheating ensures the tenders start cooking immediately, leading to a crispier texture.
  • Wet chicken: Pat dry thoroughly before coating.
  • Using cold eggs: Let eggs reach room temperature for smoother dipping.
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Total Time 35 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses: , , ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Servings: 4
Calories: 280
Best Season: Winter, Summer, Suitable throughout the year
Description

Golden, crunchy, and juicy air fryer chicken tenders recipe with minimal oil! Quick homemade healthy crispy chicken—perfect for dinners, snacks, or meal prep.

Ingredients
    Main Ingredients:
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken tenders
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko recommended for maximum crunch)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Cooking spray
    • Optional Add-ons :
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
Directions To Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
  1. 1

    1. Season the Chicken – Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the chicken tenders.

    2. Prepare Coating Stations

      • In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg.
      • In a second shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs and panko together.

    3. Coat the Chicken

      • Dip each chicken tender into the egg, ensuring full coverage.
      • Then, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, shaking off any excess.
      • Place coated tenders on a large plate or cutting board.

    4. Apply Oil – Spray both sides of the chicken generously with oil for a crispy texture.

    5. Preheat the Air Fryer – Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat.

    6. Cook the Chicken

      • Arrange tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed).
      • Cook for 5–6 minutes per side, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden brown.

    7. Serve – Enjoy with lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce.

     

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Serving Size 3 tenders

Amount Per Serving
Calories 280kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 8g13%
Total Carbohydrate 20g7%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Protein 30g60%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe, Healthy Crispy Chicken, Gluten-free Chicken Tenders, Keto Air Fryer Recipes, How to Cook Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer
Read it online: https://yummyexplorations.com/recipe/air-fryer-chicken-tenders/