Air fryer chicken tenders are the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the hassle of deep frying. I remember the first time I made these for my kids. They were skeptical about anything “healthy,” but one bite changed everything. Now they request these every week.
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need complicated techniques or fancy ingredients. Just fresh chicken, your favorite seasonings, and about 15 minutes. The air fryer does the heavy lifting, creating that crispy exterior we all crave while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, meal prepping for the week, or just craving comfort food without the guilt, this air fryer chicken tenders recipe delivers every single time.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
The best chicken tenders for air fryer cooking start with quality ingredients. Here’s what you need:
Main Ingredients:
• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken tenders (or chicken breast cut into strips)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-ins:
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for heat)
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (for depth)
Choosing Your Chicken:
Fresh chicken tenderloins are ideal because they’re naturally tender and cook evenly. If you can’t find tenderloins, boneless skinless chicken breasts work perfectly. Just slice them into strips about 1 inch thick.
Look for chicken that’s pink with no gray spots. The meat should feel firm to the touch, not slimy. Organic or free-range chicken tends to have better flavor, but any quality chicken works great.
Instructions: How to Make Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer
Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked chicken strips every time:
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Pat your chicken tenders completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial. Excess moisture prevents that crispy exterior we’re after. Trim any excess fat or connective tissue.
Step 2: Season Generously
Place the dried chicken tenders in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. The oil helps seasonings stick and promotes browning.
In a small bowl, mix all your dry seasonings together. This chicken seasoning for air fryer is versatile and flavorful. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the chicken and use your hands to rub it in thoroughly. Make sure every piece is well coated.
Step 3: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F and preheat for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking from the moment the chicken goes in.
Step 4: Arrange in the Basket
Place chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overlap them. Crowding creates steam instead of crisp. If you have more chicken than fits comfortably, cook in batches.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact time depends on thickness. Thinner strips need about 10 minutes. Thicker pieces might need 14 minutes.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
The internal temperature should reach 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer. The outside should be golden brown and slightly crispy. If not quite done, add 2 more minutes.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest for 3 minutes after cooking. This allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
Pro Tips and Variations
For Unbreaded Chicken Tenders Air Fryer Success:
Don’t skip the oil. Even though these are unbreaded, a light coating of oil is essential for browning and preventing dryness. It also helps seasonings adhere better.
Temperature Matters:
Always use a meat thermometer. Overcooked chicken becomes dry and tough. Undercooked chicken is unsafe. The sweet spot is exactly 165°F internal temperature.
Chicken Seasoning Recipes for Air Fryer Variations:
BBQ Style: Replace Italian seasoning with 2 teaspoons BBQ rub. Brush with BBQ sauce in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Lemon Herb: Use lemon pepper seasoning, dried thyme, and fresh lemon zest.
Cajun Spice: Add cayenne pepper, more paprika, and a pinch of dried oregano.
Asian-Inspired: Mix sesame oil, ginger powder, garlic powder, and a splash of soy sauce before air frying.
Making Crispy Chicken Fingers Air Fryer Style:
For extra crispiness without breading, spray the seasoned chicken with cooking spray before and after flipping. The additional oil creates more surface browning.
Meal Prep Magic:
These chicken strips air fryer style are perfect for meal prep. Cook a double batch on Sunday. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
From Frozen:
You can cook frozen chicken tenders, but add 5-7 minutes to the cooking time. They won’t be quite as juicy as fresh, but they work in a pinch.
Size Consistency:
Cut all chicken pieces to the same thickness. This ensures everything cooks evenly. No one wants some pieces dry while others are undercooked.
Serving Suggestions
These easy air fryer chicken recipes pair beautifully with countless sides and sauces.
Dipping Sauces:
• Honey mustard (my personal favorite)
• Ranch dressing
• BBQ sauce
• Buffalo sauce mixed with ranch
• Garlic aioli
• Sweet chili sauce
Side Dish Ideas:
Vegetables: Air fry some broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or green beans alongside your chicken. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Starches: Serve with roasted sweet potatoes, french fries (also air fried), or a simple rice pilaf.
Salads: Slice the cooked tenders over a Caesar salad or mixed greens with your favorite dressing.
Wraps: Stuff these into tortillas with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and ranch for quick chicken wraps.
Kid-Friendly Presentation:
Arrange the chicken fingers on a plate with small bowls of different dipping sauces. Let kids choose their favorites. It turns dinner into an interactive experience they’ll love.
Meal Ideas:
Monday Night: Serve with mac and cheese and steamed broccoli.
Tuesday: Chop the tenders and toss into a pasta with marinara sauce.
Wednesday: Make chicken tender tacos with all the fixings.
Thursday: Place over a grain bowl with quinoa, roasted vegetables, and tahini dressing.
These boneless skinless chicken breast recipes are incredibly versatile. The chicken works as a main dish, salad topper, sandwich filling, or snack.
Conclusion
This air fryer chicken tenders recipe proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or texture. With just a handful of seasonings and 15 minutes, you can create restaurant-quality fried chicken air fryer style right at home.
The best part? No greasy cleanup, no splattering oil, and significantly fewer calories than traditional fried chicken. Yet somehow, these air fried chicken tenders taste just as satisfying.
I’ve made these hundreds of times now. Sometimes I stick to the basic seasoning. Other times I experiment with different flavor combinations. They’ve never disappointed. My kids eat them. My husband requests them. Even my picky mother-in-law approved.
Start with this basic recipe. Master the technique. Then get creative with your own chicken seasoning combinations. Before you know it, you’ll have a rotation of airfryer chicken recipes that keep dinner exciting all week long.
The air fryer has changed how I cook chicken. It’s faster, cleaner, and produces consistently great results. These chicken tenderloins come out juicy inside with just enough crispiness outside to satisfy that crunch craving.
Give this recipe a try tonight. I think you’ll be amazed at how simple and delicious air fry chicken recipes can be.
FAQs
How long do you cook chicken tenders in the air fryer?
Cook chicken tenders at 400°F for 10-14 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact time depends on thickness. Always check that internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Do I need to bread chicken tenders for the air fryer?
No. Unbreaded chicken tenders turn out delicious in the air fryer. The high heat creates a slightly crispy exterior even without breading. Just use oil and seasonings.
Can I stack chicken tenders in the air fryer?
Don’t stack chicken in the air fryer. Arrange pieces in a single layer with space between them. This allows hot air to circulate properly, creating even cooking and better texture.
Why are my air fryer chicken tenders dry?
Dry chicken usually means overcooking. Use a meat thermometer and remove chicken at exactly 165°F. Also, don’t skip the oil. It helps retain moisture during cooking.
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes, but add 5-7 minutes to the cooking time. Frozen chicken won’t be quite as juicy as fresh, but it works when you’re in a hurry. No need to thaw first.
What’s the best oil for air frying chicken?
Olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil all work well. Avoid butter as it can burn at high temperatures. You only need about 2 tablespoons for 1.5 pounds of chicken.
How do I reheat leftover air fryer chicken tenders?
Reheat at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. This warms them through without drying them out. They won’t be quite as crispy as fresh, but they’re still delicious.
Can I make these ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely. Cook a large batch and store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. They make great grab-and-go lunches or quick dinner proteins.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each chicken tender in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs. Press gently so the coating sticks.
- Lightly spray both sides of the tenders with olive oil and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Calories: 245 kcal
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 380mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 2g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 37g
