Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe: Golden Family Favorite

Crispy and golden chicken tenders in an air fryer can turn any ordinary meal into a delightful feast.

Crunchy exteriors hide juicy meat that melts in your mouth with each bite.

We all know how challenging it can be to create perfectly cooked chicken at home.

These tender morsels promise a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Seasoned with a blend of spices, they bring excitement to your dinner plate.

Salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika work magic on these protein-packed delights.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for quick and satisfying meals that everyone will love.

What’s in Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Flour: A light, dry coating that helps the egg wash stick to the chicken.
• Eggs, Water: Creates a sticky layer for the breading to adhere to the chicken.

• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Provides a crispy, flavorful exterior with a golden brown finish.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a savory, aromatic flavor to the breading.
• Paprika: Offers a mild, sweet pepper flavor and beautiful color to the coating.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall taste.

• Chicken Tenders: Tender, lean protein that becomes crispy and delicious when air fried. Choose fresh, uniform-sized chicken tenders for even cooking.

• Cooking Oil Spray: Helps achieve a crispy exterior and prevents sticking in the air fryer basket.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Made Simple

Step 1: Prepare Coating Stations

• Breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create a flavorful coating.

Step 2: Dress Chicken Strips

Take each chicken tender and give it a flour bath, shaking off any excess. Next, dive it into the egg wash, ensuring complete coverage. Finally, roll the strip in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick like a cozy blanket.

Step 3: Warm Up Air Fryer

Switch on your air fryer and set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it heat up for about 3-4 minutes to create the perfect cooking environment.

Step 4: Cook to Crispy Perfection

Spritz the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer, making sure they’re not crowding each other. Give the tops a light spray of oil for extra crispiness. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Look for a golden-brown exterior and ensure the internal temperature hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Savvy Advice for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Maximize Coating Adhesion: Press breadcrumb mixture firmly onto chicken tenders to create a crispy, even layer that won't fall off during cooking.
• Prevent Overcrowding: Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer with space between each piece to ensure even air circulation and consistent golden-brown crispiness.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to verify chicken reaches 165F (74C) for safe consumption, ensuring juicy and perfectly cooked tenders every time.
• Oil Spray Trick: Lightly mist tenders with cooking spray before and during air frying to enhance browning and create an extra-crispy exterior without excess oil.
• Quick Batch Cooking: If working with multiple batches, keep first batch warm in a low-temperature oven while finishing remaining tenders to serve everything hot and fresh.

Keeping Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Ready to Eat

• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Preheat air fryer to 375F. Arrange tenders in a single layer and heat for 3-4 minutes until crispy and internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Place tenders on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil. Warm at 350F for 10-12 minutes, ensuring they remain crisp.
• Microwaving will make chicken soggy and destroy the crispy coating. Always choose air fryer or oven for best results.

What Pairs Well with Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Perfect Pairings for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
• Whip up a homemade ranch dressing with fresh herbs like dill and chives, creating a cool, tangy complement that elevates the crispy chicken's warm, seasoned crunch.
• Prepare a zesty coleslaw with apple cider vinegar, shredded cabbage, and a touch of honey, offering a refreshing and crunchy contrast to the golden chicken tenders.
• Serve with a fresh lemonade or sparkling citrus cocktail that cuts through the richness of the fried chicken, providing a light and zingy beverage pairing.
• Create quick pickled jalapeños or a spicy sriracha mayo dip to add an exciting heat dimension that transforms the chicken tenders into a flavor adventure.

Spin-Off Ideas for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cornflakes for coating.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. Remove Parmesan and use additional spices like onion powder and cayenne for extra flavor.
• Low-Carb Crispy Tenders: Use crushed pork rinds as a zero-carb coating alternative. Season with smoked paprika, dried herbs, and garlic powder for added zest.
• Dairy-Free Option: Omit Parmesan cheese from the coating. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or simply increase herb and spice quantities for depth.

Curious About Air Fryer Chicken Tenders?

• Are these chicken tenders healthier than deep-fried versions?

Yes, air fryer chicken tenders use significantly less oil, reducing total calories and fat content while maintaining a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

• Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?

Frozen chicken tenders work, but thaw them completely first and pat dry to ensure proper coating and crispy texture. Wet or frozen chicken won’t create the same golden-brown crust.

• What if I don't have Parmesan cheese?

No problem! You can substitute with other hard cheeses like Romano or simply skip the cheese. The breadcrumbs and spices will still provide excellent flavor and crunch.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and prevents undercooking or dryness.

Why Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Are a Go-To

• Effortlessly whip up crispy chicken tenders in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup, making dinner stress-free for busy families.
• Kids and adults will love the golden, crunchy exterior and juicy meat, creating a universally appealing meal that satisfies picky eaters.
• Air frying reduces oil usage by up to 75% compared to traditional deep-frying, delivering a guilt-free version of a classic comfort food without sacrificing taste or texture.
• Easily swap seasonings in the breadcrumb mixture to create endless flavor variations, from spicy buffalo to herb-packed Mediterranean styles, keeping mealtime exciting and fresh.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy and golden air fryer chicken tenders deliver a mouthwatering crunch that elevates dinner in minutes. Seasoned with zesty spices and sealed with a perfect breading, these tender bites promise restaurant-quality flavor without excess oil.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips

Coating Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon water
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray

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Instructions

1. Organize three separate wide, shallow containers for the coating process: one with flour, another with whisked eggs mixed with water, and the third with a blend of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Take each chicken tender and meticulously coat it by first rolling in flour, ensuring excess is gently shaken off, then thoroughly dipping into the egg wash, and finally completely covering with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the coating adhere firmly.
3. Activate the air fryer and set the temperature to 400F (200C), allowing it to warm up and prepare for cooking.
4. Lightly mist the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and potential burning.
5. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single, uncrowded layer within the basket, ensuring each piece has adequate space for even cooking. If the basket cannot accommodate all tenders simultaneously, cook in multiple batches.
6. Delicately spray the top of the tenders with additional oil to promote a crispy, golden exterior.
7. Cook the tenders for approximately 8-10 minutes, carefully turning them midway through the cooking process to guarantee uniform browning and crispiness.
8. Confirm doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C), which ensures the chicken is thoroughly cooked and safe to consume.

Notes

• Customize the seasoning by swapping out spices to match your flavor preferences, like adding cayenne for heat or dried herbs for an earthy twist.
• Ensure crispy texture by patting chicken completely dry before coating, which helps breading adhere better and creates a crunchier exterior.
• Make this recipe gluten-free by substituting regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs, maintaining the same delicious coating technique.
• Prep extra batches and freeze uncooked breaded tenders on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for quick future meals that cook directly from frozen with slight time adjustment.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 62
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 16 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg