If you’re a fan of Air Fried Chicken and all things crispy, then you’re going to love this recipe for Air Fried Chicken Tenders. The air fryer is a game-changer when it comes to making Air Fried Food healthier without sacrificing that crispy crunch we all crave.
This Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe will give you the best crispy chicken tenders with a golden, crunchy exterior and juicy, tender meat inside. Whether you’re looking for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders, or even Air Fryer Extra Crispy Chicken Tenders, this simple recipe can be easily customized to suit your preferences.
From Air Fryer Recipes Chicken to Air Fryer Oven Recipes, the possibilities are endless. Whether you prefer Breadcrumb Chicken Tenders or Breaded Air Fryer Chicken, this recipe is super versatile and easy to make. It’s also perfect for anyone looking for easy crispy air fryer chicken tenders that are both quick and delicious.
Want to make Homemade Chicken Tenders with that perfect golden crunch? This recipe will show you how to make crispy chicken tenders in air fryer in just a few simple steps. So, if you’re ready for the best crispy air fryer chicken tenders that taste like they were deep-fried but without the oil, you’ve come to the right place! Let’s dive into this Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe and enjoy some crispy chicken tenders in air fryer goodness!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenders (you can use chicken breast cut into strips if you prefer)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs, but panko makes them extra crunchy!)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika (for that smoky flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray or cooking spray
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Chicken Tenders
Start by patting your chicken tenders dry with a paper towel. This might seem small, but it really helps the breading stick better. Then, season your chicken tenders with a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides. You can also throw in a little garlic powder if you want to make them extra flavorful.
Step 2: Set Up the Dipping Stations
You’ll need three shallow bowls.
- In the first bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In the second bowl, whisk the eggs until they’re smooth.
- In the third bowl, add your breadcrumbs. You can use regular breadcrumbs, but I love using panko breadcrumbs for the ultimate crispy crunch in my Air Fried Chicken Tenders.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Shake off the excess flour, then dip it into the egg, and finally coat it in the breadcrumbs. Press down gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick. Repeat for all the chicken tenders. This is what gives them that nice crispy golden crust.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Before you start cooking, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is important because it ensures that your Air Fryer Chicken Tenders cook evenly and get that nice, crispy exterior.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken Tenders
Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then, arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. You want to give them space so that the air circulates properly around the chicken. If you have too many, just cook them in batches!
Cook the Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). If you want super crispy air fryer chicken tenders, you can cook them for a couple more minutes, but keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once your chicken tenders are nice and crispy, serve them up with your favorite dipping sauces! We love honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch in my house. These crispy chicken tenders go great with just about anything, from a side salad to fries or even some veggies!
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Tenders:
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: If you want the crispiest chicken tenders, make sure the tenders are spread out in a single layer. This will let the air fryer work its magic and crisp up the chicken perfectly.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch: If you’ve ever wondered how to make crispy chicken tenders in an air fryer, the key is panko breadcrumbs! They give the tenders that extra crunch we all love.
- Add seasoning: Don’t be afraid to experiment with seasonings! You can add cayenne pepper if you want a little heat or even some Italian seasoning for a different flavor.
- How to make breaded chicken in air fryer: If you want to try breaded air fryer chicken (rather than just breadcrumbs), you can dip your chicken tenders in flour, egg, and bread crumbs to make them even crunchier.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe:
- Healthy and Quick: With the air fryer, you can skip all that oil and still get that crispy fried chicken tenders taste. Plus, it cooks up in just 10-12 minutes, so it’s perfect for busy nights!
- No Mess: Say goodbye to deep-frying! With this recipe, you’ll get crispy golden chicken tenders without all the mess. The air fryer makes cleanup a breeze.
- Perfect for Meal Prepping: These chicken tender recipes are great for making ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat them in the air fryer for a quick lunch or snack.
Variations to Try:
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast: If you prefer Air Fryer Chicken Breast over tenders, just slice the chicken into thin strips and follow the same breading process.
- Sweet & Spicy Glaze: Brush your breaded chicken tenders with a sweet and spicy glaze (think honey and sriracha) right before they finish cooking for a flavorful twist.
- Air Fryer Extra Crispy Chicken Tenders: For super crispy air fryer chicken tenders, you can add a second layer of breadcrumbs and cook them an extra minute or two.
FAQs for Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders
Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use Air Fryer Chicken Breast instead of tenders. Just slice the chicken breast into strips, and follow the same breading process. You’ll still get those deliciously crispy results. You can also check out our Air Fryer Recipes Chicken Breast for more tips on cooking chicken breasts in the air fryer.
How can I make my chicken tenders extra crispy?
For super crispy air fryer chicken tenders, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Panko creates a lighter, crunchier texture. You can also spray a light coating of cooking oil on the chicken tenders before air frying to get a golden, crispy fried chicken tenders in air fryer effect. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes if you want them even crispier!
Can I make these chicken tenders ahead of time?
Yes! You can make breaded chicken tenders in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, just pop them in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes to reheat and get that crispy golden air fryer chicken tenders texture back.
Can I freeze the chicken tenders for later?
Yes! If you have leftover breaded chicken tenders, you can freeze them. Just arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for a couple of hours. Once frozen, store them in a freezer bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to cook them, you can directly air fry the frozen homemade crispy chicken tenders air fryer for about 15 minutes at 400°F (flip halfway through). They’ll turn out just as crispy as when they were fresh!
How do I make these chicken tenders spicy?
To add some heat to your crispy chicken tenders air fryer recipes, you can mix some cayenne pepper or chili powder into the breading. You can also make a spicy dipping sauce with sriracha, honey, and soy sauce for a sweet and spicy twist on your air fryer chicken tenders recipe.
Recipe Card: Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko for extra crunch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray for extra crispiness
Instructions
Prep the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This will help the coating stick better and give you that crispy fried chicken tenders in air fryer texture.
Prepare the Breading Station:
- In one bowl, add the flour. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Coat the Chicken:
- Dip each chicken tender into the flour, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs firmly to ensure they stick well.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes, ensuring it’s hot and ready for cooking.
Air Fry the Chicken:
- Lightly spray the basket of your air fryer with cooking spray. Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Spray the tops with a bit of cooking spray.
Cook:
- Cook the tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer— it should read 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked, juicy air fryer chicken tenders.
Serve:
- Remove the tenders from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce. Enjoy your crispy air fryer chicken tenders!
If you’re a fan of Air Fried Chicken and want to enjoy a healthier, yet equally crispy and delicious version, these Air Fried Chicken Tenders are a must-try! Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a fun snack, this Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe gives you the perfect balance of crunchy and juicy.
With a light coating of breadcrumb chicken tenders, they come out crispy golden air fryer chicken tenders every time, and the best part is, they cook up quickly and without all the oil of traditional frying.
If you love Air Fried Food, you’ll be hooked on these Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders. From Air Fryer Chicken Breast to Air Fryer Extra Crispy Chicken Tenders, the Air Fryer Recipes Chicken possibilities are endless.
Check out Air Fryer Chicken Wings recipes:
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe
- Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Wings
- Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Buffalo Wings
- Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Wings Recipe
Check out for Crockpot versions below:
- Crockpot Honey Chipotle Chicken Wings
- Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken Wings
- Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
- Easy Crockpot Honey Chicken Wings
This recipe is one of the best crispy air fryer chicken tenders you can make, and it’s versatile enough for all your favorite air fryer oven recipes. Plus, they’re perfect for anyone who loves chicken finger recipes, breaded air fryer chicken, or even crispy chicken tenders air fryer recipes.
Don’t forget—whether you’re making homemade chicken strips or trying out super crispy air fryer chicken tenders, this air fryer tenders recipes is the go-to guide for that satisfying crunch and juicy inside.
You can make these crispy fried chicken tenders in air fryer in just a few simple steps, and they’re sure to be a hit with the whole family. So, grab your air fryer and make these crispy chicken tenders in air fryer your next go-to meal for an easy, healthy, and tasty treat!
