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    Home » Main » Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

    Published: Nov 13, 2022 by Megan Porta · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are healthier and more delicious than anything you find in the frozen aisle, made with just a few simple ingredients. Great as a kid meal, quick dinner or adult appetizer!

    Crispy chicken tenders lined up on a serving plate with dipping sauces tucked in.

    Original recipe: June 2020 | Updated: November 2022

    Why This Recipe Works

    The air fryer works magic, especially on certain types of foods. Chicken is definitely one of them, in my opinion. Air fryer chicken tenders are a dream come true for parents looking for a way to change up dinner for the kiddos.

    These crispy chicken tenders turn out so perfect and delicious! They are a flavorful break from the deep fried version.

    We made a first batch and thought I’d let my boys dig in and devour them, but something else transpired. I took a few “test bites” to discover that I was in love and literally could not stop myself.

    I dug in, fighting my boys for the last morsels. They are so good! Crispy chicken that is tender, flavorful and super easy, preferably dipped in my favorite dipping sauce.

    Recipe Ingredients

    Raw chicken on a cutting board surrounded by other ingredients.

    Chicken tenders – If you are unable to find chicken tenderloins, boneless skinless chicken breasts will work. Pound the breasts to 1/2-inch thickness and cut in 2-inch strips lengthwise.

    Panko bread crumbs – Use any type of bread crumbs you wish. Use a gluten free variety for a gluten-free meal! Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds for a low carb alternative.

    Parmesan cheese – Omit this ingredient if you are looking for a dairy-free recipe.

    Seasonings – Salt, black pepper and garlic powder act as the perfect trio, but consider adding other spices to the mix such as parsley, paprika, oregano, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper or chili powder.

    Eggs – Use a whisk to beat the eggs, adding just a tiny bit of water to the mix.

    All-purpose flour – Use a gluten free flour such as almond flour to create a gluten-free dinner.

    How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

    Step 1

    Add Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper and garlic powder to a shallow dish and mix. Place the eggs in a small bowl and the flour in a separate shallow bowl or dish.

    Hand dunking floured chicken tender into an egg wash.

    Step 2

    Dredge chicken pieces in flour mixture, making sure to coat all sides of the tenders. Next dip chicken in the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring the entire outer surface is entirely coated.

    Step 3

    Coat air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray and place the chicken tenders inside in a single layer.

    Coated chicken tenders in a single layer inside an air fryer.

    Close the lid. Air fry at 400 degrees F for 7 minutes. Flip and cook chicken tenders for 7 additional minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. Remove and serve with dipping sauce of your choice!

    Recipe Tips

    • These tenders act as a great healthy meal for kids, but they will also make the perfect appetizer for your next party!
    • Immediately after opening air fryer basket or lid, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temp of the cooked chicken. It should read 165 degrees F or higher.
    • Use a paper towel to pat any extra oil from the breading covering the chicken fingers before serving.

    What To Serve With Chicken Tenders

    • Leafy green salad
    • Fries or potato chips

    How To Freeze Chicken Tenders

    To freeze raw chicken tenders prior to cooking, coat in crumbs as directed in the recipe, wrap tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and cook as directed.

    To freeze leftover chicken tenders, place cooked chicken tenders a doubled freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 4 months for best results.

    How To Reheat Chicken Tenders

    When ready to enjoy, remove chicken strips from the freezer and bring to room temperature. Microwave or heat in the oven until warmed through.

    Chicken fingers on a plate sitting next to ketchup.

    Chicken Dipping Sauces

    • BBQ sauce
    • Honey mustard sauce
    • Buffalo sauce
    • Cilantro lime sauce
    • Ginger sauce
    • Ketchup
    • Regular or avocado ranch dressing

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    Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

    Air fryer chicken tenders are healthier and more delicious than anything you'll find in the frozen aisle. Great as a kid dinner or adult appetizer!
    No ratings yet
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer, Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 296kcal
    Author: Megan Porta

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb chicken tenders
    • 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
    • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
    • 1/2 tsp salt
    • 1/2 tsp pepper
    • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
    • 3 large eggs beaten
    • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

    Instructions

    • Preheat air fryer to 400 F degrees. Add the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper and garlic powder to a shallow dish and mix. Place the beaten eggs in bowl and the flour in a separate bowl or shallow dish.
    • Roll each tender in flour, coating completely. Next dunk in the egg mixture, followed by the Panko mixture, ensuring the entire outer surface is entirely coated.
    • Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer and close the lid. Air fry at 400 degrees F for 7 minutes. Flip the tenders and cook for an additional 7 minutes. Remove the chicken and serve with dipping sauce of your choice!

    Notes

    • If you are unable to find chicken tenders, chicken breasts will work. Pound the breasts to 1/2-inch thickness and cut in 2-inch strips lengthwise.
    • Use any type of bread crumbs you wish. Use a gluten free variety for a gluten-free meal!
    • These tenders act as a great healthy meal for kids, but also make the perfect appetizer for your next party!
    • To freeze, place cooked tenders in a ziploc bag and seal, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw to room temperature. Heat in microwave or in the oven until warm.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 296kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 216mg | Sodium: 631mg | Potassium: 503mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 285IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 114mg | Iron: 2mg
    Did you make this recipe?If you loved this recipe, please rate the recipe and leave a comment below!
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