This quick and easy recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders comes together in under 20 minutes to create tender, juicy, unbelievably crispy chicken tenders.
Say goodbye to greasy deep-fried chicken tenders! Inspired by my popular recipe for Baked Chicken Tenders, this air fryer version produces perfectly crispy, juicy breaded chicken tenders while being significantly lower in fat and calories than their fried counterparts, but every bit as delicious.
Why You'll Love Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Super Easy Recipe. Bread, spray, air-fry! These Chicken Tenders come together quickly using ingredients you likely always have on hand.
- Kid-Friendly. No kid can resist a juicy, crispy chicken tender--that goes for the old and young kids.
- No Oven is Needed. While I love my recipe for Baked Chicken Tenders, this Air Fryer method for making chicken tenders is faster and keeps the heat out of the kitchen. Perfect year-round!
- Healthier than Fried or Frozen. Made with quality ingredients in the air fryer, these Breaded Chicken Tenders are lower in fat and calories than anything you can purchase premade.
What You Need To Make Air Fryer Chicken Strips
- Chicken: You can purchase chicken tenderloins, which are the perfect size for making chicken tender, or you can slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch strips lengthwise.
- Breadcrumbs: For the crispiest, crunchiest air fryer chicken strips, use unseasoned panko breadcrumbs. They will create a create restaurant-quality breading, that regular breadcrumbs can't duplicate.
- Flour: Use all-purpose, whole white wheat, or gluten-free 1:1 flour for this recipe.
- Eggs: The eggs will help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken tenders. If you happen to be egg-free, use buttermilk in place of the egg wash, which will work in a similar fashion.
- Seasoned Salt: Instead of using salt and pepper to season the chicken tenders, I recommend using storebought or homemade seasoned salt as it adds more flavor to the chicken.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Preheat Air Fryer. If needed per your model, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- Trim Chicken. Prepare the chicken tenders, by trimming off the tendon or any fat from the chicken. If using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, slice the breast into 1-inch strips.
- Prepare Breading for Chicken Tenders. Set out three shallow bowls or dishes. In the first dish, combine flour with seasoned salt. In the second dish, whisk the eggs with a bit of seasoned salt. In the final dish, combine the panko bread crumbs with a bit of seasoned salt. Adding the seasoning to each layer will ensure your chicken is well-flavored.
- Bread the Chicken Tenders. Working one at a time, place each chicken tender into the flour mixture, flipping to coat evenly, and then shake off excess flour. Place the floured chicken strip into the egg wash and coat both sides, being sure to shake off excess egg wash before placing the chicken tender into the breadcrumb mixture. Evenly coat the chicken tender in the breadcrumb mixture, using your hands to help the breadcrumbs to adhere to the chicken. Once the chicken tenders are breaded, I lay them on a cookie sheet or plate until each one is breaded.
- Air Fry The Chicken Strips. Generously spray the top of the breaded chicken tenders with cooking spray and then place them, sprayed side down, into the basket or tray of the air fryer. Be careful to not overlap the chicken tenders, so they cook and brown evenly. It is better to work in batches if needed. Spray the top of the breaded chicken with the cooking spray. Air fry for 5 minutes, flip, and air fry for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
Serving Suggestions
Air Fryer Chicken Strips are begging to be served with a dipping sauce of some sort. I love pairing them with honey mustard, sweet chili sauce, BBQ sauce, ketchup, or ranch dressing. You can turn these chicken strips into a meal by pairing them with Bacon Ranch Potato Salad, Baked Sweet Potato Fries, Air Fryer French Fries or Instant Pot Corn on the Cob.
You can also dice up the air fryer chicken tenders and add them to a BLT Salad, Caesar Salad, or Southwestern Salad for a delicious entree.
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Refrigerate leftover air fryer chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating Instructions: For best results, reheat the chicken strips in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 2-3 minutes, just to warm through. This will ensure the breading stays nice and crispy.
- Freezing: To freeze the cooked and breaded air fryer chicken tenders, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer the frozen tenders to an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Air Fry directly from frozen by cooking at 370-375 degrees F for 4 minutes per side.
FAQs on Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Can these be made using frozen chicken tenders?
No. In order to cook evenly and be breaded, you must work with fresh or fully thawed chicken tenders.
Can these be made without the breading?
Yes! Skip the breading, use the seasoning from my Air Fryer Chicken Breast, and cook the chicken tenders at 400 degrees F for 4 minutes per side.
Can I make gluten-free breaded chicken tenders?
Yes! Use gluten-free 1:1 flour in place of the all-purpose flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs in place of the regular breadcrumbs.
Can I use different seasonings?
Yes, you can certainly swap out or add in additional spices to flavor your air fryer chicken tenders the way you like them. You can add in a bit of cayenne pepper or use cajun seasoning in place of the seasoned salt, add garlic powder if you love garlic.
More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes to Enjoy
If you tried out this recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, I would love for you to leave a review and comment below.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
This quick and easy recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders comes together in under 20 minutes to create tender, juicy, unbelievably crispy chicken tenders.
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Servings: 4
Calories: 397kcal
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins or boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch thick strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt divided
- 2 cups plain panko bread crumbs
- cooking spray
Instructions
- If needed per your model, preheat the air fryer to 400℉.
- Prepare the chicken tenders, by trimming off the tendon or any fat from the chicken tenderloin. If using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, slice the breast into 1-inch strips.
- Set out three shallow bowls or dishes. In the first dish, combine flour with 1 teaspoon of seasoned salt. In the second dish, whisk the eggs and water with a ½ teaspoon seasoned salt. In the final dish, combine the panko bread crumbs with the remaining 1 teaspoon of seasoned salt.
- Working one at a time, place each chicken tender into the flour mixture, flipping to coat evenly, and then shake off excess flour. Place the floured chicken strip into the egg wash and coat both sides, being sure to shake off excess egg wash before placing the chicken tender into the breadcrumb mixture. Evenly coat the chicken tender in the breadcrumb mixture, using your hands to help the breadcrumbs to adhere to the chicken. Once breaded, lay the chicken strips on a plate or cookie sheet.
- Generously spray the top of the breaded chicken tenders with cooking spray and then place them, sprayed side down, into the basket or tray of the air fryer. Be careful to not overlap the chicken tenders, so they cook and brown evenly. It is better to work in batches if needed. Spray the top of the breaded chicken with the cooking spray. Air fry for 4 minutes, flip, and air fry for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165℉ (Check after 3 minutes.)
- Serve warm as desired.
Equipment Needed
Notes
Bread Crumbs: I don't recommend regular bread crumbs in place of panko for breading the chicken tenders, as they will not yield a crispy baked chicken strip.
Egg-Free Option: If you happen to have an egg allergy, dip your chicken strips into flour first, then something moist, like buttermilk, and finally panko.
Storage: Refrigerate leftover air fryer chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat the chicken strips in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 2-3 minutes, just to warm through.
Freezing: To freeze the cooked and breaded air fryer chicken tenders, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer the frozen tenders to an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Air Fry directly from frozen by cooking at 370-375 degrees F for 4 minutes per side.
Nutrition
Calories: 397kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 166mg | Sodium: 388mg | Potassium: 546mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 169IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 4mg
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Val
What an easy recipe! Thank you so much for sharing!
Sharina
These chicken tenders are soooo good! They turned out so tender and juicy, thanks to my air fryer! Kids love to dip it on a ketchup while I love it dipped in a hot sauce.
Kristen Chidsey
Thrilled to hear you enjoyed, Sharina! Thank you for taking the time to share! And good choice dipping in hot sauce 🙂
Samantha
My whole family thought these air fryer chicken tenders were amazing! They were so much tastier and healthier than frozen ones, and I couldn't believe how easy they were to make. Thanks for a keeper recipe!
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks for sharing, Samantha! I am thrilled to hear you and your family enjoyed this easy recipe.