Crunchy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe for Speedy Dinners

Crispy, golden air fryer chicken tenders spark joy on busy weeknights with their irresistible crunch and flavor-packed coating.

These tender morsels deliver restaurant-quality results right from your kitchen countertop.

Our foolproof method ensures each bite comes out perfectly seasoned and delightfully crisp.

The air fryer works its magic, creating a crunchy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

You’ll love how quickly these chicken tenders come together with minimal prep and clean-up.

A handful of simple ingredients transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal that everyone will devour.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe and watch these golden, crispy chicken tenders disappear in minutes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything In Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps draw out moisture for crispier texture.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the chicken's taste profile.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers a rich, aromatic punch without fresh garlic's moisture.
• Paprika: Provides warm color and mild smoky undertone to the chicken tenders.
• Onion Powder: Contributes sweet and savory notes to complement the other spices.

• Chicken Tenders: Lean, tender meat cuts perfect for quick cooking with maximum crispiness.

• Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: Helps seasonings adhere and promotes golden, crispy exterior in air fryer.

Tools To Make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Air Fryer: Essential for creating crispy, golden chicken tenders without excess oil.
• Shallow Dish: Perfect for mixing seasonings and coating chicken.
• Tongs: Helps easily handle and flip chicken tenders during cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures precise seasoning amounts.
• Cutting Board: For preparing and seasoning chicken.
• Paper Towels: Helps pat chicken dry before seasoning.

How To Cook Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Prep the Seasoning Mix

Blend a zesty combination of spices that will make these chicken tenders irresistibly tasty and packed with flavor.

• Coat the Chicken

Generously rub the spice mixture all over the chicken tenders, ensuring every inch gets covered with the delicious seasoning blend.

• Preheat the Air Fryer

Fire up your air fryer to 400°F, creating the perfect cooking environment for achieving maximum crispiness.

• Arrange in the Basket

Lay out the seasoned chicken tenders in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded or touching each other.

• Cook to Perfection

Slide the basket into the air fryer and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through to guarantee an even, golden-brown crunch on all sides.

• Check for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.

• Rest and Serve

Let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes after cooking, then plate them up and get ready to enjoy a crispy, mouth-watering meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips For Crunchier Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Crispiness Perfection: Pat chicken tenders completely dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crunch and help seasoning stick better.
• Breading Hack: Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispy exterior, which creates a lighter and more textured coating than traditional breadcrumbs.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for those who enjoy a spicier bite.
• Low-Carb Twist: Skip breadcrumbs entirely and coat tenders in almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly alternative that still delivers incredible crunch.

Serving Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Hot

• Dip and Delight Station: Create a vibrant tray with multiple dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, BBQ, and spicy sriracha mayo to let everyone customize their chicken tender experience.
• Family Fun Platter: Arrange tenders on a large wooden board with colorful fresh veggie sticks, pickles, and coleslaw for a casual, interactive mealtime that encourages sharing and conversation.
• Side Dish Companions: Pair these crispy tenders with garlic roasted potato wedges, creamy mac and cheese, or a light summer salad to balance the protein and add delicious variety to the meal.
• Movie Night Magic: Pack these tenders in a portable container for a perfect handheld snack during movie time, game nights, or casual gatherings with friends and family.

Best Way To Store Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare multiple batches of chicken tenders during weekend meal prep. Store extra seasoned tenders in airtight containers, separating layers with parchment paper for easy freezing up to 3 months.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Keep cooked chicken tenders in sealed containers for 3-4 days. Always place in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain optimal freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Quick Reheat Technique: Revive leftover tenders in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes. This method restores crispiness better than microwave, ensuring texture remains deliciously crunchy.
• Lunch Box Ready: Cut cooled tenders into bite-sized pieces for convenient school or work lunches. Pack with small dipping sauce containers to keep meals exciting and appetizing for both kids and adults.

Golden Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crispy chicken tenders from the air fryer emerge as a perfect weeknight meal solution. Crunchy breading and juicy interior make these tenders irresistible for both kids and adults craving satisfying comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup (120 ml) plain breadcrumbs
• ½ cup (120 ml) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Pat chicken tenders completely dry with paper towels to maximize potential for crispy texture.
2. Seasoning: Massage a vibrant spice blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder thoroughly into the chicken’s surface for deep flavor infusion.
3. Breading Process: Create a strategic coating station with whisked eggs and seasoned breadcrumbs, dipping each tender first into eggs, then rolling comprehensively in breadcrumb mixture to ensure complete coverage.
4. Air Fryer Setup: Preheat air fryer to 400°F, strategically positioning tenders in a single, non-overlapping layer to promote optimal air circulation and even cooking.
5. Cooking Technique: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, executing a precise mid-cycle flip to guarantee uniform golden-brown crispness and consistent internal temperature.
6. Safety Check: Verify chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature using a meat thermometer to ensure complete doneness and food safety.
7. Resting and Serving: Allow tenders to rest briefly, enabling juice redistribution, then plate immediately alongside preferred dipping sauce for maximum flavor and textural enjoyment.

Notes

• Maximize Moisture Removal: Pat chicken tenders completely dry with paper towels to prevent sogginess and boost crispy texture.
• Ensure Even Seasoning: Massage spice blend thoroughly into chicken surface, distributing flavors uniformly for maximum taste impact.
• Prevent Breading Clumping: Press breadcrumbs gently onto chicken, avoiding thick patches that might create uneven, heavy coating.
• Temperature Precision: Use meat thermometer to confirm internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked tenders without drying out meat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg