Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a wholesome upgrade to a classic favorite, ready in just 35 minutes.
Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even brunch, this air fryer recipe is a healthy option that doesn’t compromise on flavor or crunch.
Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders – Lean, tender, and protein-rich, these are the heart of this dish and cook quickly without drying out.
Eggs – Act as the binding agent, helping the breadcrumbs cling tightly to the chicken for a uniform, crispy coating.
Kosher salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing its natural flavor before breading.
Seasoned breadcrumbs – Provide a herby, flavorful layer with classic crunch, forming part of the crispy outer coating.
Seasoned panko – Adds extra lightness and crispness to the breading, elevating the texture beyond regular breadcrumbs.
Olive oil spray – Ensures even crisping in the air fryer while keeping the tenders lower in fat than traditional frying.
Lemon wedges – A squeeze of fresh citrus brightens the dish and balances the savory richness of the breaded chicken.
Quick and Crispy: Making Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
These chicken tenders are simple to prepare with just a few quick steps. Dip the seasoned chicken in egg, coat in the breadcrumb-panko mixture, and spray with olive oil. Air fry until golden and crispy, turning halfway for even cooking. They’re done when perfectly crisp and juicy inside.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
To ensure ultra-crispy results, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if needed. Spraying both sides of the tenders with olive oil helps promote even browning. For a flavor twist, try adding a pinch of paprika or garlic powder to the breadcrumb mix.
Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, return them to the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes until crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the breading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, slice chicken breasts into strips similar in size to tenders to ensure even cooking.
What if I don’t have seasoned breadcrumbs?
Use plain breadcrumbs and mix in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a bit of salt to make your own.
Can I freeze these after cooking?
Yes, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a bag or container. Reheat in the air fryer from frozen at 375°F until hot and crispy.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating ensures the tenders start cooking at high heat immediately, helping them crisp up beautifully.
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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- ½ cup seasoned panko
- Olive oil spray
- 12 chicken tenders approximately 1¼ lbs
- Lemon wedges for serving
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs beaten
Instructions
- Generously season the chicken tenders with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Crack the eggs into a shallow bowl and beat them thoroughly. In a separate shallow bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs with the seasoned panko.
- Dredge each chicken tender first in the beaten egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring even coverage and gently shaking off any excess. Place the prepared tenders on a large platter or cutting board.
- Evenly mist both sides of the tenders with olive oil spray.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Working in batches, arrange the tenders in the air fryer basket and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until the exterior is crisp and golden and the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- Serve hot, accompanied by lemon wedges.