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Chicken Lunch Dinner Air Fryer
4.3 from 270 votes

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Jump to RecipePrintRate
By: Joanna Cismaru •1/4/23 24 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Say bye-bye to grease with these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders! Made with a simple dredge, these tenders are just as crispy as their deep-fried counterparts. They’re bound to be a hit at your table for kids and adults alike.

dipping a chicken tender in ranch dressing
Table of Contents Open
  • The Best Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
  • Ingredients You’ll Need
  • How to make air fryer chicken tenders
  • What to serve with air fryer chicken tenders
  • How to store leftovers
  • How to freeze homemade chicken tenders
  • Did you love this recipe? Try these!
  • Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Equipment
    • Notes
    • Nutrition Information
  • Did You Make This?

The Best Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

Who else genuinely thinks about ordering themselves chicken tenders off the kids’ menu when they’re out at a restaurant? I can never bring myself to actually order them, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t cross my mind every time I see those words; “Chicken Tenders and Fries”. Ah, to be a kid again.

Well, the problem has been solved! I can just make chicken tenders in the comfort of my own home. I’ve been absolutely obsessed with my air fryer after I tried out these chicken wings and discovered how crispy the results are without using copious amounts of oil.

Ingredients You’ll Need

overhead shot of ingredients needed to make chicken tenders in the air fryer
  • Chicken tenders – You can remove these from the underside of chicken breasts, or buy just the tenders at your local grocery store if they’re available. You can also use chicken breasts, cut into long strips.
  • Breadcrumbs – I like to use Panko for extra crunch, but you can use regular or Italian.
  • Salt and pepper – Season to taste.
  • Garlic powder – Use as much or as little as you like.
  • Eggs – I used large eggs.
  • Flour – All-purpose flour will work best.

I kept this recipe really simple. You can add different spices to the breadcrumbs like some chili powder, jerk spice, cajun mix, Italian seasoning, etc. Mix it up if you’re feeling creative!

process shots showing how to make chicken tenders in the air fryer

How to make air fryer chicken tenders

  1. Prepare the dredge: Preheat the air fryer to 400F. Grab 3 shallow plates. Mix the breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in one of the plates. Beat the eggs in the second plate, and add the flour to the third plate.
  2. Dredge the tenders: Coat each tender in flour, then the beaten egg, and finally the breadcrumb mixture.
  3. Air fry the tenders: Add the tenders to the air fryer basket and lightly spray them with cooking spray. Cook for 8 minutes, flip the tenders, spray with cooking spray, and cook for another 7 minutes or until golden brown. You might have to do this in batches if you can’t fit all the chicken in one go.
overhead shot of air fryer chicken tenders with ranch dressing garnished with parsley

What to serve with air fryer chicken tenders

Of course, you can serve the classic childhood favorite of chicken tenders and fries, but this simple crispy chicken recipe is great with so many different sides. Serve it up with a favorite dip like sweet and sour sauce, marinara sauce, tzatziki, and a couple of these sides:

Potatoes:

  • Perfect Thyme Skillet Potatoes
  • Hash Browns
  • Parmesan Garlic Roasted Potatoes
  • Greek Potato Foil Packs
  • Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

Salad:

  • Creamy Cucumber Salad
  • Kale and Quinoa Salad
  • Easy Coleslaw Recipe
  • Mediterranean Couscous Salad
  • Tabbouleh Salad

Pasta:

  • Baked Mac and Cheese
  • Bacon Leek Pasta
  • Cacio e Pepe
  • One Pot Creamy Parmesan Pasta
  • Creamy Garlic Parmesan Orzo

Veggies:

  • Garlic Herb Roasted Carrots
  • The Ultimate Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
  • Ratatouille
  • Italian Roasted Mushrooms and Veggies
  • Cauliflower Poppers
a stack of chicken tenders with the top one dipped in ranch dressing

How to store leftovers

Store leftover tenders in an airtight container or large resealable bag in the fridge for 3-4 days.

To reheat them and keep the crispiness, you can use your air fryer. Preheat it to 350F and cook the tenders for 5-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re hot.

How to freeze homemade chicken tenders

This is a great recipe to prep and freeze for future use! You can freeze them either cooked or uncooked. Line the tenders on a baking sheet, freeze for 2 hours, then transfer them to a large freezer bag or container.

For frozen uncooked tenders, preheat the air fryer to 375F. Cook the tenders for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.

For frozen cooked tenders, preheat the air fryer to 390F and cook the tenders for 10-15 minutes or until hot, flipping halfway through.

chicken tenders surrounding a small bowl filled with ranch dressing

Did you love this recipe? Try these!

  • Parmesan Chicken Strips
  • Cheesy Chicken Fritters
  • Air Fryer Chicken Wings
  • Crispy Fried Chicken
  • Pressure Cooker Whole Chicken
  • Chicken Poppers

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

a hand dipping a chicken tender in ranch dressing
Print
4.34 from 270 votes

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Prep 15 minutes
Cook 15 minutes
Total 30 minutes
Rate Recipe
Say bye-bye to grease with these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders! Made with a simple dredge, these tenders are just as crispy as their deep-fried counterparts. They're bound to be a hit at your table for kids and adults alike.
4

Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken tenders
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (like Panko)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3 large eggs (beaten)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

Instructions 

  • Prepare the dredge: Preheat the air fryer to 400F. Grab 3 shallow plates. Mix the breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in one of the plates. Beat the eggs in the second plate, and add the flour to the third plate.
  • Dredge the tenders: Coat each tender in flour, then the beaten egg, and finally the breadcrumb mixture.
  • Air fry the tenders: Add the tenders to the air fryer basket and lightly spray them with cooking spray. Cook for 8 minutes, flip the tenders, spray with cooking spray, and cook for another 7 minutes or until golden brown. You might have to do this in batches if you can’t fit all the chicken in one go.
  • Serve: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Equipment

  • Ninja Foodi 8-Quart Multi Cooker

Notes

  1. Store leftover tenders in an airtight container or large resealable bag in the fridge for 3-4 days.
  2. To reheat them and keep the crispiness, you can use your air fryer. Preheat it to 350F and cook the tenders for 5-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re hot.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 302kcal (15%)Carbohydrates: 22g (7%)Protein: 33g (66%)Fat: 8g (12%)Saturated Fat: 2g (13%)Cholesterol: 231mg (77%)Sodium: 582mg (25%)Potassium: 521mg (15%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 1g (1%)Vitamin A: 264IU (5%)Vitamin C: 1mg (1%)Calcium: 54mg (5%)Iron: 3mg (17%)

Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.

a hand dipping a chicken tender in ranch dressing

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Joanna Cismaru

Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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24 Comments
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Angela
Angela
Posted: 2 months ago

5 stars
Decided to give it a try with out too high of an exception but I have to say we were all suprise as to how good they were. Tender, juicy and came out perfectly cooked. I didn’t peek, just followed directions exactly as written regarding time and temperature.

0
Reply
Darlene Kimsey
Darlene Kimsey
Posted: 2 months ago

Got a question you say to heat the air fryer to 400 am I to understand that I turn the air fryer to 400 but how long does it warm up?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Darlene Kimsey
Posted: 2 months ago

Depends on your air fryer, it’s best to consult with the manual, your air fryer might not even require preheating.

0
Reply
Ruby
Ruby
Posted: 4 months ago

5 stars
I can never make good chicken , but this recipe is a game changer ! I’m so happy was crispy outside and tender inside ! Followed the recipe and so glad I found Jo Cooks follow her now on Instagram! Can’t wait to try more of her talents! Thanks so much

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Ruby
Posted: 4 months ago

Thanks for the kind comment and I’m happy to hear you liked the recipe!

0
Reply
Gee Gee
Gee Gee
Posted: 1 year ago

5 stars
Excellent Recipe. Turned out perfectly. I always overcook chicken – not this time! Will definitely make it again. Thank you, Jo!

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Gee Gee
Posted: 1 year ago

My pleasure!

0
Reply
Brenda Yale Modery
Brenda Yale Modery
Posted: 1 year ago

5 stars
This recipe was great! The chicken was nice and juicy and crispy on the outside. I was very pleased with how they turned out!!!!

0
Reply
Ashley
Ashley
Posted: 1 year ago

How many tenders are considered a serving in regards to the nutritional info?

0
Reply
Jo Cooks Team AMJ
Jo Cooks Team AMJ
Reply to  Ashley
Posted: 1 year ago

Hi Ashley,

A general recommended serving for chicken in general is 4 oz. Usually for chicken tenders that would average to about 2-3 pieces.
Let us know how you liked the recipe!

0
Reply
Linda
Linda
Posted: 2 years ago

5 stars
I just used my air fryer for the first time, loved this recipe, crispy on the outside tender and juicy on the inside PERFECT

0
Reply
Kelley
Kelley
Posted: 2 years ago

5 stars
I just got my foodi two weeks ago and this was perfect for a novice air fryer like myself. Came out perfect crispy outside, juicy inside. Thanks for making it so easy!

0
Reply
Jo Cooks Team
Jo Cooks Team
Reply to  Kelley
Posted: 2 years ago

So glad you liked it!

0
Reply
Jasond Klein
Jasond Klein
Posted: 2 years ago

What air fryer brand did you use

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Jasond Klein
Posted: 2 years ago

I used the Ninja foodi.

0
Reply
Mike C
Mike C
Posted: 2 years ago

5 stars
Not really a cooking expert and all my previous chicken attempts came out dry. Not these. Especially once I had an oil spray bottle to fully follow the instructions, they let out an audible crunch and they’re so juicy! I add cayenne pepper (1/2tsp) to mine for some extra kick – the effect is something like getting spicy chicken from Wendy’s.

One thing to note, the panko seems to run out faster than the other items – I’ve started cutting back to two eggs and less flour while leaving the panko as directed.

1
Reply
Kathy
Kathy
Posted: 2 years ago

5 stars
Jo!! Loved this recipe. First time to ever use my air fryer and I got a standing ovation with your chicken tenders! I am hooked and a believer in the magic of airfryery. Looking forward to scoping out your other recipes! Thanks so much

0
Reply
Carlos C
Carlos C
Posted: 3 years ago

These look so delicious I cant wait to try it! What air fryer do you use?

0
Reply
Jo Cooks Team 2
Jo Cooks Team 2
Reply to  Carlos C
Posted: 3 years ago

A ninja foodie!

0
Reply
Jimmy
Jimmy
Posted: 3 years ago

These look amazing! What air fryer do you recommend?

0
Reply
Jo Cooks Team 2
Jo Cooks Team 2
Reply to  Jimmy
Posted: 3 years ago

We use the Ninja foodie and it’s awesome!

0
Reply
Carol Capps
Carol Capps
Posted: 3 years ago

I have a question. Can I cook the fried pickles in my air fryer?

0
Reply
Jo Cooks Team
Jo Cooks Team
Reply to  Carol Capps
Posted: 3 years ago

Give it a try! I’d cook them at 400F for 5-7 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown. Spritz them with cooking spray in the air fryer.

0
Reply
Sandy ONeill
Sandy ONeill
Posted: 3 years ago

5 stars
These were perfect. Very tasty and crispy. Less all the fat!

0
Reply

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Hey there!

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

Read More
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Get our FREE recipe eBook + weekly newsletter!

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