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.
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
Keep scrolling to the recipe card for the FULL ingredient amounts and instructions or click the “Jump to Recipe” button at the top of the page!
- 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!
How to make air fryer chicken tenders
- 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.
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
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.
Did you love this recipe? Try these!
- Parmesan Chicken Strips
- Cheesy Chicken Fritters
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Crispy Fried Chicken
- Pressure Cooker Whole Chicken
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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Equipment
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
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.
Recipe Notes
- 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.
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
Thanks for the kind comment and I’m happy to hear you liked the recipe!
Excellent Recipe. Turned out perfectly. I always overcook chicken – not this time! Will definitely make it again. Thank you, Jo!
My pleasure!
This recipe was great! The chicken was nice and juicy and crispy on the outside. I was very pleased with how they turned out!!!!
How many tenders are considered a serving in regards to the nutritional info?
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!
I just used my air fryer for the first time, loved this recipe, crispy on the outside tender and juicy on the inside PERFECT
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!
So glad you liked it!
What air fryer brand did you use
I used the Ninja foodi.
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.
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
These look so delicious I cant wait to try it! What air fryer do you use?
A ninja foodie!
These look amazing! What air fryer do you recommend?
We use the Ninja foodie and it’s awesome!
I have a question. Can I cook the fried pickles in my air fryer?
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.
These were perfect. Very tasty and crispy. Less all the fat!