Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

No doubt, air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook at home. With super easy controls, and practically no-fail cooking times, even kids are creating scrumptious air fryer foods.

This air fryer recipe takes a time-consuming classic and turns it into an easy, healthy meal option.

Fried chicken tenders traditionally take a good bit of time for prep and cooking. When you use your air fryer, though, you can cut these cooking times down significantly. Cooking chicken tenders in the air fryer is also a lot safer. Using hot oil for cooking chicken does carry significant risk for burns and fires. Air fryers do not have these same risks. This is why many families prefer using an air fryer, especially if young children are in the house and want to help cook as well.

To really get good results with this recipe, be sure to use fresh, evenly cut chicken tenders that will all cook at about the same temp for the same amount of time. This way, you can be sure that all of your chicken is ready in about the same amount of cooking time.

No need to drain off excess oil like with traditional fried chicken. Air fryers use no added oil which also helps to make this a healthier option as well.

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Why I love Air Fryer Chicken Tenders?

• Hand-battered chicken tenders.
• You control the ingredients used.
• Season the chicken as you would like.
• Air-fried to a crispy texture.
• Easy and quick to make.
• Air fryer won’t heat up the whole house when cooking.

How to serve Air Fryer Chicken Tenders?

Not sure how to serve up these air fryer chicken tenders? I love to pair with some pasta salad, coleslaw, baked beans, or other popular side dishes. Feel free to pick and choose different sides to try out. This is a super versatile recipe.

Or dice up the chicken and then top a salad and enjoy it that way. Or make it into slider sandwiches, etc.

Cooking Tips:

• Make sure to leave space between each tender when you air fry it up. So you get an even cook.
• Trim and remove fat or tendons on the chicken before you bread.
• Evenly bread the chicken tenders.
• Spray the tenders with a little cooking oil to create a crispy texture on the outside.
• Flip the chicken halfway through cooking for an even cook.

Variations:

• Use panko bread crumbs in replace of Italian breadcrumbs.
• Season your chicken as you would like.
• You can bake the chicken in the oven at 425 degrees until it is cooked through.
• Swap to breaded chicken breasts and just cook the chicken longer until the chicken is fully done.

What you need to make these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders:

• Chicken Tenders
• Eggs
• Flour
• Italian Breadcrumbs
• Onion Powder
• Garlic Powder
• Paprika
• Italian Seasoning
• Kosher Salt
• Black Pepper

How to make these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders:

Step 1. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees. Spray the grill pan with extra virgin olive oil non stick spray. Pat dry chicken tenderloins with paper towels. Set aside.

Step 2. Scoop the flour into a bowl. Crack the eggs and add them to a small bowl. Whisk to mix the eggs.

Step 3. Spoon the Italian bread crumbs in a third bowl. Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 4. Dip each tender (on both sides) in the flour, then whisked eggs, and the breadcrumbs.

Step 5. Place the tenders on the grill in the air fryer, spray each tender with extra virgin olive oil.

Step 6. Cook the tenders on 400 degrees for 7-10 minutes. (Chicken should be 165 degrees.) Enjoy!

How to store Air Fryer Chicken Tenders?

Any leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just eat it cold or warm it up as you would like.

How to reheat Air Fryer Chicken Tenders?

Reheating can be done in the air fryer. Heat it up until it is warmed all the way through. Or you can opt to heat it up in the oven or even the microwave. The microwave will create a softer breaded texture than air fryer or oven.

How much does Air Fryer Chicken Tenders last on the fridge?

The tenders will last around 3-4 days. Or you can freeze any tenders for up to 4-5 months. Then reheat straight from frozen.

Can I make ahead Air Fryer Chicken Tenders?

Of course. Make your tenders ahead of time and then warm up in the oven, air fryer or microwave. I find the air fryer is the best way to reheat.

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Crispy Chicken Fritters – Canned Chicken Fritters are a classic dish that is easy to make and incredibly delicious.