Crispy Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer

Name: Crispy Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 2 pounds chicken tenders); 2 tbsp avocado oil spray; ¾ cup Panko bread crumbs; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp seasoning salt; 1 tbsp paprika; ½ tbsp black pepper; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; 2 large eggs (fork beaten); ½ cup milk; ½ tsp seasoning salt; ¼ tsp black pepper

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Make this unbelievably Crispy Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer recipe for dinner tonight! You will love the perfectly cooked chicken that is ultra crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. Serve this family favorite with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious meal everyone will love.

Crispy chicken tenders on a white plate with a small white dish of buffalo dipping sauce.

These chicken tenders make the perfect weeknight meal! With just a few simple ingredients and the help of your air fryer, it's easy to get juicy and tender chicken with a delicious crispy coating.

This recipe contains simple herbs and spices that add amazing flavor to each bite.

If you're looking for something quick to make for dinner, these air fryer chicken tenders will be your go-to recipe. They're sure to become your favorite dish in no time!

For more quick and easy recipes, try my Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings, Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Thighs, Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs, and Crispy Chicken Legs in the Air Fryer.

And for something really special, try my Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Bacon!

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❤️ Why You Will Love This Recipe
🐓 Ingredient Notes
♨️ How To Make Crispy Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer
🥗 How Do You Serve Chicken Tenders?
💭 Expert Tips
❓ Recipe FAQs
👩🏻‍🍳 More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes You'll Love
📋 Recipe

❤️ Why You Will Love This Recipe

This is an easy recipe to make, and it uses only simple ingredients that you likely have on hand already.
This chicken is full of flavor thanks to the herbs and spices.
The chicken is so tender and juicy, with a perfectly crispy coating.
Perfect for weeknight dinners.
Chicken tenders cook quickly in the air fryer, much faster than using a regular oven.
Air frying gives you all the great taste of fried chicken without the extra calories.
You can double or triple the recipe easily for larger gatherings or leftovers later in the week.
You use less oil than deep frying, so it's a healthier option.

🐓 Ingredient Notes

This recipe uses basic ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients for air fryer chicken tenders measured out and placed on a white table.

Chicken tenders. You can buy fresh chicken tenders in the store, but they are quite expensive. I used boneless skinless chicken breasts and cut them into strips. They are not as tender, but it does the trick - and I always have chicken breasts in my freezer.
Flour. I used all-purpose flour, but you could also use whole wheat flour or almond flour.
Panko breadcrumbs. I like to use Panko bread crumbs, but you can use any breadcrumbs, or even crushed saltine crackers.
Avocado oil spray. You can also use an olive oil spray. This is used to get that ultra-crunchy exterior.

See the printable recipe card for exact measurements and a full list of ingredients.

♨️ How To Make Crispy Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer

Here's how to make the perfect crispy air fryer chicken tenders:

Start by preparing the chicken. If you use skinless chicken breasts, place them on a cutting board and trim them into strips using a sharp knife.

A hand cutting a boneless chicken breast into strips on a white cutting board.

Next, prepare the simple coating by mixing flour, Panko crumbs, paprika, seasoning salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder together in a shallow dish.

The ingredients for the crumb mixture in a glass bowl.

The ingredients for the crumb mixture mixed in a glass bowl.

Next, prepare the egg coating by combining eggs, milk, seasoning salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl. Whisk until well combined.

The ingredients for the egg mixture in a glass bowl.

The ingredients for the egg mixture mixed together in a glass bowl.

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F.

Take a piece of chicken at a time and dip it into the simple coating, ensuring that it is completely coated with the mixture on all sides.

A hand dredging a piece of chicken in the crumb mixture.

Then, dip chicken into the egg wash, ensuring it is coated well.

Tongs rolling the chicken piece in the egg mixture.

Then, dip them into the simple coating again. Gently shake off any excess coating.

Tip: Place coated chicken on a baking sheet covered in parchment paper when done.

A piece of chicken that is finished being covered in crumb mixture, egg mixture, and crumb mixture again.

Next, place chicken tenders in the air fryer basket, ensuring that they are in a single layer and do not touch.

The prepared chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Use avocado oil spray and spray the top of the chicken pieces. This will give them that ultra-crispy exterior.

The prepared chicken pieces in the air fryer basket covered with a coating of oil.

Set your timer for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time. After you flip the chicken, spray the top with avocado spray.

The chicken tenders in the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking time.

The chicken tenders in the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking time, flipped and sprayed with oil.

Cook the chicken until it turns golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165 degrees F.

If the chicken is not quite done, put it in for another 1-2 minutes.

The fully cooked crispy chicken tenders in the air fryer basket.

When done, carefully remove it from the air fryer using tongs. Keep warm in the oven.

Hint: I do not recommend covering the chicken to keep it warm as the steam inside will soften the crispy coating.

Repeat the process with the remaining chicken. You will need to cook the chicken in batches, how many batches depends on the size of your air fryer basket.

Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Enjoy!

A hand dipping a crispy chicken tender into a small bowl of buffalo sauce.

🥗 How Do You Serve Chicken Tenders?

Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces such as BBQ sauce, sweet and sour sauce, honey mustard sauce, buffalo sauce, or Hoisin Peanut Sauce.
Serve them alongside French Fries, Potato Wedges, or Sweet Potato Fries.
These juicy air fryer chicken tenders taste great with a side of potato salad, Cucumber Salad, or Coleslaw.

💭 Expert Tips

Cut chicken strips the same size so they will cook evenly.
Place coated chicken on a baking sheet covered in parchment paper when coated.
Use tongs to dip the chicken - it will prevent your fingers from clumping with the flour mixture.
Preheat your air fryer to reach the required temperature before adding chicken.
Don’t overcrowd your air fryer – leave space so the hot air can circulate and crisp up the chicken on all sides.
Flip your chicken tenders halfway through for even cooking on both sides.
Check the internal temperature with a digital meat thermometer - the chicken is fully cooked once it reaches 165 degrees F.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for added deliciousness!

❓ Recipe FAQs

How long should I cook chicken tenders in an air fryer?

Depending on the size of your chicken tenders, the cooking time is approximately 10 minutes. For best results, make sure to preheat your air fryer before cooking. Flip your chicken tenders halfway through for even cooking on both sides, and check for doneness using a meat thermometer.

Why are my chicken tenders soggy from the air fryer?

If your chicken tenders are coming out soggy from the air fryer, it may be because you're overcrowding them in the basket. Make sure your chicken tenders are not too close together - if they are, they won't cook evenly and could come out soggy. Additionally, make sure to preheat your air fryer before cooking and flip your chicken tenders halfway through for even cooking on both sides.

What temperature should I cook chicken tenders?

For best results, I recommend cooking chicken tenders at 400 degrees F.

What is the trick to getting things extra crispy with an air fryer?

The key to getting things extra crispy in an air fryer is to make sure you preheat the air fryer first and spray the food with a light coating of oil before cooking. This will help ensure even cooking and give your food that extra crunch you're looking for. Also, make sure to flip or shake your food halfway through cooking time for even cooking and maximum crispiness.

What oil spray to use for the air fryer?

It's best to use an oil spray with a high smoke point when using an air fryer. Canola, light olive oil, and avocado oils are all great options. However, avoid any sprays with aerosol propellants that could damage your air fryer. I recommend using a reusable oil spray bottle.

How do you store leftover chicken tenders?

To store leftover chicken tenders, place completely cooled tenders into an airtight container. They will keep in the fridge for up to three days. To freeze, wrap the tenders tightly in plastic wrap first, then place them in an airtight container. They will keep in the freezer for up to two months.

A hand holding a piece of chicken with a bite taken out of it.

👩🏻‍🍳 More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes You'll Love

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