Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Published 3/12/2021 • Updated 4/25/2024

Chicken Tenders – Air Fryer Style!

I am a huge chicken tenders and fries kind of gal. Always have been and always will be. My favorite kind of chicken tenders are the kind that are friend, you know in all of that oil goodness. These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders taste like they’re fried in oil, but they’re actually fried in air!

What you Need

There are 3 main components of this recipe. 1. Chicken, 2. Egg Wash, and 3. Breading. Air Fryer Chicken: Chicken tenders call for chicken tenderloins. What is a chicken tenderloin? Essentially it’s a chicken breast that has been sliced into loins. Can’t find these at the grocery store? Simply, buy chicken breasts and slice them yourself. Eggs: An egg wash is used to help the breading stick to the chicken during cooking. Don’t skip this part! Breading: a crispy breading made with Panko breadcrumbs and delicious spices to give your Air Fryer Chicken Fingers both crunch and flavor.

For the Breading

Wondering how to make your chicken tenders in the air fryer extra crispy? The answer is panko breadcrumb!

panko breadcrumbs – Panko breadcrumbs area Japanese style breadcrumb that are light, airy, and crunchy in nature. Thus- this recipe results in crunchy chicken fingers! white whole wheat flour: the flour also helps the spices and panko stick to the chicken. Feel free to use AP flour or gluten-free. Spices: no one likes bland chicken tenders. We’re using garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Feel free to use any spices your heart desires.

How to Make Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer

This air fryer chicken tenders recipe is ready in less than 30 minutes and with super simple ingredients. Here’s how to make them: Breadcrumbs: don’t have panko? Try using normal breadcrumbs, whole wheat breadcrumbs, or even gluten-free breadcrumbs. Make them spicy tenders: love hot chicken? Try adding cayenne or more red pepper flakes. Temperature: 400ºF Cooking Time: 7-9 Minutes

Step 1: Dip In Egg

Scramble 2 eggs in a large bowl. Then, dip each chicken tender in the egg wash, making sure to fully coat it. Let the excess egg drip from each tender.

Step 2: Dredge in Breadcrumbs

Next, dredge each chicken tender in your breadcrumb mixture. We suggest doing this one at a time so you can really coat each tenderloin with the breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Air Fry

Preheat air fryer to 400ºF and spray the bottom of the pan with cooking spray. Place 3-4 chicken tenders in the basket (or how ever many you can fit without them touching). Drizzle each tender with olive oil (or generously spray with cooking spray). Air fryer for 7-9 minutes depending on the size of your chicken tenders. What is better, olive oil or cooking spray? We have tested this over and over again and olive oil is going to make your chicken tenders crispier than cooking spray.

Dipping Sauces for Chicken Tenders

Every chicken tender deserves a plethora of dipping sauces. Obviously ketchup is a number 1 recommendation, but here are some other ideas!

Ranch Honey Mustard BBQ Sauce

Storage

Let air fryer chicken tenders cool completely. Then, transfer the chicken fingers into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. Can you put raw chicken in an air fryer? You can easily and safely cook raw chicken in the air fryer. Cook a 6-oz. chicken breast at 375ºF for 10-12 minutes. How long should you air fry raw chicken? Air fry a 6-oz. chicken breast at around 375ºF for 10-12 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.

Reheat Instructions

Looking to reheat chicken tenders in air fryer? Preheat air fryer to 400ºF and place chilled, homemade chicken tenders in the air fryer. Air fry for 3-5 minutes or until hot.

Can You Freeze Chicken Tenders?

To freeze homemade chicken tenders, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool completely. Then, transfer them into a freezer-safe, airtight container. Remove as much air as possible and seal. Freeze for up to 3 months.

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