Better Than Fried Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Total Time22 minutes
- Yield4 servings 1x
Golden, crispy, and packed with flavor—these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a family favorite! They come out perfectly crunchy on the outside and juicy inside, all without deep frying. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for an easy meal or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb chicken tenders (boneless, skinless)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (whisked)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional, but adds great flavor)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Olive oil spray (to help crisp up the coating)
For Serving (Optional):
- Honey mustard, ranch, BBQ sauce, or ketchup for dipping
Instructions
- Start by preparing your breading stations. In three separate bowls, set up the ingredients for coating. The first bowl should have the flour, which will help the egg mixture stick. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In the third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mix creates a crunchy, flavorful crust.
- Take each chicken tender and begin the coating process. First, dredge it in the flour, ensuring all sides are lightly coated. Next, dip the floured chicken into the whisked eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the panko mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated. Lightly press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken for extra crunch.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3–5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and gives the tenders a crispier finish. While waiting for it to heat up, arrange the breaded chicken tenders on a plate or tray.
- Once the air fryer is ready, place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Lightly spray the tenders with olive oil to help them turn golden brown. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The tenders should be crispy and have an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when done.
- Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle, keeping them moist inside. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce, and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Panko – It gives a lighter, crunchier texture than regular breadcrumbs.
- Don’t Skip Preheating – This helps crisp up the coating faster.
- Single Layer Only – Overcrowding the basket prevents even crisping.
- Spray with Oil – A light mist of olive oil ensures a golden, crunchy crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 140mg