Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Name: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: Quick, Crispy, and Healthy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Chicken tenderloins (skinless and boneless); Olive oil (for coating); Paprika; Garlic powder; Onion powder; Salt and black pepper; Oregano (optional); Oil spray for air fryer basket; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Are you ready to make the juiciest, crispiest chicken tenders without the hassle of deep-frying? Well, you’re in the right place! These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a game changer—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and healthier than the traditional fried version. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a delicious meal that’s perfect for busy nights, family gatherings, or meal prepping.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the steps of making these perfect chicken tenders in the air fryer, plus some tasty ways to serve them up. From homemade Chick-fil-A sauce to buffalo chicken tenders, the possibilities are endless. Let’s dive in!

Dipping a crispy air fryer chicken tender with melted cheese into a creamy sauce.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Preparation Steps

First things first: let’s gather everything we need for this simple chicken tenders recipe.

Ingredients:

Chicken tenderloins (skinless and boneless)
Olive oil (for coating)
Seasonings:
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and black pepper
- Oregano (optional)
Oil spray for air fryer basket
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Step 1: Coat the Chicken with Oil

Start by lightly coating your chicken tenderloins with olive oil. This helps achieve that crispy, golden exterior without needing to deep fry. You don’t want to drown them in oil—just a thin layer will do the trick. The olive oil also helps the seasonings stick to the chicken.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Now for the fun part: season those chicken tenders! In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and oregano. Sprinkle this seasoning mix over the chicken tenders, making sure each piece gets a nice even coating. Feel free to get creative and add a pinch of cayenne if you like a little heat!

Step 3: Optional Marinade (15 minutes)

For extra flavor, you can let the chicken sit with the seasoning for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the spices really sink in, giving your tenders even more depth of flavor. If you’re short on time, no worries—just proceed to cooking!

Cooking Steps

Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer

Before placing your chicken tenders inside, lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. This also helps achieve that crispy texture we’re all after. Set your air fryer to 380°F—this temperature is perfect for cooking the tenders evenly and quickly.

Step 5: Arrange Chicken Tenders

Place the chicken tenderloins in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Be careful not to overlap the tenders, as this could prevent them from cooking evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Step 6: Cook the Tenders

Air fry the chicken tenders at 380°F for 7 minutes. Once the timer goes off, carefully flip the tenders over and cook them for another 3-5 minutes to ensure both sides are nice and crispy.

Step 7: Check the Internal Temperature

To make sure your chicken is cooked through, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The tenders should reach 165°F. If they need a bit more time, continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until they reach that safe temperature.

Step 8: Let Them Rest

Once your chicken tenders are cooked, let them rest for a minute or two. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is as juicy as possible.

FAQs & Tips

How long do you cook chicken tenderloins in the air fryer?

Cook chicken tenders at 380°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact time may vary depending on the size of the tenders and your air fryer model.

Are air fryer chicken tenders healthy?

Absolutely! These tenders are a much healthier option compared to deep-frying. They are low-carb, keto-friendly, gluten-free, and sugar-free. Each tender is only 74 calories and packs in 13 grams of protein—perfect for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.

Can I bake the chicken tenders instead?

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still bake these tenders in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through. They may not be as crispy as when air fried, but they’ll still taste great.

How do I reheat chicken tenders?

To reheat your leftover chicken tenders and keep them crispy, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. This will help them maintain that crispy texture without drying out.

Extra Tips for Crispy Chicken Tenders

If you want extra crispiness, try adding a layer of breadcrumbs or panko on your chicken before air frying.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give the tenders some space to cook evenly.
For an added twist, try marinating the chicken tenders for 30 minutes before cooking them.

Serving Suggestions

Now that your crispy air fryer chicken strips are ready, it’s time to think about the sides and sauces to make your meal even better.

Side Dishes:

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes: These make the perfect side, offering a sweet and savory balance.
Creamy Mac and Cheese: A comforting classic that pairs wonderfully with crispy chicken.
Salads: A fresh salad like Mexican Street Corn Salad or a simple garden salad can help balance out the richness of the tenders.
Baked Caprese Pasta: For a more filling option, this pasta dish offers a comforting, cheesy side.
Garlic Hummus: A light, creamy dip that complements the chicken tenders beautifully.
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob: Sweet, smoky, and perfect for the summer months.

Dipping Sauces:

Homemade Chick-fil-A Sauce: A fan favorite, this sweet and tangy sauce is perfect for dunking.
Buffalo Sauce: Spice things up with a tangy buffalo sauce for a little kick.
Honey Mustard: Sweet and savory—another classic pairing.

Recommended Air Fryer Models

If you’re still on the hunt for the perfect air fryer, here are a few models that get the job done:

PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer: A personal favorite, this air fryer is perfect for crispy chicken tenders every time.
Instant Vortex Plus 6 Quart: Ideal for families, this model has a larger capacity and a sleek design.
COSORI 5.8QT Air Fryer: A popular option that offers excellent performance and is easy to use.

These models offer great temperature control, quick cooking times, and even heat distribution—everything you need to make the perfect chicken tenders.

Recipe Card Summary

A plate of crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, garnished with parsley and served with ketchup and creamy dipping sauce, ready to dip.

Golden-brown Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with parsley garnish, served with creamy dipping sauce.

Conclusion

Making crispy chicken tenders without deep frying is so easy with the air fryer! Whether you’re cooking for yourself or the whole family, this recipe is a perfect way to enjoy a healthier take on a beloved classic. Pair your tenders with a tasty sauce, a side of air-fried sweet potatoes, or a fresh salad for the ultimate meal. And remember, this recipe is just the beginning—check out other air fryer chicken recipes on the blog for even more ideas.

Want more quick and healthy dinner ideas? Check out our Quick Chicken Meal Ideas for even more delicious options!

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