Name: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenderloins; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 large egg, beaten; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil)

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Okay, let’s talk chicken tenders! Who doesn’t love a crispy, juicy chicken tender? But honestly, the thought of frying them in oil? Nah, too much work, too much mess. That’s where these **air fryer chicken tenders** come in. Seriously, they’re a game-changer. I remember when I first tried making them in my air fryer – I was skeptical. Could they *really* be as good as the deep-fried kind? Turns out, even better! They’re super quick, ridiculously easy (even my kids can help!), and way healthier. Plus, clean-up is a breeze. We’re talking a perfect weeknight meal that everyone will actually enjoy. And trust me, I need all the help I can get making dinner a hit around here!

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Seriously, you’re gonna be obsessed! Why? Let me break it down:

Speed Demon: Ready in under 30 minutes? Yes, please!
Easy Peasy: If you can bread chicken, you can nail this.
Crispy Perfection: Hello, crunch! They’re seriously addictively crispy.
Healthier-ish: All the flavor, way less oil. We’ll take it.
Kid-Approved: My kids devour these. Enough said.

Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Alright, let’s gather our troops! You’ll need:

1 lb chicken tenderloins
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs, if that’s what you have!)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil works great)

Easy peasy, right?

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, ready to get your chicken tender party started? It’s way easier than you think!

Prep the Chicken: First things first, pat those chicken tenderloins dry with some paper towels. This is super important! You want them nice and dry so the breading sticks.
Flour Power: In a shallow dish, mix together your flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything’s evenly distributed. This is our first layer of crispy goodness.
Egg Wash Station: Grab another shallow dish and beat that egg like it owes you money! Just kidding (sort of!). You just want it lightly beaten.
Panko Paradise: In a third shallow dish, put your panko breadcrumbs. If you’re using regular breadcrumbs, that’s totally fine too! But I gotta say, panko gives you that extra crispy crunch that’s just irresistible.
Breading Bonanza! Okay, here’s the fun part (and maybe a little messy, but that’s okay!). Take each chicken tenderloin and dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Shake off any extra – you don’t want clumps! Then, dip it in the beaten egg, letting the excess drip off. Finally, coat it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so they stick.
Preheat Time! Don’t skip this step! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This helps make sure the chicken cooks evenly and gets super crispy. Think of it like warming up the oven – essential!
Air Fryer Prep: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with your cooking spray. This prevents the chicken from sticking. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. Don’t overcrowd! You might need to cook them in batches. Give the tops of the tenders a light spray with cooking spray too.
Air Fry Magic: Air fry for 10-14 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Keep an eye on them! You’re looking for that golden brown, crispy perfection. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remember, cooking times can vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your tenders.
Serve and Devour! Okay, now comes the best part! Serve those beautiful, crispy air fryer chicken tenders immediately with your favorite dipping sauces!

See? Easy peasy! Now go enjoy those tenders!

Tips for the Crispiest Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Want chicken tenders that are *seriously* crispy? I’ve gotcha covered! These little tricks make all the difference. It’s like going from good to AMAZING!

Dry, Dry, Dry! Seriously, patting the chicken dry is KEY. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
Panko Power: Trust me, panko breadcrumbs are your friend. They’re lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs.
Preheat is a Must: Don’t skip preheating your air fryer! It helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents it from steaming.
Don’t Overcrowd: Give those tenders some space! Overcrowding leads to soggy chicken. Cook in batches if you need to.
Oil is Your Secret Weapon: A light spray of oil (olive or avocado) helps the breadcrumbs get golden brown and crispy. I like to use parmesan for that additional crisp too

I’ve experimented a TON with these, and honestly, these tips are non-negotiable if you want that perfect crunch! You’ll thank me later!

Dipping Sauce Ideas for Your Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Okay, so you’ve got your perfectly crispy air fryer chicken tenders… but what’s a tender without a killer dipping sauce? So not okay! Here are some of my go-to’s that always hit the spot:

Classic Ketchup: Can’t go wrong with the OG!
Honey Mustard Bliss: Sweet, tangy, and oh-so-good!
BBQ Sauce Bonanza: Smoky, savory, and perfect for that backyard BBQ vibe.
Ranch Dressing Dreams: Creamy, dreamy, and a total crowd-pleaser.
Sriracha Mayo Magic: A little kick of heat! Mix sriracha with mayo to your liking. Warning: addictive!

Honestly, the dipping sauce possibilities are endless. Get creative and find your perfect match!

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Got questions about making the *best* air fryer chicken tenders? No worries, I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked (and asked myself!) when whipping up this recipe:

Can I use frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer?

Okay, so technically, yes, you *can*. But fresh or thawed tenders are always gonna give you better results. Frozen tenders tend to release a lot of water, which can make them a little soggy instead of crispy. If you *do* use frozen, I’d suggest adding a few minutes to the cooking time and making sure they reach that internal temp of 165°F (74°C). You might love these keto-friendly and gluten-free options too!

What temperature should I use for air frying chicken tenders?

I find that 375°F (190°C) is the sweet spot. It’s hot enough to get the chicken crispy on the outside but not so hot that it burns before it’s cooked through. Every air fryer is different, though, so keep an eye on things!

How long do I cook chicken tenders in the air fryer?

Generally, 10-14 minutes is perfect, flipping halfway through. But again, it depends on the thickness of your tenders and your air fryer. Use a meat thermometer to make sure they reach 165°F (74°C) internally – that’s the safest way to know they’re done!

Can I use different types of breadcrumbs?

Absolutely! Panko breadcrumbs are my fave for that extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work just fine. You could even try crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a different twist!

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Okay, so you’ve got your killer air fryer chicken tenders ready to go… but what do you serve with ’em? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few of my fave sides that pair perfectly with these crispy delights:

Fries, of course! But why not step it up a notch? These spicy potato wedges are AMAZING! Or how about these parmesan potato wedges? Seriously yum!
A simple side salad. Keeps things light and fresh.
Coleslaw! The creamy coolness is the perfect contrast to the crispy chicken.
Corn on the cob. Classic and always a crowd-pleaser.
Or, for a healthier option, try some roasted veggies. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots… whatever you’re in the mood for! You could even make these sweet potato fries!

Seriously, the possibilities are endless! But these are some of my go-to’s for a perfect chicken tender feast!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Just so you know, here’s a quick peek at the estimated nutritional info per serving (but remember, it’s just an estimate!). We’re talkin’ calories, fat, protein, carbs, the usual suspects!

Enjoy Your Delicious Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

And there you have it! Super easy, right? I seriously hope you give these air fryer chicken tenders a try – they’ve become a staple in our house, and I think you’ll love them just as much as we do! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And if you loved the recipe, give it a rating and share it with your friends! Happy air frying!