Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Tenders: 5 Simple Steps to Bliss

Name: Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Tenders: 5 Simple Steps to Bliss
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenders; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper

By:

Christina R. Jones

November 26, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

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Oh, let me tell you about the magic of air fryer grilled chicken tenders! Seriously, if you haven’t tried this yet, you’re in for a treat. With the air fryer, you get juicy, flavorful chicken tenders that are perfectly cooked and have that delightful crispy exterior without all the oil. It’s like having a grill right in your kitchen, minus the mess! You just toss the tenders in a simple marinade, pop them in the air fryer, and in under 15 minutes, you’ve got succulent chicken ready to devour.

What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to achieve a mouthwatering meal. Just a handful of pantry staples like olive oil, garlic powder, and paprika, and you’re good to go. Plus, the air fryer cooks them evenly and quickly, which is perfect for those busy weeknights when you just want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try these air fryer grilled chicken tenders, you’ll be coming back for more!

Ingredients List

Gather these simple ingredients to make your delicious air fryer grilled chicken tenders:

1 lb chicken tenders
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste! A little more paprika for smokiness or maybe a pinch of cayenne for some heat can really elevate the flavors. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility, so make it your own!

How to Prepare Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Tenders

Getting your air fryer grilled chicken tenders just right is a breeze! Let me walk you through the steps that will have you enjoying these juicy delights in no time.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is super important because it helps to create that crispy exterior we all love while locking in the juices of the chicken. I usually set my air fryer for about 5 minutes, just enough time to get it nice and hot before the chicken goes in. Trust me, this little step makes a world of difference!

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

Now, let’s whip up that marinade! In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well blended. The aroma that fills your kitchen is just heavenly! Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning to match your taste. Want a bit more kick? Add an extra pinch of paprika or some cayenne pepper! It’s all about making it your own.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Tenders

Time to coat those chicken tenders! Add your chicken tenders to the bowl with the marinade, and use your hands (or a spatula) to ensure each piece is evenly coated. You want every tender to soak up that delicious flavorful goodness. A thorough coating not only enhances the taste but also helps achieve that beautiful golden color when cooked.

Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken Tenders

Now, let’s get these tenders cooking! Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they’re not crowded. This helps them cook evenly, so don’t skip it! Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they’re golden brown and crispy on both sides. And here’s the most crucial part: make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). I always use a meat thermometer for peace of mind!

Step 5: Let Rest and Serve

Once they’re done, carefully remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This step is key because it allows the juices to redistribute, making them even juicier when you bite in. Serve them up with your favorite dipping sauce—whether it’s ranch, barbecue, or honey mustard, you really can’t go wrong! Enjoy your air fryer grilled chicken tenders, and get ready for a flavor explosion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let me tell you why these air fryer grilled chicken tenders will become a staple in your kitchen!

Quick Preparation: You can have these delicious chicken tenders ready in just about 22 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy Cooking Method: The air fryer uses significantly less oil than traditional frying, giving you a guilt-free meal without sacrificing flavor.
Flavorful Results: The simple marinade infuses the tenders with mouthwatering flavors that everyone will love. Trust me, they won’t last long on your dinner table!
Versatility: You can easily customize the seasonings to suit your taste, whether you prefer a little heat or extra herbs.

With all these benefits, it’s hard not to love this easy recipe! Give it a try, and you’ll see what I mean!

Tips for Success

Want to make sure your air fryer grilled chicken tenders turn out perfect every time? Here are my top tips!

Marinate Longer: If you have a bit of time, consider letting the chicken tenders marinate for at least 30 minutes or even overnight in the fridge. This enhances the flavor even more!
Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give those tenders some space to crisp up nicely. If you have a lot, cook them in batches!
Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. This ensures that the chicken is safe to eat and perfectly juicy!
Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to play around with the spices! Adding herbs like thyme or oregano can give a fresh twist, or try some cayenne for heat.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a pro at making air fryer grilled chicken tenders that everyone will rave about!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? No problem! To store your air fryer grilled chicken tenders, let them cool completely and then place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer bag.

When it’s time to reheat, you have a couple of great options. For the best results, pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. This helps retain that crispy exterior! You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overdo it, as they can become a bit rubbery. Just heat them in short intervals, checking frequently. Enjoy your delicious chicken tenders again!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of these air fryer grilled chicken tenders! Keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so this is just an estimate. But here’s a general breakdown for a serving size of 4 oz:

Calories: 220
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
Protein: 30 g
Carbohydrates: 0 g
Sodium: 500 mg
Sugar: 0 g

With lean protein and low carbohydrates, these chicken tenders make for a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a healthy yet satisfying meal. Enjoy knowing you’re nourishing your body while savoring every bite!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken tenders, but make sure to adjust the cooking time. They may need a few extra minutes in the air fryer, so aim for about 15-18 minutes total. Just be sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving.

Q2: What dipping sauces pair well with air fryer grilled chicken tenders?
Oh, there are so many great options! Some of my favorites include classic ranch dressing, zesty barbecue sauce, or even a spicy honey mustard. You can also try making a creamy garlic dip or a tangy yogurt sauce for something a little different!

Q3: How do I make these chicken tenders spicier?
If you’re looking to kick up the heat, consider adding cayenne pepper or even some hot sauce to the marinade. You can also try using a spicy seasoning blend that you love. Just remember to start small and adjust to your taste!

Q4: Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! If you’re feeding a crowd, you can double the ingredients easily. Just be sure to cook the chicken tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This way, they’ll all cook evenly and stay crispy!

Q5: How can I tell when the chicken tenders are done cooking?
The best way to check for doneness is by using a meat thermometer. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C). Also, look for a nice golden-brown color on the outside—that’s always a good sign that they’re ready to enjoy!