Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer Recipes for Crispy Joy

Name: Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer Recipes for Crispy Joy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenders; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup flour; 2 eggs; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; Salt to taste; Pepper to taste

By:

Christina R. Jones

June 2, 2025

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Who doesn’t love chicken tenders? They’re the ultimate comfort food! Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and oh-so-satisfying. Making them in an air fryer is a total game changer—it’s quick, easy, and requires way less oil than traditional frying. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll wonder why you ever did it any other way. The beauty of chicken tenders in air fryer recipes lies in their simplicity; just a few ingredients and a little prep time can yield a delicious meal for the whole family. Plus, they’re perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces! Whether it’s BBQ, honey mustard, or ranch, these tenders are bound to be a hit. So, get ready to whip up some crispy goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds!

chicken tenders in air fryer recipes - detail 1

Ingredients List

1 lb chicken tenders – Look for tender, juicy pieces, preferably fresh for the best flavor.
1 cup breadcrumbs – I love using seasoned breadcrumbs for an extra flavor kick, but plain works too!
1/2 cup flour – All-purpose flour is perfect for dredging, giving the tenders a nice base layer.
2 large eggs – Beaten, these will help the breadcrumbs stick beautifully to the chicken.
1 tsp garlic powder – A must-have for that aromatic touch that enhances the flavor.
1 tsp paprika – This adds a hint of smokiness and a beautiful color to the crust.
Salt to taste – Don’t be shy; it really brings out the flavors!
Pepper to taste – A little fresh ground pepper gives it just the right amount of zing.

How to Prepare Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer Recipes

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is one of the most crucial steps to achieving perfectly crispy chicken tenders. Just like you wouldn’t bake a cake in a cold oven, you don’t want to throw your chicken in a cold air fryer either. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the tenders start cooking immediately, helping to seal in that juicy goodness.

Setting Up the Breading Station

Now it’s time to get your breading station ready! Grab three bowls and set them up in this order: the first bowl with 1/2 cup of flour, the second bowl with 2 beaten eggs, and the third bowl with 1 cup of breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, salt, and pepper. This assembly line will make the breading process a breeze, and you’ll have everything you need right at your fingertips!

Breading the Chicken Tenders

Let’s get those chicken tenders coated! Start by dredging each tender in the flour, making sure to coat it evenly. This first layer helps the egg stick better. Next, dip the floured tender into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good coating. Repeat this until all the tenders are perfectly breaded. Trust me, it’s worth the effort!

Air Frying the Chicken Tenders

Once your chicken tenders are breaded, it’s time to air fry! Place them in the basket of your air fryer in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the basket, as this can prevent them from getting crispy. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This ensures they cook evenly and get that beautiful golden brown color.

Checking for Doneness

To make sure your chicken tenders are cooked through, look for a golden brown crust and an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C). You can also do the classic “cut it open” test—if the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink, you’re good to go! Enjoy the crispy, juicy goodness you’ve just created!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation – You can have these delicious chicken tenders ready in just 27 minutes!
Crispy texture – The air fryer gives you that perfect crunch without all the extra oil.
Delicious flavor – The combination of garlic powder and paprika elevates the taste to new heights.
Healthy cooking method – Enjoy your favorite comfort food in a lighter way with less fat.
Family-friendly – These tenders are a hit with kids and adults alike, perfect for any meal!

Tips for Success

Getting the perfect chicken tenders in air fryer recipes is all about attention to detail! Here are some tips to help you nail it:

Don’t overcrowd the basket: This is key! If you pile the tenders on top of each other, they won’t cook evenly. Give each piece room to breathe.
Use cooking spray: A light spray of oil on the breaded tenders before cooking can enhance crispiness. Just a little goes a long way!
Check thickness: Thicker tenders will need a bit more time, so keep an eye on them. If you’re unsure, cut one open to check for doneness.
Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to mix and match spices! A bit of cayenne can give you a nice kick, or try adding some Italian herbs for a different flavor.
Let them rest: Once cooked, let the tenders sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, making them even juicier!

Nutritional Information

Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. For each serving of chicken tenders (about 4 tenders), you can expect the following:

Calories: 300
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 600mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 25g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g

These delicious chicken tenders offer a satisfying meal that’s not only tasty but also packed with protein to keep you feeling full and energized!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just remember to increase the cooking time by a few minutes. It’s best to check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F (75°C) before serving.

Q2: How do I keep the chicken tenders crispy after cooking?
To maintain that delicious crispiness, serve them right away! If you need to keep them warm, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet in a warm oven (around 200°F or 93°C) while you finish cooking the rest.

Q3: Can I make these chicken tenders gluten-free?
For sure! Just swap out regular breadcrumbs and flour for gluten-free alternatives. There are plenty of tasty options available that will still give you that crunchy texture we all love.

Q4: What dipping sauces pair well with air-fried chicken tenders?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! BBQ sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo can elevate your meal. Experiment to find your favorite combo!

Q5: How do I prevent the breading from falling off?
Make sure to press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken tenders gently during the breading process. Also, allow the breaded tenders to rest for a few minutes before air frying. This helps the coating adhere better during cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your leftover chicken tenders is super easy! Just place them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them—just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!

When it’s time to reheat, the air fryer is your best friend. Preheat it to 400°F (200°C) and cook the tenders for about 5-6 minutes until they’re heated through and crispy again. You can also use an oven, but the air fryer really helps retain that delicious crunch!

For more tips on air frying, check out this Healthline article on the benefits of air frying.

If you’re looking for more chicken recipes, visit our Air Fryer Chicken Recipes section!

For a delicious alternative, try our Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe!