Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders That Totally Saved Dinner
Because let’s be real — sometimes you just need crispy, juicy chicken that hits all the comfort-food vibes without heating up the whole kitchen.
Babe, hear me out…
I was staring at a lonely pack of chicken tenders and thinking, “Do I bake? Fry? Meh.” Then it hit me: the air fryer. I tossed them in, sprinkled some magic seasoning, and in less than 20 minutes, I had golden, crunchy tenders that made me go, “Whoa, I made this?! Yes girl, yes you did.”
Why I Love This Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
First off, crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside — perfection. Second, minimal oil = less guilt, same deliciousness. And third, it’s fast. Like, “I didn’t even preheat the oven” fast.
It’s my go-to for busy weeknights, lazy lunches, or when I just need that snack that doubles as a meal. Bonus? They’re kid-friendly, snack-friendly, and mood-boosting because hello, crispy golden goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Chicken Tenders Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko works best for extra crunch)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or a drizzle of oil
Optional Decorations & Extras
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Your favorite dipping sauces: honey mustard, ranch, or spicy mayo
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel. Season lightly with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. This is the moment you smell the spices and start doing a little happy dance.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station
In one bowl, place flour. In another, beat the eggs. In a third, mix breadcrumbs with a pinch of paprika and garlic powder. Dip each tender in flour → egg → breadcrumb mixture. Make sure they’re fully coated for max crunch.
3. Air Fry Like a Pro
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) if needed. Spray the basket lightly with oil. Arrange the tenders in a single layer — don’t overcrowd, we want them crispy, not steamed. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
4. Serve & Enjoy
Plate your tenders, sprinkle fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy, and grab your dipping sauce. Bite in and savor the crunch. Seriously, it’s a little slice of heaven, and yes, you made it all yourself.
Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Air needs space to crisp everything.
- Pat chicken dry: Moisture = soggy crust.
- Use panko breadcrumbs: Extra crunch = life-changing.
- Flip halfway: Ensures even golden perfection.
Variations You’ll Love
- Spicy Crunch: Add cayenne pepper to breadcrumbs for a kick.
- Parmesan Tenders: Mix in grated Parmesan for cheesy golden bites.
- Herb Magic: Toss in dried thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning.
- Crispy Sweet: Drizzle honey over tenders right after air frying for sweet-savory magic.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your tenders with:
- Crispy fries or roasted veggies
- A fresh side salad for balance
- Cold lemonade or iced tea because vibes matter
- Your favorite dipping sauces for a little extra fun
These air fryer chicken tenders aren’t just dinner — they’re crunchy, comforting, and ridiculously easy. Perfect for a weeknight, a snack attack, or anytime you need that “I made this and it’s amazing” feeling.
Love you long time,
Maria
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs panko works best for extra crunch
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or a drizzle of oil
Optional Decorations & Extras
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Your favorite dipping sauces: honey mustard ranch, or spicy mayo
Instructions
Prep the Chicken
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel. Season lightly with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. This is the moment you smell the spices and start doing a little happy dance.
Set Up Your Breading Station
- In one bowl, place flour. In another, beat the eggs. In a third, mix breadcrumbs with a pinch of paprika and garlic powder. Dip each tender in flour → egg → breadcrumb mixture. Make sure they’re fully coated for max crunch.
Air Fry Like a Pro
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) if needed. Spray the basket lightly with oil. Arrange the tenders in a single layer — don’t overcrowd, we want them crispy, not steamed. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Serve & Enjoy
- Plate your tenders, sprinkle fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy, and grab your dipping sauce. Bite in and savor the crunch. Seriously, it’s a little slice of heaven, and yes, you made it all yourself.
Notes
- Always preheat your air fryer if required for best crispiness.
- Don’t skip patting the chicken dry — it’s key for a crunchy coating.
- For extra crunch, spray the tenders lightly with oil before cooking.
- Serve immediately for that hot, crispy magic — they lose crunch if left sitting too long.
- Got leftovers? Reheat in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes at 375°F (190°C) instead of microwaving.
