Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Golden, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these air fryer chicken tenders are the ultimate quick-and-easy comfort food. Perfect for weeknights, snack time, or when you just want homemade fast food vibes without the grease.
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.