Crunchy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe for Golden Goodness

Chicken tenders sizzle to golden perfection in this air fryer recipe that guarantees maximum crunch.

Lean protein meets crispy coating, creating an irresistible air fryer chicken tenders sensation for dinner.

Forget greasy deep-frying techniques that leave you feeling heavy and sluggish.

These tender morsels cook quickly and deliver restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen.

Seasoned with a blend of spices, each bite packs incredible flavor and satisfying texture.

The light, crunchy exterior gives way to juicy, tender meat that will win over everyone at the table.

Serve these delectable chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce for an instant crowd-pleaser that’ll have people asking for seconds.

Quick Guide to Air Fryer Chicken Tenders at Home

• Prepare Coating Stations

Create three separate dishes for transforming ordinary chicken into crispy delights. First dish gets flour, second gets egg mixture, third gets seasoned breadcrumbs packed with flavor.

• Dress Chicken in Crispy Armor

Gently roll each chicken strip through flour, giving it a light dusting. Next, dive into egg wash, then roll generously in seasoned breadcrumbs. Press crumbs gently to create a perfect crunchy jacket.

• Fire Up the Air Fryer

Crank air fryer to 400F and let it warm up for a few minutes. This hot zone will create maximum crispiness without excess oil.

• Transform Chicken into Golden Perfection

Spritz air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange chicken strips in a single layer, ensuring they’re not crowded. Give strips a quick spray of oil for extra golden color. Cook 8-10 minutes, flipping midway. Watch for beautiful golden-brown exterior and ensure internal temperature hits 165F for safe, juicy chicken. Serve immediately for maximum crunch factor.

Helpful Tweaks for Your Next Batch of Chicken Tenders

• Press breadcrumbs firmly onto chicken strips to ensure maximum coating adherence and extra crispy texture.
• Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the same crispy exterior.
• Experiment with different seasonings like cayenne, smoked paprika, or Italian herbs in the breadcrumb mixture to create personalized flavor profiles.
• Use skinless chicken breast or chicken tenderloins for a leaner protein choice, reducing overall fat content while keeping the delicious crispy coating.
• Prepare multiple batches, cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals – reheat in air fryer at 350F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.

Best Ways to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Dipping Delights: Create a vibrant dipping station with homemade sauces like tangy honey mustard, zesty ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo to elevate your chicken tenders.
• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange the crispy tenders on a large wooden board with colorful veggie sticks, pickles, and an assortment of dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing appetizer spread.
• Meal Transformation: Turn these air fryer chicken tenders into a complete meal by serving over a fresh garden salad, alongside crispy sweet potato fries, or tucked into warm slider buns with coleslaw for a satisfying dinner option.
• Leftover Love: Store cooled tenders in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer at 350F for 3-4 minutes to maintain their crispy exterior, making them perfect for quick lunches or snacks the next day.

Save and Reheat Chicken Tenders with No Fuss

• Season and bread chicken tenders in advance, storing them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 24 hours before cooking. This technique saves precious time during busy weeknights.
• Keep cooked chicken tenders in sealed containers for 3-4 days. Cool completely before refrigerating to maintain crispy texture and prevent sogginess. Arrange in single layers with paper towels between batches to absorb excess moisture.
• Restore crispiness by using air fryer at 370F for 3-4 minutes. Avoid microwave, which can make breading soft and rubbery. A quick air fryer session revives the golden, crunchy exterior perfectly.
• Freeze uncooked breaded tenders on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, cook directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time. No thawing required for convenient meal preparation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients That Power Your Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Flour: Creates a dry foundation that helps egg wash adhere perfectly, absorbing moisture for crispy exterior.
• Eggs: Serves as binding agent, helping breadcrumb mixture stick to chicken and creating golden-brown crust.
• Water: Helps thin eggs for smoother coating and easier application.

• Breadcrumbs: Provides delightful crispy texture and neutral base for additional seasonings.
• Parmesan: Adds rich, savory depth and extra crispiness to coating.
• Garlic Powder: Introduces subtle, aromatic warmth without overwhelming chicken's natural flavor.
• Paprika: Brings gentle smokiness and beautiful golden-red color to tenders.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances other seasonings.
• Black Pepper: Delivers mild heat and subtle complexity to coating.

• Chicken Tenders: Lean, tender protein that cooks quickly and absorbs seasonings beautifully, perfect for air frying.

What Tools You’ll Need for Crisp Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Air fryer: Essential for crispy, oil-efficient cooking without excess grease.
• Shallow bowls (3): Perfect for creating organized coating stations with flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb mixture.
• Whisk: Needed to blend eggs and water smoothly for the egg wash.
• Tongs: Great for flipping chicken tenders midway through cooking and handling hot tenders safely.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Cooking spray: Used to lightly oil the air fryer basket and chicken tenders for extra crispiness.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F (74C).

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crispy homemade air fryer chicken tenders deliver restaurant-quality flavor without excess oil. Golden breaded strips combine perfect crunch and juicy meat, promising a quick family-friendly meal that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 lb chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Create three distinct coating zones – first with flour, second with whisked eggs and water, third with seasoned breadcrumbs incorporating Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Chicken Coating Technique: Meticulously dredge each chicken strip through the stations, ensuring thorough coverage by gently pressing breadcrumb mixture onto surface for optimal adherence.
3. Air Fryer Configuration: Heat air fryer to 400F (200C), preparing basket with light oil spray to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
4. Cooking Process: Arrange chicken tenders in single layer without overcrowding, lightly misting tops with oil. Rotate midway through cooking cycle, monitoring until exterior turns golden and internal temperature reaches 165F (74C), approximately 8-10 minutes depending on thickness.

Notes

• Pat chicken tenders completely dry before coating to ensure crispy, even breading that sticks perfectly during air frying.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, leaving space between tenders ensures maximum crispiness and even cooking throughout.
• Customize breadcrumb mixture with different herbs or spices like Italian seasoning, cayenne, or ranch powder for unique flavor profiles.
• Use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 165F (74C) for safe, juicy result without overcooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 80mg