These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and made with simple ingredients. Using the air fryer means less oil without sacrificing crunch, making this an easy, lighter alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Extra crispy without deep frying
- Quick and easy weeknight meal
- Kid-friendly and family-approved
- Perfect for dipping, salads, or wraps
Ingredients
- 12 chicken tenders (about 1 1/4 lbs)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs
- Olive oil spray
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Season the chicken tenders evenly with salt and black pepper.
- Place beaten eggs in a shallow bowl. In a second shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs and panko.
- Dip each chicken tender into the egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, shaking off excess.
- Place coated chicken on a large plate or cutting board and spray both sides generously with olive oil spray.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook chicken tenders in batches for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden, crispy, and fully cooked through.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Tips & Tricks
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket
- Spray well with oil for maximum crispiness
- Flip halfway for even browning
- Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly
Notes
- Serve with honey mustard, garlic yogurt sauce, or ketchup
- Add paprika or garlic powder for extra flavor
- Works well in wraps and salads
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 11g
FAQ
How do I know the chicken tenders are done?
They should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I make these without panko?
Yes, use all breadcrumbs, but panko adds extra crunch.
Do I need to flip the chicken?
Yes, flipping halfway ensures even crisping.
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Fresh works best, but thaw frozen tenders fully before coating.
What air fryer works best for this recipe?
Any basket-style air fryer works well.
Storage
Store leftover air fryer chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness.
Similar Recipes
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 12 chicken tenders about 1 1/4 lbs
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs
- Olive oil spray
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Season the chicken tenders evenly with salt and black pepper.
- Place beaten eggs in a shallow bowl. In a second shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs and panko.
- Dip each chicken tender into the egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, shaking off excess.
- Place coated chicken on a large plate or cutting board and spray both sides generously with olive oil spray.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook chicken tenders in batches for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden, crispy, and fully cooked through.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Serve with honey mustard, garlic yogurt sauce, or ketchup
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are an easy, reliable recipe that delivers crispy texture and juicy flavor with minimal oil. Perfect for quick dinners, meal prep, or kid-friendly meals.