Name: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 chicken tenders; 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

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I love making these air fryer chicken tenders when I want something crispy, juicy, and comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen. They come out perfectly golden on the outside while staying tender and flavorful on the inside, making them ideal for busy weeknights or casual family meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy this recipe because it gives me all the crunch of classic chicken tenders with much less oil. I like how quickly everything comes together, and I appreciate that the ingredients are simple and easy to keep on hand. I also find this recipe great for both adults and kids, and it pairs well with so many different sides.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 chicken tenders
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

Directions

I start by seasoning the chicken tenders with salt and pepper. I place the beaten eggs in one shallow bowl and mix the breadcrumbs and panko together in another bowl. I dip each chicken tender into the egg, then coat it well in the breadcrumb mixture, shaking off any excess. Once breaded, I lay the tenders on a cutting board and spray both sides generously with olive oil spray.

I preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Working in batches, I arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer and cook them for 5 to 6 minutes per side, turning halfway through. I know they are done when the chicken is cooked through and the outside is crispy and golden. I like serving them right away with lemon wedges.

Servings And Timing

I usually get 4 servings from this recipe, with about 3 chicken tenders per serving. Prep time takes around 5 minutes, cook time is about 30 minutes, and the total time comes to roughly 35 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap the seasoned breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs when needed. For extra flavor, I like adding garlic powder, paprika, or grated parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture. When I want a spicy version, I mix a little cayenne pepper into the breading.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer using the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness. I avoid the microwave when possible because it softens the coating.

FAQs

Can I make these chicken tenders ahead of time?

I find that they taste best fresh, but I can bread them ahead of time and refrigerate them for a few hours before cooking.

Can I bake these instead of air frying?

I sometimes bake them at 425°F for about 16 minutes, flipping halfway through, if I am not using the air fryer.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

I make sure the chicken is no longer pink inside and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I freeze cooked chicken tenders?

I let them cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

What dipping sauces go well with these?

I like serving them with ketchup, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or a simple yogurt-based dip.

Conclusion

I keep coming back to this air fryer chicken tenders recipe because it is easy, reliable, and always satisfying. It gives me crispy, flavorful chicken without the mess of deep frying, and it fits perfectly into my regular meal rotation.