Crispy, juicy, and irresistibly golden, Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a healthier take on a beloved classic. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection without the need for deep frying, these tenders offer all the crunch you crave with less oil and mess.
Ideal for weeknight dinners, game-day snacks, or kid-friendly meals, they’re quick, easy, and ready in under 20 minutes.
Whether served with your favorite dipping sauce or added to salads and wraps, these chicken tenders are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy all the flavor and texture of fried chicken with a fraction of the guilt!
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside — these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders deliver the ultimate satisfying crunch without the excess oil. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or prepping a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe offers all the comfort and flavor of fried chicken with a fraction of the fat and calories.
Air frying revolutionizes traditional frying by circulating hot air around the food to mimic the crispy finish of deep-frying — minus the heavy oil and mess. It’s perfect for foods like chicken tenders, which benefit from a golden crust and moist interior.
This method is faster, healthier, and cleaner — no oil splatter or heavy clean-up. It's also ideal for small kitchens or anyone looking to make meals a bit lighter without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a healthier twist on the classic comfort food, offering crispy, golden-brown breading without deep frying.
Made with lean chicken breast strips coated in seasoned breadcrumbs or panko, these tenders are air-fried to perfection, resulting in a crunchy exterior and juicy, tender inside.
Quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or kid-friendly meals, they pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ.
With minimal oil and maximum flavor, these tenders are a guilt-free, protein-packed option that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.
Start by placing your chicken tenders in a bowl with the buttermilk. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge. This tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick.
If you’re short on time, a quick 15-minute soak can still make a noticeable difference.
Set up a three-bowl breading station:
Bowl 1: Flour, mixed with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and optional cayenne.
Bowl 2: Egg, beaten and combined with 1 tbsp of water or leftover buttermilk.
Bowl 3: Panko or regular breadcrumbs. You can mix in herbs or Parmesan cheese here for extra flavor.
Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Then:
Dredge in seasoned flour, pressing lightly to coat.
Dip into the egg mixture, coating all sides.
Press into the breadcrumbs until well-coated.
Place the breaded tenders on a plate or baking sheet. For best results, let them rest for 5–10 minutes so the coating adheres better during cooking.
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes. A preheated fryer ensures even cooking and crispiness.
Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer, leaving space between each one. Lightly spray the tops with oil for that golden crunch.
Air fry in batches if necessary.
Cook Time:
8 to 10 minutes total, flipping halfway through at the 5-minute mark.
Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and be golden brown.
Pro tip: Add an extra minute or two for ultra-crispy coating, especially if using thicker tenders or double-breading.
Servings 4
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Air fryer chicken tenders are a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions and perfect for quick meals or crowd-pleasing snacks.
Whether you’re using fresh or frozen tenders, getting them crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside is all about technique.
Here’s a detailed guide packed with tips and clever serving tricks to make your air fryer chicken tenders a guaranteed hit.
For best results, use boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins or chicken breasts cut into strips. Make sure the strips are uniform in size—this ensures even cooking. Pat the chicken dry before breading; excess moisture can make the coating soggy.
To avoid bland chicken, always season or marinate first. A quick 30-minute soak in buttermilk, yogurt, or a mix of olive oil and spices helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor. If you're short on time, rub the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and a touch of cayenne or Italian seasoning.
The coating is where the magic happens. Here’s a 3-step process for ultra-crispy tenders:
For a gluten-free version, use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Pro Tip: Spritz the breaded tenders lightly with cooking oil spray before air frying—this helps mimic that deep-fried crunch without the grease.
Depending on thickness, most tenders cook in 10–14 minutes.
If your tenders aren’t browning enough, add an extra spritz of oil during the flip. Or finish with a quick 1-minute blast at 400°F. Don’t overcook—they’ll dry out.
Serve your chicken tenders with bold, flavorful dips to enhance the experience. Popular choices include:
Make a homemade dip bar with multiple options to elevate a simple meal into a party platter.
Chicken tenders are more than just finger food—get creative with these serving ideas:
Air fryer tenders are perfect for picky eaters. Serve with mac & cheese, sweet potato fries, or fruit skewers. For parties, offer toothpick tender bites as appetizers alongside mini dipping cups.
Make a large batch and freeze cooked tenders in a single layer. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–6 minutes—still crispy, no sogginess. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
These tenders are incredibly versatile. Serve them:
While great year-round, these chicken tenders are especially suited for:
These air fryer chicken tenders are a healthier, easier alternative to fried chicken — all the crunch, none of the grease.
Kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable, they’re a go-to recipe you’ll keep coming back to. Once you master the basic technique, you can easily tweak the seasoning and coatings to suit your cravings.
Air fryer chicken tenders are a simple, satisfying dish that can be customized to suit any taste. With the right prep, seasonings, and creative sides, you can turn a humble tender into a gourmet treat.
Master the basics and experiment with serving styles to keep your meals fresh and exciting.
So go ahead: preheat that air fryer and get crispy!
