Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are golden brown on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor—without deep frying! These homemade tenders are perfect for an easy dinner, lunch, or snack, and they pair perfectly with your favorite dipping sauces.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier than frying – Crispy texture without excess oil.
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 20 minutes!
- Kid-friendly – A homemade alternative to fast food.
- Customizable – Season to your liking or make them spicy!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breasts)
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- Cooking spray or oil
Directions
- Preheat air fryer – Set to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease the basket.
- Set up breading stations –
- In one bowl, mix flour with salt, pepper, and spices.
- In another, beat eggs.
- In a third, combine Panko and Parmesan (if using).
- Bread the chicken – Dredge each tender in flour, dip into eggs, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Air fry – Arrange tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with oil.
- Cook – Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
- Serve – Enjoy hot with your favorite dipping sauce!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
Variations
- Spicy version – Add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
- Gluten-free – Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Extra crispy – Double-coat in egg and breadcrumbs.
- Dairy-free – Omit Parmesan or use dairy-free cheese.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Air fry at 375°F for 3-5 minutes to re-crisp.
FAQs
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of Panko?
Yes, but Panko gives a crunchier texture.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps achieve even crispiness.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes! Slice chicken breasts into strips.
How do I make them extra juicy?
Marinate in buttermilk for 30 minutes before breading.
Can I bake these instead?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 20-22 minutes, flipping halfway.
What dipping sauces go well with these?
Ranch, honey mustard, BBQ, buffalo, or garlic aioli are great options.
How do I prevent the breading from falling off?
Pat chicken dry before breading and press crumbs firmly onto the tenders.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Bread the tenders and refrigerate until ready to cook.
What’s the best oil to use for spraying?
Use a neutral oil like avocado or olive oil.
How do I keep the tenders from sticking?
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil before cooking.
Conclusion
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a quick, delicious, and healthier alternative to fried chicken. With a golden, crunchy coating and tender, juicy inside, they’re a must-try for any meal. Serve them with your favorite dips and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home!
PrintCrispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are golden brown on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor—without deep frying! These homemade tenders are perfect for an easy dinner, lunch, or snack, and they pair perfectly with your favorite dipping sauces.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
For the Breading:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (for better coating)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for flavor)
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
For the Egg Wash:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
For Cooking:
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat chicken tenders dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder.
2. Set Up the Breading Station:
- In one bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- In another bowl, mix panko, plain breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
3. Coat the Chicken:
- Dip each chicken tender into the egg wash, letting excess drip off.
- Press into the breadcrumb mixture, coating well.
4. Air Fry the Tenders:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temp of 165°F (74°C).
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve hot with ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or your favorite dip!
Notes
✔ Make It Spicy: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg wash.
✔ Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
✔ Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days; reheat in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 375°F.
✔ No Air Fryer? Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.