Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a super simple, family friendly meal that will have your picky eaters asking for dinner at home rather than a trip to the closest drive thru!
If you're looking for a quick meal to make weeknight cooking a breeze, look no further. Minimal ingredients, minimal prep, and a quick cook? Say no more.
I will be the first to admit that chicken tenders are for both kids AND adults; what makes us different may be what we choose to dip it in right? Oooh the condiments.
No, I do not need a six year old living under my roof to justify this craving, and I am willing to bet you don't either. But, if you do have a band of littles at home that love them some fast food, you may just be able to convince them that they are having a “treat” from your own kitchen, allowing mom and dad to skip the drive thru (and grease) altogether.
Homemade air fryer chicken tenders are so much healthier than any takeout you may find, because you can almost always guarantee that they are deep fried in oil. I use my air fryer for just about everything. because you can get that delicious crisp with minimal amounts of oil.
Why buy frozen chicken tenders when you can make them at home in a matter of minutes? Plus, they're way healthier which is always an added bonus!
How to Make Chicken Tenders in an Air Fryer
Step 1: Combine the breadcrumbs and seasonings in a shallow bowl. Crack the eggs into another shallow bowl.
Step 2: Dip the chicken into the eggs and then the breadcrumb mixture.
Step 3: Spray the breaded chicken with olive oil and air fry in single layer batches, flipping halfway through.
Step 4: Serve immediately with your favorite condiments.
How long to cook chicken tenders in an Air Fryer
You will want to cook your chicken tenders for at least 5 to 6 minutes per side, totaling to 10 to 12 minutes with a flip halfway through. Once the chicken is cooked through and the outside has a nice crisp and is golden, check to make sure they are done.
I would highly recommend checking the internal temperature of your chicken with a meat thermometer prior to serving. If your chicken is on the thicker side, it might take longer to cook all the way through. And, not all machines are created equal. Odd as it may sound, your 400 degrees may not be equal and as effective as my 400 degrees.
OTHER AIR FRYER RECIPES YOU WILL LOVE:
OTHER SNACKS & APPS YOU WILL LOVE:
- Philly Cheesesteak Flatbread
- Tomato Bruschetta with Garlic and Basil
- Spring Rolls with Sweet and Spicy Dipping Sauce
- Crockpot Sweet and Spicy Meatballs
- Sous Vide French Onion Short Rib Sliders
- “Loaded” Deviled Eggs
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Family friendly (and picky eater approved!)
Ingredients
- 1.5-2lbs Chicken Breasts or Chicken Tenders
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Dried Parsley or Basil
- Pepper to taste
- Olive Oil Spray
Instructions
- If using chicken breast, pound until about 1-inch thick and cut into tender-sized pieces.
- In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and dried basil or parsley.
- In a second shallow bowl, crack and whisk eggs.
- Dip the chicken into the eggs, and then into the breadcrumb mixture making sure to coat on all sides.
- Spray the chicken tenders with olive oil on both sides.
- Place the chicken tenders in a single layer the air fryer basket and cook in batches, leaving space between each one.
- Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 5-6 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5-6 minutes, depending on their size, until cooked through and crispy and golden on the outside.
- Serve with condiments of choice.
Notes
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer to retain crispy-ness!
SAVE THIS RECIPE FOR LATER:
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