Golden, juicy Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer have become our go-to weeknight dinner when everyone is hungry and I have zero patience for deep frying. They're ready in about 12 minutes with barely any cleanup, and they still come out with that craveable crispy edge.
This is one of the recipes featured in our 19 Best Air Fryer Recipes.
Explore more chicken recipes like pan fried chicken thighs, chicken tortellini or lemon chicken next.
🛒Ingredients
- Chicken - choose chicken tenders, tenderloins, or slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into large strips.
- Spices- keep it simple with smoked paprika, Italian seasonings, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Olive oil - any neutral-flavored oil can replace olive oil.
- Garnish - freshen up your dish with parsley, dill, or lemon slices as garnish.
For the full list of ingredients, please scroll down to where you'll find the recipe card.
🥘 How To Make Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer
STEP 1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and lightly grease the air fryer basket.
STEP 2. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken cuts with oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. Add the seasonings and mix until well combined.
STEP 3. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
Use a kitchen thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F.
STEP 4. Once done, remove the chicken tenderloins from the air fryer basket and allow them to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
SERVE! Sprinkle parsley over the chicken and drizzle with lemon juice. Serve alongside your preferred dipping sauce. Enjoy!
📋Tips
- Make sure to grease the air fryer basket to prevent the spices and chicken from sticking.
- If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- For added flavor, consider incorporating spices such as cayenne pepper, chili pepper, or red pepper flakes.
- Opt for chicken slices of uniform size to ensure even cooking throughout.
Storage Instructions
- 🍱To Store. Place the cooked, cooled chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- 🥶Freezing. Store in an airtight container or freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 3 months.
- 🔥To Reheat. Reheat in the air fryer, preheated oven, or hot skillet. Microwave is also an option for quick reheating.
👪What To Serve With Chicken Tenders
FAQ
Yes, just add a few extra minutes of cook time and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving. For the crispiest texture, fresh or fully thawed chicken works best.
It makes a big difference. Flipping halfway helps both sides get that golden, slightly crispy exterior instead of just one side browning.
For a crunchier bite, toss the seasoned chicken in a light coating of panko before air frying, or spritz with a little extra oil halfway through cooking.
Fun Variations to Try
- Buffalo tenders - toss the cooked chicken in your favorite hot sauce right after air frying.
- Honey mustard glaze - brush on a mix of honey and mustard during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Parmesan-crusted - press grated parmesan onto the chicken before air frying for a cheesy crust.
Before You Go
If this recipe made its way to your dinner table, I'd love to hear what you thought! Leaving a ★★★★★ rating and review below helps other readers and supports the work I do here at Cookrita. Thank you so much for being here. ❤️
📖Recipe
Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 12 ounce chicken breast , or tenderloins
- 1 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and lightly grease the air fryer basket.1 tablespoons olive oil
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken cuts with oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. Add the seasonings and mix until well combined.12 ounce chicken breast , ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon black pepper to taste, 1 tablespoons olive oil
- Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Use a kitchen thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Once done, remove the chicken tenderloins from the air fryer basket and allow them to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- To Store. Place the cooked, cooled chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freezing. Store in an airtight container or freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the air fryer, preheated oven, or hot skillet. Microwave is also an option for quick reheating.
Nutrition
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Rita
enjoy these juicy chicken tenders made easily in air fryer!