Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: Your New Family Favorite!

Hey there, kitchen buddy! Ready to transform ordinary chicken into something irresistibly crunchy and juicy? These homemade air fryer chicken tenders are a game-changer—they’re quick, easy, and loaded with flavor. No need to turn on the oven or drag out a bunch of ingredients; you probably have everything you need right in your pantry! Plus, they’re way better than store-bought—crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and just the right punch of seasoning. It’s like a flavor party for your taste buds! And hey, if you love a little culinary fun, why not try making a tangy dipping sauce or your favorite salsa to amp things up? This recipe is sure to make mealtime a breeze. So, let’s get those tenders sizzling—your snack attack is just minutes away!

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

This dish involves coating chicken tenders with seasoned breadcrumbs and cooking them in an air fryer. The process includes breading the chicken, then air frying until crispy on the outside and tender inside, resulting in a golden-brown appearance with a crunchy texture.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: International

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound chicken tenders boneless, skinless
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs beaten
• 1.5 cups breadcrumb mixture plain or seasoned
• 1 teaspoon paprika optional for flavor
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• to taste salt

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Shallow bowls for breading
• Meat tenderizer or knife for pounding
• Tongs
• Baking sheet or plate for resting

Method

 

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumb mixture combined with paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
   
2. Pound the chicken tenders lightly with a meat tenderizer or knife to ensure even thickness for even cooking and crispiness, then pat dry with paper towels.
   
3. Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
   
4. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces for air circulation.
   
5. Cook in the preheated air fryer for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). You will hear a crispy crackling sound and see an even golden crust.
   
6. Remove the tenders from the air fryer, serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces, and enjoy the crunchy, tender texture with a uniform golden-brown appearance.

See? Easy, tasty, and downright addictive! These chicken tenders are perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or snack. For an extra crunch, sprinkle with a little more seasoning or serve with a zesty dip. Don’t forget to share your tasty creation in the comments—I’d love to hear your tips and tricks! Let’s keep the flavor fun going—happy cooking!

Mayank

I’m Mayank, the creator, cook, and writer behind this blog. FeastChase is not just a collection of recipes — it’s a journey through tastes, memories, and moments that bring people together at the table.