Print

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 4 reviews

Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Tenders that are perfectly seasoned, breaded, and cooked to golden perfection in just 18 minutes. This easy recipe offers a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders by using an air fryer, resulting in a deliciously crunchy exterior and juicy interior.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Ground black pepper, to taste

Breading

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1¼ cups Panko breadcrumbs
  • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Season Chicken: Lightly season the chicken tenders with kosher salt and ground black pepper on all sides to enhance the natural flavors.
  2. Prepare Egg Wash: In a shallow dish, whisk the two large eggs until well combined to create an egg wash that will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
  3. Mix Breading: In a separate shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese (if using) to add a crunchy, cheesy coating.
  4. Coat Chicken in Egg: Dip each seasoned chicken tender into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated for proper breading adherence.
  5. Coat Chicken in Breadcrumbs: Immediately after the egg wash, dredge each chicken tender through the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even, thick coating.
  6. Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap for even cooking.
  7. Air Fry Chicken: Cook the chicken tenders at 400°F for 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to achieve an evenly crispy texture on all sides.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, lightly spray the coated chicken tenders with cooking spray before air frying.
  • You can substitute Parmesan cheese with other hard cheeses or omit it for a dairy-free version.
  • Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
  • Check the internal temperature of chicken tenders; they should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
  • Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer for best results.