Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
These crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are golden and juicy, so easy to make, and perfect for weeknight cooking!
chicken tenders in air fryer
Indeed, I made these tasty chicken strips the other night for dinner along with some orzo with zucchini and tomatoes, and my family loved them! They are super easy and quick for weeknight meals. Air fryer recipes are among my top requests; some favorites are Skinless Air Fryer Chicken Breast, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, Air Fryer Chicken Wings (SUPER CRISPY!), and these Air Fryer Chicken Legs. And if you like sandwiches, this Chicken Sandwich is a must!
Why Make Homemade Chicken Tenders?
Homemade chicken strips are much healthier than fried versions. Accordingly, the great thing about the air fryer is that the tenders get super crispy with way less oil. This recipe only requires a little olive oil spray on each one.
How to Make Chicken Tenders from Scratch
It’s very easy to make chicken tenders from scratch. Chicken tenders are already cut into strips, so you don’t have to spend any time slicing a raw chicken breast. Here’s how:
- Season: Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Prepare Breading Stations: Beat two eggs in a shallow bowl and mix panko and breadcrumbs in another bowl.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each tender in the egg, then in the breadcrumb mixture. Place on a cutting board or baking tray until all are breaded.
- Spray with Olive Oil: Spray the chicken strips on each side with olive oil spray before placing them in the air fryer.
Cooking Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer
- Cook: Place chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 5-6 minutes on each side, turning halfway through. They’re done once the chicken is cooked through and crispy and golden on the outside.
Oven Instructions
Also, if you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 16 minutes, turning halfway through.
What to Serve with Chicken Tenders
I served these air fryer chicken tenderloins with zucchini tomato orzo and lemon wedges for squeezing. They would also be great with Broccoli and Orzo or Mediterranean Quinoa Salad. For a more traditional option, serve them with regular French fries or sweet potato fries cooked in the air fryer.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Chicken Fingers
- Homemade is Better: Indeed, these air-fried chicken tenders are made with simple ingredients and are a nutritious, delicious upgrade from boxed frozen chicken strips and fast food chicken fingers.
- Healthy: Thanks to the air fryer, you can enjoy crispy breaded chicken with very little oil.
- Crispy and Juicy: These chicken fingers are crunchy outside, juicy inside, and perfectly dippable.
- Freezer-Friendly: So, make a big batch for the freezer and air fry directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.
- Versatile: Accordingly, serve them alongside a simple Arugula Salad or Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries for a simple, healthy dinner.
Dipping Sauce Suggestions
So, dunking your air fryer chicken tenders in your favorite sauce is half the fun! Here are some ideas:
- Barbecue Sauce
- Ketchup
- Honey Mustard
- Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip
- Honey
- Buffalo Sauce
- Sweet Chili Sauce
- Basil Dipping Sauce
- Sweet and Sour
Storage Tips
- To Store: Refrigerate air fryer chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the tenders until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C); avoid the microwave as it will make the tenders soggy.
- To Freeze: Lay cooked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Fries: Homemade Fries in the oven or Air Fryer French Fries.
- Broccoli: Kid-friendly veggies like Grilled Broccoli, Roasted Broccoli, or Air Fryer Broccoli.
- Mac and Cheese: You can try Instant Pot Mac and Cheese, Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese, or Cauliflower Mac and Cheese.
Recommended Tools
- Air Fryer: This is the one I own and love! It works wonders with all kinds of chicken.
- Instant Read Thermometer: The best way to tell when your tenders are done.
- Tongs: Ideal for flipping the chicken tenders.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Breadcrumbs: A combination of panko and regular breadcrumbs makes the chicken tenders crispy.
- Seasonings: So, feel free to add cayenne for spice or swap in Cajun seasoning for a twist.
- Make Your Own Tenders: Alternatively, if your store doesn’t carry chicken tenderloins, slice a boneless, skinless chicken breast into strips.
- Cooking Times Vary: Generally, cooking times depend on your air fryer model and desired crispiness. In my model at 400°F, the tenders cook in 7-8 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
After experimenting with different temperatures, I discovered that 375 degrees F is the optimal temperature for air frying chicken. Unlike a regular oven, which requires 425 degrees F for baking chicken (such as Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast), the air fryer uses convection heat, so a lower temperature works best.
For chicken tenderloins, simply season them with olive oil and your favorite herbs, then place them in the preheated air fryer at 375 degrees F. Cook for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
The most important tip for perfect air fryer chicken breasts is to avoid overcooking. Aim for an internal temperature of 160°F. If you cook them to this temperature in the air fryer, carryover cooking will continue to raise the temperature, potentially drying out the chicken.
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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 12 chicken tenders 1 1/4 lbs
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup seasoned panko
- Olive oil spray
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Place the beaten eggs in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs and panko.
- Dip each chicken tender into the egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Shake off any excess and place on a large dish or cutting board. Generously spray both sides of the chicken with olive oil.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Cook the chicken in batches for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, until the chicken is cooked through and crispy and golden on the outside.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
- Enjoy your delicious air fryer chicken tenders!
