This easy recipe for extra crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders can be made in 30 minutes or less and uses much less oil than traditional recipes for fried chicken. These chicken strips are just as crunchy and juicy as deep-fried chicken, and all of the ingredients are pantry staples. Air frying is a quick, healthier method for cooking a family-friendly meal.
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Like many homes with children, chicken nuggets and chicken tenders are on regular rotation for lunch and dinner. While we do sometimes make Crispy Pan-Fried Chicken Tenders, frying chicken in oil can get a bit messy and we limit fried foods to just once in awhile.
Keeping the recipe very similar, but cooking the chicken in an air fryer is not only a bit healthier due to the fact that you don’t need nearly as much cooking oil, it’s also just as quick and less messy.
Each chicken tender will be just as crispy and crunchy as the fried chicken you’re served in any restaurant.
All you need is 30 minutes and a handful of pantry staples. This quick dish comes together in a pinch and leaves you with a tasty plate of extra crispy chicken strips. The batter is easy to prepare with a couple of eggs and seasoned flour for dredging.
You can even dress this dish up by serving these crispy fried chicken tenders with homemade dipping sauce such as Mango Barbecue Sauce or creamy Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce.
Air fried chicken is a kid-friendly main dish which traditionally pairs well with french fries or other fried potatoes like Lyonnaise Potatoes. For a lighter side dish, you can also serve them with a refreshing Tomato Basil Salad or Spiced Roasted Carrots.
Why This Recipe Works
This is a quick, 30-minute meal and the recipe is quite simple to follow.
All you need is a handful of pantry staples, so you don’t really need to plan too much or make an extra trip to the grocery store.
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are very kid friendly. Plus, who doesn’t love juicy, crispy chicken.
How To Air Fry Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: gluten free flour can be used. You can also use a combination of flour and breadcrumbs or panko, if preferred.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more for sprinkling)
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 eggs
- Cooking spray: this is used to coat the bottom of the air fryer basket and lightly sprayed on the chicken to keep it from sticking.
The entire recipe and instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can print the recipe from the card, if needed.
Prep!
Place the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika in a shallow dish or bowl and whisk the eggs in a second bowl.
Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
Create!
Coat each chicken strip in flour, then dip into the egg, let the excess drip off and then dip it back into the flour. Place the coated chicken strips on a plate.
Chef’s Tip: if you’d prefer to use breadcrumbs or panko instead of all flour, after dipping each chicken tender into the egg, dip it into breadcrumbs on panko spread out onto a plate or shallow bowl.
Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray. Place the breaded chicken tenders into the basket of your air fryer being careful to leave a little space in between each one. Spray the tops of the chicken with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray. If using only flour for breading, you will want to make sure it’s all lightly moistened with either the egg or the spray to prevent dry spots during air frying.
You will likely have to work in batches.
Set your air fryer to 400°F. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken tenders. Flip and cook an additional 5 to 6 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. The internal temperature of chicken needs to reach 165°F on a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the thickest portion.
Transfer the chicken tenders to a paper-towel lined plate and sprinkle with salt to taste.
Present!
Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, if desired.
Tips and Techniques
- Ensure the chicken is dry before breading. This will help the breading stick to the chicken better.
- The thickness of the chicken tenders will cause cooking times to vary slightly. For thinner, smaller tenders, you may want to start with 5 minutes on each side then check for doneness before continuing.
- Store leftover chicken strips tightly covered in the refrigerator. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven to re-crisp the breading. Consume within 3-4 days.
FAQ’s
How Do Keep The Breading On Chicken?
Pat the chicken dry before coating it in flour and then egg. You can either do another coating of flour or breadcrumbs.
What Do You Serve With Fried Chicken Tenders?
Fried chicken tenders can be served with a variety of sauces. They are most commonly served in restaurants with Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce. They can also be served with ketchup or any type of barbecue sauce. Try them with Raspberry Barbecue Sauce or Mango Dipping Sauce for a delicious combination of sweet and savory!
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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 cup all purpose flour (see notes)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more for sprinkling)
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 eggs
- 2 pounds chicken tenders
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Place the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika in a shallow dish or bowl.1 cup all purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika
- Lightly whisk the eggs in a second bowl.2 eggs
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels.2 pounds chicken tenders
- Coat each chicken strip in flour, then dip into the egg, let the excess drip off and then dip it back into the flour. Place the coated chicken strips on a plate.
- Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray. Place the breaded chicken tenders into the basket of your air fryer being careful to leave a little space in between each one. Spray the tops of the chicken with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray.Cooking spray
- Set your air fryer to 400°F. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken tenders. Flip and cook an additional 5 to 6 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. You may need to work in batches.
- Transfer the chicken tenders to a paper-towel lined plate and sprinkle with salt to taste.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, if desired.
Notes
Tips and Techniques
- Ensure the chicken is dry before breading. This will help the breading stick to the chicken better.
- After dipping the tenders in the egg, you can dip them in breadcrumbs or panko instead of back into the flour, if you prefer.
- The thickness of the chicken tenders will cause cooking times to vary slightly. For thinner, smaller tenders, you may want to start with 5 minutes on each side, then check for doneness before continuing. The internal temperature of chicken needs to reach 165°F on a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the thickest portion.
- Store leftover chicken strips tightly covered in the refrigerator. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven to re-crisp the breading. Consume within 3-4 days.
Elizabeth says
These chicken tenders came out very crispy – exactly how we like them! My kids devoured these chicken tender! Will definitely make again!