Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

4.56 from 9 votes

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 strips. These chicken tenders are just as crunchy and juicy as deep-fried chicken, and all of the ingredients are pantry staples. Air frying is a quick, healthy method to cook a family-friendly meal.

Prep Time10

Cook Time15

Total Time25

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: American, Chicken

Servings: servings

Calories: 280kcal

Author: Lauren Harris

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.

** Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary.

Nutrition