These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are golden, crunchy, juicy, and incredibly easy to make! They’re the perfect family-friendly dinner, quick lunch, game-day snack, or easy appetizer. No deep frying needed—just a few simple ingredients and your air fryer for perfectly crispy chicken every time. 🍗✨
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into strips
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Cooking spray or a little olive oil
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the chicken
Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. If using chicken breast, cut it into evenly sized strips so everything cooks at the same rate.
2. Set up your breading station
Place the flour in one shallow bowl. Beat the eggs in a second bowl. In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Coat the chicken
Dip each chicken strip into the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it is fully coated. Finally, press it into the seasoned breadcrumbs until completely covered.
4. Preheat the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes, if your model requires preheating.
5. Arrange the tenders
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece. Avoid overcrowding the basket.
6. Air fry
Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 9–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of your chicken.
7. Check for doneness
The tenders should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
8. Serve immediately
Let the tenders rest for 1–2 minutes, then serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
🍯 Best Dipping Sauces
Try them with:
- Honey mustard
- Ranch
- BBQ sauce
- Sweet chili sauce
- Buffalo sauce
- Garlic aioli
- Ketchup
🔥 Tips for Extra-Crispy Chicken
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy coating.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Lightly spray the breaded chicken with oil before cooking.
- Flip the tenders halfway through for even browning.
- For the juiciest chicken, avoid overcooking and use a meat thermometer.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy without deep frying.
Ready in about 20 minutes.
Juicy chicken with a crunchy coating.
Kid-friendly and family-approved.
Perfect for dinner, snacks, or meal prep.
Pro tip: Serve these crispy tenders straight from the air fryer with honey mustard and a side of crispy fries for an easy meal everyone will ask for again!
