Go Back
Print

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are crispy, golden, and juicy inside, with a delicious panko coating. They are easy to make with simple ingredients and ready in about 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, lunch, or family-friendly snack, these homemade chicken tenders use less oil than traditional deep-frying.
Course Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American
Keyword air fryer chicken strips, air fryer chicken tenders, chicken tenders in air fryer, crispy chicken tenders in air fryer
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 350kcal

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Meat Thermometer
  • 3 shalow bowls
  • Tongs

Ingredients

  • 1 lb or 500 gm chicken tenderloins
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon corn starch
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • spray olive oil
  • For Breadind
  • ½ cup all purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs/ beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

Pat the chicken tenderloins completely dry with paper towels.

    Season the chicken with garlic powder, smoked paprika, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and a light coating of olive oil.

      Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.

        Coat each chicken tender lightly in flour, shaking off any excess.

          Dip the floured chicken into the beaten egg.

            Press each tender firmly into the panko breadcrumbs so the coating sticks well.

              Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.

                Lightly spray both sides of the breaded chicken tenders with olive oil spray.

                  Arrange the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overlap or overcrowd.

                    Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 7 minutes.

                      Flip the chicken tenders and cook for another 3–5 minutes, or until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

                        Remove from the air fryer and let them rest for 2 minutes before serving.

                          Notes

                          • Pat the chicken dry before breading for a crispier coating.
                          • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
                          • Press the panko firmly onto the chicken so the breading stays attached.
                          • For extra crispy tenders, lightly spray the panko coating with olive oil before cooking.
                          • Cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the chicken and your air fryer model.
                          • Always check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
                          • For a lower-carb option, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour and skip the panko coating.
                          • Serve with ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or buffalo sauce.

                          Nutrition

                          • Serving Size: 4 tenders
                          • Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
                          • Protein: Approximately 35 g
                          • Carbohydrates: Approximately 30 g
                          • My special tip: For the crispiest air fryer chicken tenders, let the breaded chicken rest for 5 minutes before air frying. This helps the panko coating stick better and gives you a crunchier, more golden crust.
                            Fat:                             Approximately 10 g