The Best Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Crispy Recipe)
Looking for crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders? This recipe is IT! Your whole family will enjoy this easy recipe for homemade chicken strips, made with simple seasonings, egg wash and breadcrumbs.
If you have kids like me (or you’re a kid at heart), you go through some chicken strips at home! My son loves chicken tenders, but he’s a little picky about the quality! For him, chicken fingers can’t be soggy. And, they need to be made with whole chicken tender pieces (not the processed chicken bits).That leaves us with one brand of frozen tenders (or chicken nuggets) that I can buy, but he’s always happy with these homemade air fryer chicken tenders!
I tell him all the time, he doesn’t even know how lucky he is that his Mama cooks for a living.
Lucky for me, making chicken tenders in the air fryer is easy enough! I usually buy a family-sized pack of chicken tenders and make a big batch, because these keep well in the fridge or freezer. And, they reheat back to crispy if you put them back in the air fryer.
I think that short of deep frying, air frying is absolutely the best method for cooking chicken tenderloins and getting them nice and crispy!
Recipe Substitutions
You can also use whole raw boneless skinless chicken breasts for this tender recipe! Depending on the size of the bread, you will need to cut each chicken breast into 3-4 long strips, then proceed with the breading and cooking process! You could also use boneless skinless chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat.
Use any type of breadcrumbs that you have!
Instead of the Cajun/creole seasoning, feel free to use regular or smoked paprika.
Recipe Tips
- Have a kiddo that prefers nuggets? No problem! You can make air fryer chicken nuggets pretty easily. Just cut each raw chicken tender into 3-4 small pieces, then toss in the breading mixture!
- Cooking spray is your friend! Spray it generously on the dry coating as much as you need to to help the tenders crisp up and get golden brown. I use olive oil or avocado oil spray, but use what you have!
- They do make liners for your air fryer basket for easy cleanup! You can also line with parchment paper or aluminum foil. I usually do NOT line my baskets because I worry that it will restrict the hot air flow, which is what crisps the chicken!
- A preheated air fryer will help get you a nice and crispy finish on the breading!
- I recommend keeping an instant read meat thermometer on hand in the kitchen anytime you’re cooking! This will help you instantly know the internal temperature of your chicken, which should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Arranging your air fryer chicken tenderloins in a single layer in the air fryer basket will help them get crispy. Make sure there’s at least a thumb’s worth of space between each piece, to allow the air to flow through!
Looking for another easy air fryer recipe? Check out all of the air fryer recipes on Blackberry Babe.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce on the side! I love ketchup and a good sweet honey mustard. BBQ sauce and aioli are also great options!
I think this Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe is fantastic with a classic coleslaw recipe like my Vinegar Coleslaw (no mayo), some French fries or sweet potato fries, and a fruit salad! During the summer months, you could use it as an easy dinner recipe. Just pair with some grilled corn on the cob or a nice macaroni salad recipe!
For the winter months, these are a comforting, easy meal when paired with this Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole or my Panko Baked Mac and Cheese.
You could also serve these crispy chicken tenders on a brunch spread with waffles, or even as a part of this Breakfast Board with your favorite sauces!
Interested in another air fryer chicken recipe? I LOVE my Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs and my Air Fryer Chicken Wings!
Saving Leftover Air Fryer Chicken Fingers
You can absolutely save any leftover chicken tenders that you have! Place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. They also freeze well, up to 4 months in an airtight freezer bag!
I think the best way to heat them up is in the air fryer for a few minutes! You could also bake them on a baking sheet in the oven until they’re warmed through. Both of these methods will help them crisp right back up.
The Best Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 2 pounds raw chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper ground
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning or Old Bay
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs seasoned
- 1/2 cup seasoned Panko
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. After pre-heating, spray the inside of the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- While the air fryer pre-heats, dry the raw chicken tenders with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic, onion, baking powder and cajun seasoning.
- In a separate small bowl, add all breadcrumbs, stir to combine.
- In a separate third bowl, add the eggs and whisk well.
- Place the dried chicken tenders in a bowl or Ziploc bag. Add the spice mixture and shake or toss to coat the tenders with seasoning.
- Next, dip each seasoned chicken tender in the egg mixture.
- Next, roll each chicken tender in the breadcrumbs until completely coated.
- Place each coated chicken tender in the greased air fryer basket in a single layer. Brush with olive oil or spray with cooking spray. This will help them get crispy and golden brown.
- Air fry for 6-7 minutes. Flip. Continue to air fry until golden brown and at an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit using an instant read meat thermometer. Spray with additional cooking spray throughout the cook time if needed to help the tenders turn golden brown.
- Remove from the air fryer and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
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