Name: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breast); 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 large eggs; Cooking spray or olive oil spray; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (for heat); ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon flour (for extra coating adhesion)

Jump to Recipe

Intro

The Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe came into my life on one of those chaotic evenings when I still had my chef coat on, my feet aching, and zero desire to babysit a frying pan.

I wanted something crispy, comforting, and satisfying—but without the oil splatters and heavy feeling afterward. I remember seasoning the chicken, sliding the basket into the air fryer, and thinking, There’s no way this will actually be crunchy. Then I pulled them out.

Golden. Juicy. Crispy in that deeply satisfying way that makes you steal one straight off the tray and burn your fingers because you just can’t wait.

As a female chef, I’ve cooked chicken a hundred different ways, but this Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe quickly became one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s fast, reliable, and gives you that nostalgic crunch without the mess. Perfect for weeknights, picky eaters, or when you just want something cozy and familiar.

What is Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe?

The Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe is a lighter, modern take on classic breaded chicken tenders. Instead of deep frying, the chicken is coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and cooked using hot circulating air, creating a crisp exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

What makes this recipe special is the balance. You still get that crunchy bite, the savory seasoning, and the comforting flavor—but without excess oil. It’s an easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe that feels indulgent without being heavy, and that’s a win in my kitchen.

Equipment List

You don’t need much—this is weeknight-friendly cooking at its best:

Air fryer
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Shallow bowls for dredging
Tongs
Cooking spray or oil spray

Ingredients

These ingredients are pantry staples and work beautifully for homemade Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe results.

1 ½ pounds chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breast)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs
Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Optional ingredients:

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (for heat)
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon flour (for extra coating adhesion)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures immediate crisping once the chicken goes in.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. The mixture should smell savory and slightly cheesy.

Step 3: Whisk the Eggs

In another bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. This helps the coating cling evenly to the chicken.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken tender into the egg, then press into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure every inch is coated—this is where the crunch comes from.

Step 5: Arrange in the Air Fryer

Place chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with oil to encourage browning.

Step 6: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through. The outside should be crisp, the inside juicy.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for 2–3 minutes before serving. This keeps the juices locked in.

Chef’s Tips for Extra Crispy Tenders

Years in professional kitchens taught me a few tricks:

Don’t overcrowd the basket
Use panko for maximum crunch
Spray lightly with oil—not too much
Flip halfway for even browning

Dipping Sauces That Never Fail

Chicken tenders live for dipping. Here are my favorites:

Honey mustard
Classic ranch
Buffalo sauce
Garlic aioli
BBQ sauce

Why I Love This Recipe

This classic Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe hits all the right notes. It’s quick, dependable, and endlessly customizable. After long days cooking professionally, this is the kind of food I crave—simple, comforting, and made with care.

It’s also one of those recipes that makes people happy, and that’s always been my favorite part of cooking.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers:

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 4–5 minutes
Avoid microwaving to keep them crispy

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, just slice them into even strips.

How do I know they’re cooked through?
Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely—use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Is this an easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe for beginners?
Very much so. Simple steps and forgiving cook time.

Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze after cooking and reheat in the air fryer.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. Crispy, juicy, and endlessly versatile, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Serve it hot, dip generously, and enjoy every crunchy bite.