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These air fryer chicken tenders are a lifesaver on crazy weeknights. Crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor—plus they cook up fast and my kids actually ask for seconds. Total win!
A Reader’s Review
I have tried several air fried chicken recipes and this is by far the best. Turns out perfect every time. My husband is very picky and he loves this chicken!
Why These Tenders Are a Total Win
- Crispy without the Mess: I love a good crispy bite, but not the oily mess. Air frying gives you that same delicious crunch without the splatter or cleanup!
- Quick and Kid-Approved: On the table in under 20 minutes and a hit with everyone (yes, even the picky eaters).
- Big on Flavor: Parmesan and garlic are the stars of the show. SO GOOD.
Air Fryer Chicken Tender Ingredients
- Use Panko for Crunch: Panko crisps up better since it’s lighter and absorbs less oil. Regular bread crumbs work, but won’t be as crunchy.
- Flavor Profile: You can add different spices to your panko mixture. Try Italian, Mexican, Cajun, or whatever you like!
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Cooking up these chicken tenders in the air fryer is so quick and easy! You will be done from start to finish in just over 20 minutes. Want an actual deep-fried cheese and chicken snack? Make my chicken fritters!
- Prep and Coat with Flour: Set out three bowls. Fill one with flour, pepper, and salt. Stir. Fill the next bowl with olive oil or melted butter and minced garlic. Stir. Place dried basil, paprika, Panko breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese in the last bowl, then stir. First, coat the boneless, skinless chicken tenders in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour.
- Coat with Butter/Oil: Next, dip the flour-coated tender into the oil or butter and coat well, allowing excess to drip off.
- Coat with Panko Breadcrumbs: Finally, coat the chicken strips in the breadcrumb mixture, be sure it is completely coated for a nice, crispy breading.
- Air Fry: Place the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket of the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 9 minutes. Flip the tenders and cook for another 8-9 minutes until the internal temperature of the chicken is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Eat with my favorite honey mustard sauce.
Alyssa’s Best Breading Tip!
How to Keep the Breading On: Press the crumbs firmly into the chicken, then give the tenders a light spray of cooking oil—this helps the coating stick and adds extra crisp.
Don’t Crowd the Air Fryer
Air Flow = Crispy Tenders: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might have to cook in batches. Leave space so the air can do its thing. If they touch, they won’t get crispy.
How to Store Leftovers
These air fryer chicken tenders can easily be stored and reheated the next day! It’s the perfect, protein-packed lunch or snack!
- In the Refrigerator: Store leftover tenders in an airtight container or large resealable bag in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- In the Freezer: Freeze these after they have cooled completely. To keep from sticking, line them on a baking sheet for 2 hours in the freezer. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat: To keep them crispy, reheat them in the air fryer. Heat at 350ºF for 5-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, till hot.
Sauces for Dipping
Serve with crispy homemade fries and your favorite dipping sauce. We love honey mustard and ranch! Here are a few more options for you to try!
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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 6 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
- Set out three bowls. Fill one with 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, & 1/2 teaspoon salt . Stir. Fill the next bowl with 6 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter and 3 teaspoons minced garlic. Stir. Place 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs, and 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese, in the last bowl. Stir.
- First, coat the 1 ¼ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenders in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour.
- Next, dip the flour-coated tender into the oil or butter and coat well, allowing excess to drip off.
- Finally, coat the tenders in the breadcrumb mixture, be sure they are completely coated for a nice, crispy breading.
- Place the tenders in the basket of the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 9 minutes. Flip the tenders and cook for another 8-9 minutes until the chicken's internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
These were fabulous! Such great flavor. The chicken coating was crispy while the chicken itself was so moist and perfectly cooked.
not good. coating doesn’t stick, tastes greasy.
I’d give it 10 stars if I could. These easy to follow instructions made the best weeknight dinner! Kiddos loved it
I have a convection oven. What temperature and cooking time would I use?
As a recent owner of an Air Fryer I was worried that I’d struggle to find good recipes. These were absolutely delicious! The chicken was so succulent and tasty, we had them with a Caesar salad. Can’t wait to play about with the herbs/spices. I also used Gran Padano instead of parmesan as it’s got a more nutty flavour. Such a winner in our house!
We’ll never by chicken strips at a restaurant again!
I soaked my chicken in buttermilk for 5 hours before I dredged them, making them really tender.
I used shredded parm instead of grated and wow! My hubs is in love with them
I can’t wait to try different types of spices! I’m thinking of tossing a packet of ranch dressing mix in to the flour.
The best strips ever!
I enjoyed this recipe!
I used “Bull Dog Tonkatsu Sauce,” which went well with the chicken.
I will be bookmarking this to make it again. Thank you!
Can you recommend a quality air fryer? Thank you.
I love my air fryer from Sur La Table. I don’t see it on their site anymore. Costco has a great 6-7 quart air fryer as well as Amazon.
Making this for the 2nd time tonight. My teenager asks for it often. We serve it over spaghetti with a little sauce.
I work at a group home. I made these for my clients. They loved them. Great flavor very tender.
I made these tonight for dinner and they were delicious! I’m a picky eater most of the time and don’t like to try new foods but this actually sounded very good. I will definitely be making this again.
First time using a air fryer, are you suppose to spray the basket with cooking spray?
That is the best idea but I know some air fryers are already non-stick.
Wow, can’t wait to try this.
Here for the giveaway, but this looks yum!!!
Hi. What kind of dippingsauce are you using in the picture?
It is a honey mustard dipping sauce that I got from the grocery store.
Delicious!!
This is a Fabulous Recipe !! I’ll Definitely be making this One Again !! Thank You so Much for the Recipe !!