Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a firm family favorite, thanks to the cheesy and crispy breadcrumb coating. They come out super crunchy on the outside and perfectly juicy and tender on the inside. Making chicken fingers in the Air Fryer is just so quick and easy (5 ingredients and less than 20 minutes), I can’t help but make them over and over again.

As a busy mom of two, this air-fried chicken tenders recipe is a life saver! Not only are these easy to make, but they’re healthier than the typical fried strips. My kids request them time and time again, and I’m so happy I can cook them up for easy meals.

What’s in this Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe?

• Chicken Tenders: Use boneless, skinless chicken tenders (tenderloins).
• Eggs: Eggs help bind the breadcrumbs to the chicken.
• Breadcrumbs: Use Panko Breadcrumbs to create a crispy coating.
• Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds subtle flavor to the coating.

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Variations to Try

Sometimes I like to change up the flavor of these homemade Air Fryer chicken tenders by adding different seasonings to the breadcrumb mixture. I’ve tried Italian seasoning, herbs de Provence, taco seasoning, cajun seasoning, and blackened seasoning, and they’re all delicious!

These chicken fingers can also be tossed in a sauce after air-frying–try Buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or teriyaki sauce!

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover air fryer chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 375°F for about 4 minutes until warmed through. Add a few extra minutes if reheating from frozen.

Notes and Tips

• Be sure to coat all sides of the chicken tenders with the breadcrumb mixture, so that they get crisp in the Air Fryer.
• You may need to cook them in batches to make sure they get fully crisped.
• These crispy chicken fingers are perfect for serving with dips like BBQ, ketchup, Chick Fil A Sauce, ranch, and other sauces!

4.60 from 184 votes

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

Chicken tenders are a family favorite, and when cooked in the air fryer they are hands down delicious! Super crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside.

Step by step photos below the recipe card.

Prep: 10 minutes minutes

Cook: 8 minutes minutes

Total Time : 18 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 people

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Ingredients

• ▢ 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders
• ▢ Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• ▢ 2 large eggs
• ▢ 1¼ cups Panko breadcrumbs
• ▢ ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

• Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper.
  2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders, Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  
• Whisk the eggs in a shallow dish.
  2 large eggs
  
• In a separate shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.
  1¼ cups Panko breadcrumbs, ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  
• Dip each chicken tender in the egg mixture and coat in the breadcrumbs.
  
• Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer.
  
• Cook at 400°F for 8 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through.
  

Notes

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; the chicken tenders should be placed in a single layer. Cook them in two batches if needed.
• Panko breadcrumbs create a super crispy outside layer, but you can use normal breadcrumbs if that’s what you have.
• Check that the internal temperature of the tenders is at least 165°F before serving.

Storage: Store air fryer chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

Amount Per Serving (0.5 pound)

Calories 403 Calories from Fat 108

% Daily Value*

Fat 12g18%

Saturated Fat 4g25%

Trans Fat 0.04g

Polyunsaturated Fat 2g

Monounsaturated Fat 3g

Cholesterol 245mg82%

Sodium 1163mg51%

Potassium 926mg26%

Carbohydrates 15g5%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 56g112%

Vitamin A 275IU6%

Vitamin C 3mg4%

Calcium 134mg13%

Iron 2mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Author: Becky Hardin

Course:Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine:American

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How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Step by Step

Season the Chicken: Season 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken tenders with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Make a Dredging Station: Whisk 2 large eggs together in a shallow bowl. In a separate shallow bowl, combine 1¼ cups of Panko breadcrumbs and ⅓ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.

Dredge the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, then into the breadcrumbs to coat.

Cook the Tenders: Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer with space between them. You may need to cook in batches. Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through.

More Chicken Tender Recipes to Try

Instant Pot Chicken Tenders

Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders

Baked Chicken Strips

Pretzel Chicken