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–+ servings
air fryer chicken tenders on plate with bbq sauce
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4.62 from 184 votes

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

Crispy, cheesy, breaded air fryer chicken tenders are a family favorite and so easy to make. 4 ingredients and ready in 20 minutes!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Total Time18 minutes
Course: Appetizer, lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 403kcal
Author: Becky Hardin

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders *
  • kosher salt to taste
  • ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1¼ cups Panko breadcrumbs **
  • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional

Instructions

  • Season chicken tenders with salt and pepper to taste.
    2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders, kosher salt, ground black pepper
    Shredded air fryer chicken tenders in a bowl on a white surface.
  • Whisk eggs in a shallow dish.
    2 large eggs
    A white bowl with a yellow liquid in it, surrounded by plump air fryer chicken tenders.
  • In a separate shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
    1¼ cups Panko breadcrumbs, ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
    A bowl of rice and spices on a white surface with air fryer chicken tenders as a savory accompaniment.
  • Dip each chicken tender in the egg mixture.
    A white bowl with a piece of chicken in it, served with air fryer chicken tenders.
  • Then coat in the breadcrumbs.
    An air fryer chicken tender served atop a bed of fluffy white rice.
  • Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer.
    breaded chicken tenders in air fryer
  • Cook at 400°F for 8 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through.
    Air fryer chicken tenders on a white surface.

Video

Notes

*You can use boneless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips.
**Panko breadcrumbs create a super crispy outside layer, but you can use normal breadcrumbs if that's what you have. Or skip the breadcrumbs and dredge in flour.
Becky's Top Tips:
  • Be sure to coat all sides of the chicken tenders with the breadcrumb mixture, so that they get crisp in the Air Fryer.
  • Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; the chicken tenders should be placed in a single layer. Cook them in two batches if needed.
  • Check that the internal temperature of the tenders is at least 165°F before serving.
  • These chicken fingers can also be tossed in a sauce after air-frying. Try Buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or teriyaki sauce!
  • Seasoning Ideas: I've tried Italian seasoning, chicken seasoning, herbs de Provence, taco seasoning, and cajun seasoning, and they're all delicious! Use any combination of herbs and spices you like.
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

Serving: 0.5pound | Calories: 403kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 56g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 245mg | Sodium: 1163mg | Potassium: 926mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 275IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 134mg | Iron: 2mg