Crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned, these air fryer chicken tenders are a game-changer for quick, satisfying meals. With just 20 minutes from start to finish, you’ll enjoy tender, juicy chicken coated in a crunchy, flavorful crust that rivals your favorite takeout. The air fryer works its magic, delivering that irresistible texture without the extra oil.
Packed with 44g of protein and a hint of savory spices, these tenders are as wholesome as they are delicious. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce or a fresh salad for a meal that’s both light and indulgent. Perfect for busy weeknights or a fun family dinner, this recipe is a must-try for anyone craving comfort food made easy.
What You’ll Need for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- 12 Chicken Tenders (about 1¼ pounds)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 Tablespoon water
- 1 cup Italian bread crumbs (or substitute with panko for extra crunch)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated works best)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Favorite dipping sauce (BBQ sauce, ranch, or honey mustard are great options)
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle the chicken tenders with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Prepare the egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs and water until well combined.
- Mix the coating: In a medium bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, then into the bread crumb mixture, shaking off any excess coating.
- Preheat the air fryer: Place a couple of chicken tenders in the air fryer basket. Insert the basket into the inner pot and attach the air fryer lid.
- Cook the chicken: Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 6 minutes. Remove the lid, flip each tender over, and cook for another 6 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Repeat: Continue cooking the remaining chicken tenders in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the basket.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Dipping Sauce & Topping Ideas to Elevate Your Tenders
While BBQ sauce is a classic choice, try experimenting with other flavors! Honey mustard, ranch, or even a spicy sriracha mayo can add a fun twist. For toppings, sprinkle fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, or add a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Chicken Tenders
These air fryer chicken tenders are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Serve them with crispy fries, a fresh garden salad, or steamed veggies for a balanced meal. For a fun casual dinner, turn them into wraps with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce!
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
To save time, prep your chicken tenders ahead of time! You can coat them in the breadcrumb mixture and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Additionally, consider doubling the batch to have leftovers for quick meals or snacks later in the week.
Storage & Reheating: Keep Them Crispy & Delicious
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to retain their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
Recipe Variations to Keep It Exciting
Mix things up by swapping the breadcrumbs for panko for extra crunch, or add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the breadcrumb mixture for a smoky or spicy kick. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
Equipment
- air fryer
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders
- 12 Chicken Tenders, about 1¼ pounds
Seasoning
- salt and pepper, to taste
Egg Mixture
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 Tablespoon water
Bread Crumb Mixture
- 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
Serving
- Favorite dipping sauce, (we love BBQ sauce)
Instructions
- Sprinkle chicken tenders with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix together eggs and water.
- In another medium bowl, mix together bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, then into the bread crumb mixture, making sure to shake off any excess mixture.
- Place a couple of chicken tenders in the air fryer basket. Put the basket into the inner pot, place the air fryer lid on top. Set the temperature to 400 degrees for 6 minutes.
- Take off the lid, flip each tender over, and cook for another 6 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and is golden on the outside.
- Repeat with remaining chicken tenders.
- Serve and enjoy!