Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: No Grease, All Crunch! Let’s be honest—sometimes all you want is a solid plate of crispy chicken tenders. No judgment. Not the soggy frozen kind, not the ones that taste like cardboard, and definitely not the ones that leave your kitchen smelling like a deep fryer for three days. I’m talking about real chicken tenders. Juicy on the inside, golden on the outside, seasoned all the way through—and yes, made in the air fryer.
These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are the kind of meal that hits the spot whether you’re feeding kids, feeding yourself after a long day, or just trying to avoid spending $15 on takeout that won’t even be hot when it arrives. And the best part? You can make them in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
The secret to these tenders isn’t fancy—it’s all about seasoning and texture. You start by marinating your chicken in buttermilk with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a little salt and pepper. If you’ve never marinated chicken in buttermilk before, just know it’s a game changer. It tenderizes the meat and adds a subtle tangy flavor that makes everything taste better. You only need 20 minutes, but if you remember to throw it together the night before, even better.
Homemade Panko Mixture
Then comes the coating: a crispy, golden mixture of Panko breadcrumbs and the same seasoning crew from earlier. This is what gives that crunch you’re craving—without frying in oil. The egg wash helps the crumbs stick, and a quick spray of oil over the top helps everything crisp up perfectly in the air fryer.
And yes, these actually do get crispy. Like, pick-them-up-with-your-hands-and-hear-the-crunch crispy. The air fryer works its magic in just 8 minutes, and flipping them halfway through makes sure they’re golden on both sides. No oil splatter, no messy cleanup, just a basket of hot, crunchy, juicy chicken.
Ingredients in this crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Chicken: The tenderloin is a strip of meat that is located underside of the breast of a chicken. We love it because it is super very tender and juicy.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken for that juicy and delicious burst of flavor.
- Eggs: Acts as a binder to help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
- Bread crumbs: We love the taste of Panko breadcrumbs but you can use any kind you prefer, including gluten free bread crumbs.
- Salt and pepper: Add these to taste
- Smoked Paprika: We love the flavor of smoked paprika but you can use regular paprika. Some people like to really spice it up by adding chili powder or cayenne
- Pepper. Feel free to add what you prefer!
- Garlic powder: You can’t go wrong with this seasoning. It adds an extra layer of flavor that leaves you craving more.
- Cooking spray: Helps the chicken not stick to the air fryer basket. You can also use olive oil spray in a spray bottle.
What’s the best way of removing the tendon from the tenderloin above?
I personally find it easiest to grab the end of the tendon with a paper towel as you see here, while holding the other side of the chicken firmly with a fork. Then I just yank it out! Some people like to use kitchen scissors, or a sharp knife.
Arrange them neatly in your air fryer basket
FAQ
Can I use this recipe with chicken thighs or skinless chicken breasts?
Yes! Just be sure to cut chicken breasts lengthwise into thin strips of mostly equal sizes
so they can cook evenly.
Can I make chicken nuggets instead of chicken tenders?
You certainly can! Simply cut up the tenderloins into smaller sizes and reduce your
cooking time.
Do I need to pre-heat my air fryer before cooking the tenders?
You don’t need to but it’s recommended. Instead of preheating, you can just add 3-4
minutes to the cook time or until the chicken is crispy.
What pairs well with these air fryer chicken tenderloins?
These juicy chicken tenders go well with french fries, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, mac
and cheese,roasted veggies, baked beans, corn on the cob,or add them on top of a
salad! Our favorite ways to eat these crispy tenders are to dip chicken in ranch
dressing, honey mustard, hot sauce or drizzle some fresh lemon juice over the juicy
chicken.
How can I tell that my chicken is cooked through?
To check for doneness of your homemade chicken tenders, be sure the internal
temperature of the chicken is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can measure this
using a meat thermometer.
More questions answered
How do I store leftover chicken tenders?
Simply place the leftovers in an airtight container before storing in the fridge. They can
be kept in the fridge for about 3 days. The best way to reheat them is by using the air
fryer at 350 degrees for 3-5 minutes or until they’re heated through.
Can I reheat my chicken tenders in the microwave?
You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re really pressed for time. Reheating
them in the air fryer or oven is what will help restore their crispiness.
Can I freeze these breaded tenders?
Absolutely! Just place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper until they are
completely frozen. You can then store them in a ziplock bag or airtight container for up
to 3 months in the freezer.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use gluten free breadcrumbs or seasoned gluten free flour, rice
flour or potato starch
What I love about these tenders—besides how fast they cook—is how versatile they are. Serve them with fries and ketchup for a classic vibe, pair them with a salad to feel slightly more adult, or throw them into wraps, tacos, or rice bowls to stretch them through the week. Leftovers (if you somehow have any) reheat well in the air fryer, too—just a couple minutes and they’re as good as new.
Also? This recipe’s easy enough that once you make it a couple times, it basically lives in your head. No measuring spoons, no fancy gadgets. Just a few bowls, a few ingredients, and a little trust in your air fryer.
In summary, fryer chicken tenders are a healthier version of the classic deep-fried chicken tenders. They are made by coating chicken tenderloins with breadcrumbs, then cooking them in an air fryer until they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The crispy tenders are a quick and easy meal that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of side dishes.
If you’re new to air frying, this is a great place to start. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together, even if your sink is full of dishes and you’re eating dinner on the couch in sweats. No shame. Just really good chicken tenders.
More Air Fryer Recipes to Try!
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Tender Ingredients
- 2 pounds Chicken tenderloins
- 2 Large eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
Ingredients for marinade
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Ingredients for breading
- 2 Cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
Instructions
- Place the raw chicken tenderloins on a cutting board and remove the tendon. To remove the tenderloin, pierce it with a fork and then use a paper towel to grip the exposed end. Peel away the silver skin carefully and then trim any excess fat or connective tissue.
- To a large bowl add buttermilk, paprika, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix the ingredients well using a whisk or a fork. Marinade the chicken in the seasoned buttermilk for 20 minutes or overnight.
- In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs. In a different shallow bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and black pepper until well combined
- Dip chicken in the egg wash, then coat each piece in the bread crumbs and seasoning mix until the chicken pieces are adequately covered in the mix. Shake to remove excess breadcrumbs.
- Spray the the chicken as well as the air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray and then place the chicken in the air fryer in a single layer. Cook the seasoned chicken at 400F for 8 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time.
- Once cooked, remove the cooked chicken from the air fryer and serve your crispy chicken tenders with BBQ sauce, Ranch or your favorite dipping sauce & Enjoy!
Equipment
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