Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders is an easy recipe that takes just 30 minutes to make. Made with pantry staples, they are more delicious than frozen tenders bought from the grocery store. Plus, quicker than baking and healthier than deep fried.

It’s common knowledge that chicken tenders or chicken nuggets are a hit with kids and adults alike. This is why they are enjoyed on a regular rotation, whether at home or when dining at a restaurant.

Homemade chicken tenders is one comfort food that you should be making from scratch.

You might want control of ingredients, less preservatives, and a healthier option. These crispy air fryer chicken tenders with flour will be a hit with the whole family.

If budget friendly is key, costs for prepared food keep going up. Yet I’ve noticed some great deals on boneless skinless chicken breasts.

Homemade air fryer chicken tenders is a solution for batch cooking, meal prep, and having say in what goes in your food. Especially the ones your kids ask for most often.

Ingredients Required

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy air fryer chicken tenders recipe. Be sure to scroll to the recipe card for precise measurements. 

Recipe Variations

• Make it spicy – add in some chili powder or cayenne pepper and bring some heat to these chicken tenders.

How to Make Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer

As always, the full recipe is on the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

1. Set up the dredging station. 
   
   Pour the flour into a shallow bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the egg, water, and Dijon. In a third bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, cheeses, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. 
   
   
2. Bread the chicken. 
   
   Dip each piece of dried chicken in the flour (coating all sides), then in the egg mixture, and then in the breadcrumb mixture. Arrange the breaded pieces in a single layer on a plate or rack while you bread the remaining pieces. 
   
   
3. Prepare the air fryer. 
   
   Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and spray its basket with non-stick cooking spray. 
   
   
   
4. Air fry. 
   
   Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the bottom of your air fryer basket (of the preheated air fryer). DO NOT crowd the basket. Cook in batches if needed.
   
   Air fry each batch for 10 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through.
   
   They are done when golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees when using a meat thermometer.
   
   
   
5. Serve. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce. 

Storage Instructions:

How to Freeze Homemade Chicken Tenders

One of the best things is that this is a great recipe to prepare ahead of time and freeze for later.

Simply make the recipe and place the uncooked tenders on a baking sheet. Flash freeze for 1 hour, then transfer to a large freezer bag or airtight container. They will be good for up to 3 months.

To cook frozen tenders, there is no need to unthaw first. Preheat the air fryer to 375F, and then cook for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Again, it’s always a good idea to check the internal temperature for doneness.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Of course you’ll want your favorite dipping sauce such as ketchup, sweet and sour sauce, plum sauce, honey mustard, marinara sauce, or even tzatziki.

One of the most classic side dishes to serve with chicken tenders is french fries, Spiced Chili Cheese Fries, Baked Zucchini Fries, or Sweet Potato Wedges. Yet here are some more suggestions for side dishes:

What to do with Chicken Tender Leftovers

With leftover chicken tenders, you can reheat and enjoy as is.

Or, you can add reheat and add to the top of a salad, such as our Oriental Chicken Salad. You can also use them for a delicious sandwich or chicken wrap.

FAQ’s

Should I eat air fryer chicken tenders warm or cold?

These crispy chicken tenders are best enjoyed warm. To learn how to reheat leftovers that have gone cold, check out the section above titled “Storage Instructions”. 

Can I make this in an oven?

You can make these chicken tenders in the oven if you don’t have access to an air fryer. Bread the tenders just as you normally would, arrange them in a single layer on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper, and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. 

Do I have to use store-bought breadcrumbs or can I make my own?

You can totally use homemade breadcrumbs. Just make sure they have a nice, fine, coarse sand-like texture. No chunky breadcrumbs here, please! 

Can I make this ahead of time and freeze it?

You can! Bread the chicken tenderloins and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Pop them in the freezer for a couple of hours to firm up before transferring them to a freezer bag. You can keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months. 

When you are ready to enjoy, cook the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer just as you normally would. Just air fry them for about 15 minutes (instead of 10), flipping halfway through.

Can I use a liner in the air fryer?

Absolutely. Air fryer liners make cleanup so much easier. 

More Air Fryer Recipes