Crispy, Juicy, & Healthier!
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe (Ready in 30 Minutes!)
Looking for a crowd-pleasing meal thatโs crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and guilt-free? Say hello to these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders! Perfect for busy weeknights, kid-friendly dinners, or game-day snacks, this recipe delivers all the crunch of fried chicken with 90% less oil! Letโs dive in!
Why Youโll Love This Recipe 
Healthier than deep-frying (but just as delicious!)
Ready in 30 minutes โ prep to plate!
Crispy without the grease โ thanks to your air fryerโs magic!
Kid-approved and picky-eater-friendly
Versatile โ pair with dips, salads, or fries!
Ingredients Youโll Need 
(Serves 4)
- 1 lb chicken tenders (or boneless chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp milk (or plant-based milk)
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ยฝ tsp salt
- ยฝ tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray (avocado or olive oil)
(Optional: Add ยฝ tsp cayenne for a spicy kick! )
Step-by-Step Instructions 
Prep Station Setup
- Create a dredging station:
- Bowl 1: Flour + salt + pepper.
- Bowl 2: Whisked eggs + milk.
- Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs + paprika + garlic powder + onion powder.
Coat the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry. Dip each tender into Bowl 1 (flour), then Bowl 2 (egg), and finally Bowl 3 (breadcrumbs). Press gently to coat evenly.
Air Fryer Time!
- Preheat air fryer to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) for 3 minutes.
- Lightly spray the basket with oil. Arrange tenders in a single layer (no overlapping!).
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Spray lightly with oil for extra crispiness!
Serve & Enjoy!
- Let cool for 2 minutes. Serve with your favorite dips (honey mustard, BBQ, or ranch!) and sides.
Pro Tips for Success 
Donโt overcrowd the basket โ cook in batches for even crisping.
Use panko breadcrumbs for maximum crunch.
Spritz with oil โ a little goes a long way for golden perfection.
Check internal temp โ chicken should reach 165ยฐF (74ยฐC).
Serving Ideas 
- Classic Combo: Fries + tenders + coleslaw
- Healthy Twist: Salad + avocado + lemon wedges
- Snack Attack: Dipping sauce trio (ranch, sriracha mayo, honey!)
Final Thoughts 
These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a game-changer for anyone craving crispy comfort food without the guilt. Easy, fast, and endlessly customizable, theyโre sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Tag us on social media when you try this recipe! Got questions? Drop them below โ weโre here to help!
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Hungry for more? Check out our [Air Fryer Hacks Guide] or [Weeknight Dinner Recipes]!