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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Dip them, dunk them or douse them in sauce – these homemade air fryer chicken tenders are weeknight dinner winners. Made with just a few simple ingredients, these chicken tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Plus, they’re ready in just minutes, making them the perfect weeknight meal.

Homemade air fryer chicken tenders on a white plate.

Why you’ll love homemade air fryer chicken tenders

  • Quick to make. Juicy, crunchy chicken tenders from start to finish in under 30 minutes.
  • Simple prep! Easy two-step coating with no messy raw egg needed.
  • Unbelievably crispy exterior from the circulating hot air.
  • Juicy, tasty chicken that beats any frozen chicken tender!

Scroll down for the printable recipe card for these crispy air fryer chicken tenders, or read on for all the details!

What do you need?

A flat lay of the ingredients for this recipe.

Chicken tenders

This recipe calls for fresh raw chicken tenderloins (chicken goujons), but you could also use chicken breast strips.

Panko crumbs

The crispy coating for this recipe is made using a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, which give the tenders a light texture and crunch. You can use regular breadcrumbs if you prefer.

Optional extra: You can add ¼ cup of shredded cheddar or parmesan for extra flavor.

Seasoning

The recipe below uses a store-bought seasoning mix. Use your own favorite chicken seasoning, or make a simple homemade mix from:

  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

If using store-bought seasoning, choose one with salt in it, or add a teaspoon of salt to unsalted seasoning.

You’ll need around 2 tablespoons of seasoning in total, so adjust that if you need to add salt (5 teaspoons unsalted seasoning + 1 teaspoon salt).

Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is used to stick the breadcrumbs to the tenderloins. It is much easier to use than raw egg or buttermilk, and creates a deliciously light coating with a satisfying crunch.

How to cook chicken tenders in the air fryer

This recipe is very simple to make, there are just a few key steps to getting it just right:

  1. Bread the chicken tenders. Place the chicken tenderloins in a bowl, then add the mayonnaise and seasonings and gently toss until the tenders are thoroughly coated. Firmly press each chicken tender into the breadcrumbs so that they stick well, and set aside while you crumb the rest of the batch.
  2. Prepare the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F / 180°C. Then lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket/ tray with oil to prevent the tenders from sticking. Alternatively, you can use an air fryer liner.
  3. Place raw chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Try to ensure they are not touching. You can cook them in batches if necessary.
  4. Air fry chicken tenders for around 12-18 minutes, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Don’t forget to flip them halfway through, if required for your air fryer.
Uncooked chicken tenders in air fryer tray.
Place breaded chicken tenders in air fryer basket or tray.
Air fried chicken tenders on air fryer tray.
Air fry chicken tenders until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.

Note: you can also cook these chicken tenders in a regular oven. Just place them on a lined baking sheet, and cook in the oven at 400°F/ 200°C for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.

How long to air fry chicken tenders

The exact cook time will depend on a few factors, including the size of the chicken tenders, as well as how powerful your air fryer is.

Chicken tenders need to be cooked until they reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F/ 74°C all the way through.

To confirm they are cooked correctly, check the internal temperature in the center of the largest chicken tenders with an instant-read thermometer. 

Homemade air fryer chicken tenderloins on a white plate.

Serving ideas

Crispy chicken tenders are wildly versatile for meals and snacks. Here are some delicious ways to serve up chicken tenders:

  • With classic honey mustard or barbecue sauce for dipping. Ranch and blue cheese work well too.
  • Over fresh greens for protein-packed main dish chicken salads. Top with avocado, nuts, and shredded cheese.
  • Chopped up in pasta dishes like penne alfredo, fettucine, or chicken parmesan for added texture.
  • On sandwiches and wraps with cheese, lettuce, tomato and spreads like mayo or hummus.
  • Over rice with steamed greens, drizzled teriyaki sauce and mayo.

Storing and reheating

Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and use them within 3 days. 

Reheat chicken tenders in the air fryer at 360°F/180°C for 5-10 minutes until heated through to 165°F/ 74°C. 

Homemade air fryer chicken tenders on a white plate.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

4.6 from 20 votes
Dip them, dunk them or douse them in sauce – these homemade air fryer chicken tenders are weeknight dinner winners. Made with just a few simple ingredients, these chicken tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Plus, they’re ready in just minutes, making them the perfect weeknight meal.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time22 minutes
Serves4

Ingredients

  • 2 lb / 900 g chicken tenders/ chicken goujons (Note 1)
  • 2 tablespoons chicken seasoning (Note 2)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup shredded cheddar or parmesan (optional)

Directions

  • Pat chicken tenderloins dry and place in a bowl.
  • Add the mayonnaise and seasonings, then gently toss to coat the tenderloins evenly in the mayo and seasonings.
  • Place the breadcrumbs into a large shallow bowl, then add the chicken tenders one at a time, pressing into the breadcrumbs to coat.
  • Preheat air fryer to 360°F/ 180°C.
  • Place crumbed chicken tenders in air fryer basket in a single layer. Try to ensure they are not touching.
  • Air fry chicken tenders for 12-18 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through, flipping them over halfway through cooking if required for your air fryer.
  • Check that the largest few chicken tenders have reached the safe temperature of 165°F/ 74°C in the center of the thickest part [Note 3]. Air fry for additional 2-3 minute intervals if required until the safe temperature is reached.
  • Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Notes

  1. You can substitute chicken breast strips cut around 1-inch thick.
  2. Check that your chicken seasoning has salt, if not, substitute one teaspoon of the seasoning for salt (5 teaspoons unsalted seasoning + 1 teaspoon salt = 2 tablespoons).
  3. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to confirm tenders have reached the safe temperature 165°F/ 74°C all the way through before consuming.

Nutrition

Serving: 1  Calories: 514.3kcal  Carbohydrates: 12.3g  Protein: 50.6g  Fat: 27.8g  Saturated Fat: 4.8g  Polyunsaturated Fat: 13.8g  Monounsaturated Fat: 6.6g  Trans Fat: 0.1g  Cholesterol: 156.9mg  Sodium: 551.2mg  Potassium: 887.8mg  Fiber: 0.9g  Sugar: 1.2g  Vitamin A: 138.9IU  Vitamin C: 3mg  Calcium: 61mg  Iron: 2.3mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and provided for informational purposes only.

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