These air-fried naked chicken tenders are ideal for a quick and easy chicken dinner or appetizer. Because they are made without breading, they are super simple to prep, and they cook in the air fryer in around 10 mins.
Another thing I just love about them is that they are perfect for meal prepping. Cook a double batch for dinner, then use the leftovers to add protein to salads, wraps, sandwiches, or pasta later in the week.
Unbreaded Chicken Tenders – Simple Ingredients
This recipe is made with just a handful of simple ingredients. We are going to use fresh chicken tenderloins. They will be tossed with olive oil in order to help the seasonings stick.
Ingredient swap
Instead of chicken tenderloins you can use skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch (2cm) wide strips.
Then we’re going to season the tenders with a homemade blackening seasoning rub (see the recipe card for the details).
Or, if you prefer, you can substitute your own favorite chicken seasoning rub.
Preparation
Because there’s no breading, there are just a few simple steps to prepare these tenders. Start by patting them dry, then tossing them in a bowl with a drizzle of oil.
Next, you need to mix the dry seasonings together in a small bowl, then add them to the bowl with the tenders and toss again to coat.
And that’s it – your chicken tenders are ready for the air fryer! You can prep them ahead and store them (covered) in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook.
Cooking
When ready to make our meal, we start by preheating the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 360°F/ 180°C. If food tends to stick to your air fryer, you can spray a little nonstick spray on the bottom of the basket or use an air fryer liner.
Pro Tip
Use a cooking spray that has no propellants and says that it’s safe for use in air fryers. The type that spritzes is best as the propellant in aerosol oil sprays can damage the coating of the air fryer basket or tray.
After the air fryer has preheated, place the seasoned chicken tenders in the basket or on the tray.
Use the air fry setting at 360°F / 180°C for 10-15 minutes, depending on size. (Flip the chicken tenders after 5 minutes if required for your air fryer).
We want the internal temperature of the chicken to be 165°F/ 74°C when measured with an instant-read thermometer.
Once the tenders are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer and place them on a plate to rest for 5 minutes before serving (or slicing). This allows the natural juices to redistribute throughout the meat, giving us nice juicy chicken tenders.
Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and use within 3 days.
You can reheat the tenders in the air fryer at 360°F/180°C for 2-3 minutes until heated through to 165 °F (74 °C).
Air Fryer Naked Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins [Note 1]
- drizzle olive oil
Blackening seasoning rub [4 teaspoons]
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried mixed herbs
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Pat the chicken tenders dry, then toss in a bowl with a drizzle of oil.
- Mix the dry seasonings together in a small bowl, then add to the bowl with the chicken tenders and toss to coat.
- Preheat air fryer to 360°F/ 180°C.
- Place chicken tenders into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry at 360°F/ 180°C for 10-15 minutes (depending on size) until cooked through. Flip the tenders halfway through cooking if required for your air fryer.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature in the center of the largest tenders to ensure they are cooked to 165°F/ 74°C or higher all the way through.
Notes
- You can substitute skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch/ 2 cm strips.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate and provided for informational purposes only.
