These air fried chicken tenders are super easy to make and all done in under 20 minutes. With simple ingredients and lots of great flavor they're sure to become a new favorite in your family. Serve as a main course with your favorite sides or as a snack with your favorite dips!
Is There Anything Better Than Crispy Chicken?!
If you ask me, the answer is a definite: NO! I just love crispy chicken, and these chicken tenders are no exception. I love how easy they are to make and how quick they cook. So quick and easy you can make them anytime you're craving some crispy chicken goodness!
This Is All You Need!
You Don't Have to Use Chicken Tenders
Sometimes, you can find the cut of chicken known as chicken tenderloins or chicken tenders for sale. I have a hard time finding it where I live, so I use other cuts of chicken instead. While the tenderloin is super tender and yummy, you'll get almost the same result with another cut of boneless chicken.
My go-to choice is boneless chicken thighs. This cut is more flavorful than chicken breasts, and often more tender. But boneless chicken breasts will also work really well.
Whichever cut of chicken you choose, cut it into "chicken tender" size. Usually this means 3-4 pieces for thighs and 5-6 pieces for breasts. But you can also make the tenders larger or smaller if you prefer - just adjust the cook time accordingly.
Let's Make That Chicken Crispy!
1. Bread the Chicken
After slicing the chicken into the appropriate size, it's time to bread it. Do this by dipping it first in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs. Spray the air fryer basket with oil and spread out the chicken tenders inside.
Make sure the pieces are not touching. You want the air to circulate around it to make it really crispy. If all the chicken does not fit comfortably you will need to cook in batches.
2. Air Fryer Magic
Air fry 4 minutes, then flip, spray with oil, and air fry 4 more minutes. Make sure the chicken is cooked through, and serve!
Tips For Best Results
Don't try to cook too much at once. To get crispy chicken you need to cook it in a single layer, and the pieces should not be touching.
Use a meat thermometer. This is the best way to know when the chicken is cooked through without having to cut into it. It's also the best way to make sure you're not under- or overcooking the chicken.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating Instructions
Storing: Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Store leftovers in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Leftovers: Reheat leftovers in the air fryer in 1 minute increments, until heated through.
More Quick Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
- Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters20 Minutes
- Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders30 Minutes
- Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks38 Minutes
- Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets18 Minutes
Sauces That Go Well With Chicken Tenders
- Buffalo Dipping Sauce2 Minutes
- Garlic Dipping Sauce35 Minutes
- 2-minute Gluten Free BBQ Sauce2 Minutes
- 5-Minute Blue Cheese Sauce5 Minutes
Recipe
Air Fryer Fried Chicken Tenders
Print RateIngredients
- ½ lb chicken thigh filets or chicken tenders / chicken breasts
- ½ cup flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Start by preheating your air fryer by running it at 400 °Ffor 5 minutes.
- Cut each chicken thigh filet into 3-4 pieces. If you're using chicken tenders you can skip this step. If using chicken breasts, cut each into 5-6 strips instead.½ lb chicken thigh filets
- Set up your breading station. Pour the flour onto a plate and season with salt and pepper. Crack the eggs into a shallow bowl and beat with a fork. Pour the breadcrumbs onto a plate.½ cup flour, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp fresh ground black pepper, 1 egg, ½ cup breadcrumbs
- Bread the chicken by dipping the pieces first in the seasoned flour, then the egg and finally the breadcrumbs. At each step, make sure the chicken gets completely covered on all sides.
- When all chicken tenders are breaded, brush or spray the air fryer basket with oil and place as many tenders as can fit comfortably in the air fryer basket. Do not layer the pieces; if they don't all fit you will need to cook in batches.
- Bake for 4 minutes at 400 °F. Brush or spray lightly with oil. Flip them, then bake 4 minutes more, until cooked through - the internal temperature should be at least 165 °F °F
Equipment (may contain affiliate links)
- Measuring cups (metric or US)*
- 2 plates
- 1 shallow bowl
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is approximate and automatically calculated, and should only be viewed as an indication.
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