Air Fryer Chicken Tenders - Family Favorite Air Fryer Chicken Recipe - (2024)

Air Fryer chicken tenders are super easy to make, they’re crunchy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. This air fryer chicken is a healthier version of your favorite comfort food, chicken tenderloins are covered in an egg wash with Panko Crumbs and air fried in just 12 minutes. Serve smothered in buffalo or BBQ sauce or serve them with a side of your favorite with dipping sauce.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders - Family Favorite Air Fryer Chicken Recipe - (1)

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The BEST Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

I have a weak spot for crispy chicken tenders. I could eat them almost daily with my favorite garlic Parmesan dipping sauce or in a Buffalo Chicken Wrap. But I know how unhealthy they can be when soaked in all of that oil, so I’ve been using my Philips Air Fryer to enjoy one of my favorite appetizers, without all of the oil.

These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders made with panko bread crumbs are my go to and are air fried with just a little bit of olive oil. The chicken comes out super crispy, just like they’ve been fried in a deep fryer.

You won’t be able to tell that these chicken pieces are not deep fried. Not only are these chicken tenders healthier, but you also don’t have that oil smell or the mess to clean up. The air fryer fried chicken are perfect to serve with a side of veggies, or on a platter for a game day appetizer.

What temperature do you cook chicken in air fryer?

330degrees F, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to get it at the correct temperature.

How long to cook chicken tenders?

Once the air fryer is preheated to 330degrees F, air fry the chicken pieces for 12-14 minutes. Or until the outside is golden brown and internal temp reaches 165 degrees.

Can you make this air fryer recipe with chicken breast or drumsticks?

Yes, you can! My kids love homemade chicken tenders and if I don’t have chicken tenderloins in my freezer, I slice the boneless chicken breasts into large strips, in the shape of a chicken tenders. You can also coat the chicken drumsticks in the panko crumbs and egg wash. Since chicken legs are low cost, this can be a cheap family dinner. If placing larger pieces of chicken breast in air fryer, you’ll need to adjust the cook time.

What kind of Panko bread crumbs are the best?

I typically use the plain panko bread crumbs that can be found at my local Walmart or Amazon. You can also use seasoned panko, likeLouisiana Styled or Italian Seasoning.

Sides to Serve With Air Fried Chicken:

What Air Fryer is the Best?

Is an air fryer on your wish list? There are so many on the market, and a few things to keep in mind when choosing buying an air fryer. When shopping, take into account the amount of people you plan to cook for. If you plan to use the air fryer to cook for a family, I would recommend purchasing an XL or XXL Air Fryer version. Otherwise you will have to cook in batches as the basket on the 2.75 qt air fryers are on the small side.

Also see what else is included, like a baking dish. The Air Fryer baking dish is great for making breakfast fritattas and one less accessory you will have to buy if it is included.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders - Family Favorite Air Fryer Chicken Recipe - (3)

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders - Family Favorite Air Fryer Chicken Recipe - (4)

How to Air Fry Chicken Tenders

Preheat air fryer: To make chicken tenders, preheat air fryer to 330 degrees F.

Prepare the chicken: You can use chicken tenderloins or chicken breast. If using chicken breast, trim the excess fat and cut into strips.

Next, get the flour mixture ready. Place flour, egg, and panko crumbs in three separate small bowls. Add salt, pepper, and olive oil to the Panko crumbs, mix well.

Dip chicken in the flour, then the egg, then the Panko crumbs until evenly coated. Once you bread the chicken, place the chicken strips in air fryer basket. You’ll need to cook in batches depending on if you have a large or small air fryer.

Set the cook time for 12-14 minutes. Note that the cooking time can vary depending on the size of your chicken tenders. The chicken is done once it is golden brown and internal temp reaches 165 degrees F.

Serve as it – or covered in your favorite sauce: Place the air fryer fried chicken in a large bowl and toss with your favorite dipping sauce, or serve with a side of ranch dressing, buffalo sauce or barbecue sauce.

Ways to serve this crispy air fried chicken:

Serve with your favorite sauces or use in a variety of chicken recipes.

  • On top of spaghetti with tomato sauce
  • Chicken bacon ranch wrap
  • Chicken & waffles
  • Chicken Parmesan sub
  • In a salad

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders - Family Favorite Air Fryer Chicken Recipe - (5)

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer chicken tenders are super easy to make, they're crunchy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. A healthier version of your favorite comfort food, chicken tenderloins are covered in an egg wash with Panko Crumbs and air fried in just 12 minutes.

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Air Fryer, Chicken

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes minutes

Total Time: 17 minutes minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken tenderloin
  • 3 eggs beaten
  • 1/3 cup Panko crumbs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  • Preheat AirFryer to 330 degrees F

  • Place flour, egg, and panko crumbs in three separate bowls

  • Add salt, pepper, and olive oil to the Panko crumbs, mix well

  • Dip chicken in the flour, then the egg, then the Panko crumbs until evenly coated

  • Place in the cooking basket in the air fryer. You'll need to cook in batches.

  • Fry for 12-14 minutes. Or until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165 degrees.

  • Remove chicken from air fryer.

  • Toss with your favorite sauce or serve with dipping sauce.

Did you know you can also make breakfast in the Air Fryer? Check out our recipe for a breakfast Fritatta.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders - Family Favorite Air Fryer Chicken Recipe - (6)

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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders - Family Favorite Air Fryer Chicken Recipe - (7)

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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders - Family Favorite Air Fryer Chicken Recipe - (2024)

FAQs

How long do you cook real good chicken tenders in the air fryer? ›

Lay them onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet or plate. Spray the top side of the chicken tenders with the neutral oil spray. Place the sprayed side face down in the air fryer basket and spray the other side of the chicken tenders. Air fry the chicken tenders at 400F for 8 minutes.

What is the best temperature to air fry chicken? ›

After testing a variety of temperatures, I found that 375 degrees F is the best temperature for air frying chicken. Because the air fryer uses convection heat, you do not need to set it as high as you would an oven (in a regular oven, 425 degrees F is best for baking chicken, like Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast).

Why isn t my chicken getting crispy in the air fryer? ›

Dry the outside of the food properly before you add oil. Do not use too much oil, as this will make the food less crispy and more fattening. Meat or poultry can be lightly brushed with oil or marinated to get the crispiest results.

How many pieces of chicken can you put in an air fryer? ›

You can cook as many chicken breasts at a time as will fit in the basket of your Air Fryer. They can be touching but not overlapping. Cooking time guidelines at 360 degrees: 4-5oz (small chicken breasts): 10-12 minutes.

How long does it take for raw chicken to cook in the air fryer? ›

Air fry the chicken at 415 degrees for 10 minutes. If you have larger pieces of chicken, you'll want to go closer to 13 minutes. You're looking for an internal temperature of 165 degrees. You're done!

How do you know when chicken tenders are fully cooked? ›

All frozen, stuffed, raw poultry products should be cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 ºF. Using a food thermometer is the only sure way of knowing food has reached a high enough temperature to destroy foodborne bacteria.

How do you know when air fried chicken is done? ›

Place chicken in the air fryer basket, presentation side down, and cook for 8 minutes at 375°F. Flip the chicken over and continue cooking until the thickest part registers 155°F on an instant-read thermometer, typically about 6 to 8 minutes longer.

Do I need to flip chicken in air fryer? ›

Cook at 360° for 9 minutes. Then flip the chicken breast over and cook for another 9 minutes. Larger chicken breasts need more cook time, and smaller ones need less time. Open the air fryer immediately so it doesn't continue cooking in the heat.

How long does it take to air fry chicken at 350? ›

Place chicken in air fryer basket, standing against sides of basket if necessary. Set to 350°F; cook 15 minutes. Turn chicken; cook 5 to 8 minutes longer or until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut (at least 165°F).

Should I oil chicken before air frying? ›

While you would typically add oil to a pan before adding your food, the case is not the same when using an air fryer. In a bowl, toss your food in a few teaspoons of vegetable oil or olive oil along with your seasoning before putting it in the air fryer. This method works best for cooking fresh meats and vegetables.

What is the trick to getting things extra crispy with an air fryer? ›

While we wish it were possible to fry without any oil, air fryers do need a little oil to make your food crispy (but you'll use a lot less than a traditional fryer). Toss your food with a small amount of oil (around a tablespoon or less) to coat it evenly, then add it to the air fryer basket.

Do you put oil on chicken before air frying? ›

Place half of the pieces in the basket of your air fryer. Try to ensure the pieces don't touch. Air needs to circulate around them. Spray the chicken pieces lightly with spray oil.

Can you stack chicken tenders in an air fryer? ›

Can you stack chicken tenders in an air fryer? No one's going to stop you, but it's a pretty bad idea! Not only will your tenders stick together as the crust cooks, but you're also keeping each side of the tender from crisping up and preventing the meat from cooking thoroughly.

Can chicken touch each other in the air fryer? ›

Place the pieces of chicken in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap or touch each other to help ensure even cooking. Close the lid or door securely and set the timer for about six minutes at 400 °F.

Can you stack raw chicken in air fryer? ›

We tried stacking and cooking chicken breasts in the air fryer just to make sure, even shaking the basket every few minutes and moving the breasts around with tongs. The chicken breasts stuck together and ended up unevenly cooked, soggy and practically inedible.

How long to air fry fully cooked frozen chicken tenders? ›

Set the air fryer temperature to 380 degrees F (180 degrees C). Place frozen chicken strips in the air fryer basket, without touching or overcrowding. Cook until crispy, 11 to 12 minutes. The color will not change much.

How long does it take to cook frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer? ›

Instructions
  1. Place the empty air fryer basket in the air fryer and preheat at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 minutes.
  2. Add the frozen chicken tenders to the air fryer basket. ...
  3. Air fry for 12-14 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit, turning them over with tongs or shaking the basket at the 6 minute mark.
Jan 26, 2023

How long to heat fried chicken tenders in air fryer? ›

To reheat chicken tenders in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place the chicken tenders in the basket and cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through. If the chicken tenders are still not heated through, you can cook them for an additional 1-2 minutes.

How long does frozen breaded chicken take in the air fryer? ›

You don't need to use any oil in this recipe. I've never had the chicken breasts stick to the bottom. How long do you air fry breaded chicken breast? Cook frozen chicken breast for about 16 to 19 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit, shaking the basket once at 8 minutes.

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