Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
A simple and delicious recipe for perfectly crispy, juicy chicken tenders made in the air fryer. This method offers a healthier alternative to deep-frying while delivering fantastic texture and flavor, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing snack.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders fresh or thawed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt to taste
- 0.125 teaspoon black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, toss the chicken tenders with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until each piece is thoroughly and evenly coated.
- Place the seasoned chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket, as this can lead to steaming instead of crisping. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 12-13 minutes. Make sure to flip the tenders halfway through the cooking time (around 6-7 minutes) and spray lightly with a bit more oil if they look dry or to enhance crispiness.
- Continue cooking until the chicken is golden brown, wonderfully crispy, and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove the crispy chicken tenders from the air fryer and serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch, or a spicy aioli.
Notes
For extra crispiness, lightly bread the tenders with panko breadcrumbs after seasoning. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness; cook in batches if needed. Always check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C). Serve with honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing. Great with a side salad or fries.