These air fryer chicken tenders are fresh chicken tenderloins coated in breadcrumbs, spices and parmesan cheese, then air fried until golden brown and crispy. A lightened up version of classic chicken fingers with less fat and just as much flavor.
You can never go wrong with comfort food like baked mac and cheese, cheeseburger casserole, and these super crispy chicken tenders made in the air fryer.
I love to use my air fryer to make healthier versions of our favorite meals. My latest success is this air fryer chicken tenders recipe, my kids give this one two thumbs up! It’s a great way to get that deep fried taste with a lot less grease.
HOW DO YOU MAKE AIR FRYER CHICKEN TENDERS?
Start by making the outer coating, which is a blend of panko breadcrumbs, Italian breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese and spices. Dip each chicken tender into seasoned flour, then into beaten eggs. Finally, dredge each tender in the breadcrumb mixture. Drizzle a little butter over the top of the tenders, then air fry until crispy and golden brown.
TIPS FOR THE PERFECT AIR FRYER CHICKEN TENDERS
- Chicken tenders can also be labeled as chicken tenderloins, and are found with all the other types of raw chicken in the meat department. You can also use chicken breasts cut into strips.
- I use two types of breadcrumbs because the Italian style breadcrumbs add a lot of flavor, but the panko crumbs add that extra crispy texture we’re striving for.
- Leftover chicken will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven or in a toaster oven until they’ve crisped back up.
- You can serve these tenders as-is with a dipping sauce on the side, or slice them up and serve on top of a salad or pasta dish.
- Make sure that the chicken tenders are in a single layer in the air fryer to allow for plenty of air to circulate. You may need to work in batches if they all don’t fit at the same time.
Can you cook frozen tenders in the air fryer?
You can also use store bought frozen prepared tenders if you’re in a hurry. Cook frozen chicken tenders at 400 degrees for 6-7 minutes per side, or until heated through and crunchy.
Flavor variations
These chicken fingers are great as-is, but you can switch up the ingredients to make new creations to suit your tastes.
- Protein: This coating works well with strips of firm white fish to make fish sticks. Fish sticks will cook in the air fryer for 4-5 minutes per side. You can also use cubed chicken breasts to make nuggets instead of tenders.
- Coatings: Use 1 cup of plain or panko breacrumbs. Next, add other flavors with an additional cup of crushed cornflakes, cheese crackers, pretzels, or nuts.
- Dips: While ketchup is a traditional side for chicken tenders, change things up by offering fry sauce, ranch, honey mustard, tzatziki sauce or BBQ sauce.
These air fryer chicken fingers will be a huge hit with both the adults and kids in your life!
More chicken recipes you’ll enjoy
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Chicken Broccoli Casserole
- Chicken Pad Thai
- White Chicken Chili
- Instant Pot Whole Chicken
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Video
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds raw chicken tenders also sometimes called tenderloins
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper plus more to taste
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup Italian style breadcrumbs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter melted
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- Place the flour in a medium sized bowl. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Stir to combine.
- Place the eggs in another medium bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of water and whisk until smooth.
- Place the Italian style breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese and salt and pepper to taste in a medium bowl. Mix well.
- Dredge each chicken piece in flour, then coat in egg, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Repeat the process with all the chicken.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the tenders, then spray the chicken with cooking spray.
- Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer. You may need to work in batches.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, or until chicken is cooked through and coating is brown and crispy. Serve immediately.
Jana says
I just made these with my new air fryer and they came out excelent!
Kim says
Great chicken tender recipe! The chicken was moist and flavorful and tasted fried.
Kara says
They turned out so crispy and flavorful, and it was great not having to heat up the entire oven!
katerina @ diethood.com says
My kids would love these chicken tenders! SO GOOD!
mary says
this air fried chicken tender recipe is the best! I love homemade tenders, but I hate frying them in oil , this is super easy to do!
Jacque says
Served this for dinner last night and it did not disappoint! So easy and quick; turned out perfectly crispy and moist, too. Easily, the best way to enjoy chicken tenders!
Mahy says
I love chicken tenders in general but when it comes to my favorite type, it would be breaded chicken tenders. There is just nothing better! 😉
Dionne says
My favorite way to enjoy chicken! Great dippers and perfect for a party of your favorite people 🙂
Wajeeha Nadeem says
These look so good! I don’t have an air fryer yet. Can I make these in the oven instead?
Sara says
Here is my oven version: https://www.dinneratthezoo.com/baked-chicken-tenders/
Jeannette says
Air frying makes these so much healthier and the parmesan is perfect for adding a salty kick. So perfect for lunch boxes or picnics!
Tavo says
These came out delicious! Another air frier favorite in the house!