Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
This simple recipe for air fryer chicken tenders comes together in no time with just a handful of pantry staples.
With a blend of spices, a touch of olive oil, and no breading, these tenders are perfectly seasoned and irresistibly crispy.
Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a healthy snack, this easy recipe delivers on both flavor and convenience.
For Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Chicken Tenders – Use fresh or thawed chicken tenders for best results.
- Olive Oil – Helps to coat the chicken evenly and adds a nice crispy texture.
- Smoked Paprika – Gives a deep, smoky flavor to the tenders.
- Onion Powder – Adds a savory, rich flavor to the seasoning mix.
- Garlic Powder – Provides a warm, aromatic taste.
- Dried Thyme – Adds a bit of earthy, herbal flavor.
- Kosher Salt – Enhances all the other flavors in the seasoning blend.
- Ground Black Pepper – Adds a touch of heat and depth.
- Cayenne Pepper – Adds a kick of heat, adjust to taste.
- Dried Oregano – Adds a fragrant, herbaceous flavor.
- Dried Basil – Complements the other herbs with its slightly sweet, aromatic notes.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (No Breading)
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Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- ½ – 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat them thoroughly.
- In a small bowl, combine all the seasonings. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken tenders.
- Arrange the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- To reheat leftovers, preheat the air fryer to 350°F and heat the chicken tenders for 3-5 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition
Calories: 371kcal | Carbohydrates: 5.1g | Protein: 44.8g | Fat: 18.7g | Saturated Fat: 4.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 14.5g | Cholesterol: 135mg | Sodium: 908mg | Fiber: 1.7g | Sugar: 1.4g
1. Do I need to preheat the air fryer before cooking?
Yes! Preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes ensures your chicken tenders cook evenly and get that perfect crispy finish.
2. Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken tenders, but you’ll need to extend the cook time by an extra 3-5 minutes. Just make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
3. How do I stop the tenders from sticking to the basket?
To avoid sticking, lightly coat your air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a little oil. A quick spray of oil on the chicken itself also helps achieve that golden, crispy texture.
4. Should I flip the tenders during cooking?
Yes! Flipping the chicken tenders halfway through ensures they cook evenly on both sides and helps them turn out crispy all over.
5. How do I know if the chicken tenders are done?
The best way is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, the chicken should be golden brown on the outside and the juices should run clear.
