Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air fryer chicken tenders are the best homemade chicken strips you’ll ever have. They’re juicy and moist inside while crispy and golden brown outside. The air fryer works magic that a conventional oven just can’t — and these air fryer chicken tenders are much healthier and less greasy than chicken tenders deep fried in oil. There’s a lot to love about this kid-friendly recipe including the homemade breading, easy and delicious seasoning, and short cook time (spoiler: you only need 15 minutes to air fry!).

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• They take just 15 minutes to air fry. I know these air fryer chicken tenders aren’t technically “fast food,” but they are fast food. In about thirty minutes, you can enjoy homemade air fryer chicken strips and clean up the kitchen!
• Well seasoned air fryer chicken tenders. The key to making the best chicken tenders you’ll ever have is to season the chicken well under the breading. For this quick and delicious marinade, you’ll need mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, paprika, and black pepper. These few ingredients add so much flavor.
• So much healthier than fast food. Air fryer chicken strips are just as juicy, tender, and crisp as restaurant tenders but are way healthier for you since they aren’t drenched in oil or deep-fried. Plus, I think they taste better!

Ingredient Notes

To make these delicious Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in the recipe card below):

• chicken - use boneless skinless tenderloins or breasts and cut them into 1-inch thick strips.
• mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• garlic powder
• paprika
• ground black pepper
• breaded coating - you only need Panko breadcrumbs (or Italian style breadcrumbs), and salt. I recommend panko breadcrumbs because it makes the coating extra crispy. Crushed corn flakes will work, too! Larger crumbs help make the breading thick and delicious.
• cooking oil spray - to help the coating crisp up and turn nicely golden brown.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, and an air fryer.

How to Make the Best Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

1. Marinate the chicken. In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, mayonnaise, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Mix well until evenly coated and set aside for at least 15 minutes.

2. Coat with breadcrumbs. Mix breadcrumbs and salt evenly in a large shallow plate. Take the chicken, one strip at a time, and generously coat them in the breadcrumbs. You can gently press the crumbs into the chicken to adhere as much as possible.

1. Air fry. Transfer the breaded chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray with cooking oil spray. Cook at 350F for 15 minutes until fully cooked through and the breading turns golden brown. The internal temperature for the chicken should reach 165F as read on a meat thermometer.
2. Serve. Serve with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce, if desired. Try buffalo sauce, sweet chili sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or tahini sauce.

How to Serve Chicken Tenders

Make a complete meal by serving your chicken strips with add a starch (like French fries, pasta, or rice) and a vegetable! I like enjoying these air fryer chicken tenders with:

• Air Fryer Broccoli
• Baked Sweet Potato Wedges
• Air Fryer Asparagus
• Greek Fries
• Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
• Carrot sticks

More Air Fryer Recipes

• 25 Best Air Fryer Recipes
• Air Fryer Chicken Breast
• Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
• The Best Breaded Fried Chicken Wings (Air Fryer)
• Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites
• Crispy Air Fryer French Fries

Print