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Air fryer chicken tenders are juicy and moist inside while crispy and golden brown outside. A healthy, delicious, and quick kid-friendly recipe. | aheadofthyme.com

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders


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5 from 1 review

  • Author: Sam | Ahead of Thyme
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 3-4 servings

Description

Air fryer chicken tenders are juicy and moist inside while crispy and golden brown outside. A healthy, delicious, and quick kid-friendly recipe.


Ingredients

For the chicken:

  • 1 pound chicken tenderloins or breasts, cut into 1-inch thick strips
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the breading:

  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs (or Italian style breadcrumbs)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • cooking oil spray

Instructions

  1. 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. Mix breadcrumbs and salt evenly in a large shallow plate. Take the chicken tenders, 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.
  3. Transfer the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray with cooking oil spray.
  4. 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.
  5. Serve with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce, if desired. Try buffalo sauce, sweet chili sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or tahini sauce.

Notes

How to store: Allow air fryer chicken tenders to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container for storing. If you store hot tenders, condensation can make them soggy — and no one wants that. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

How to reheat: Air fryer chicken tenders reheat best in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375F, then reheat them for about 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Marinate Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: American