Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Introduction
Tender, juicy chicken wrapped in a perfectly crisp, golden crust—Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders embody pure comfort food flavor in a healthier, weeknight-ready package. Ditch the deep fryer and enjoy all the crunch you crave with far less oil, minimal mess, and ultra-fast results.
Seasoned just right and ready in under 30 minutes, these tenders are perfect for busy families, party platters, or easy lunches that disappear in minutes.
Why These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Are Extra Crispy
It’s all about the foolproof breading technique paired with the circulating hot air of a quality air fryer. The result: chicken that’s crunchy outside, succulent inside, and never greasy. Plus, the clean-up is a breeze, so you can enjoy your favorite comfort food more often—without the splatter and guilt.
Prepping Chicken Tenders Quickly and Cleanly
Begin with fresh chicken tenderloins for the best texture. For uniform pieces and easy prep, slice the chicken with a sharp knife on a large, stable cutting board. If you need to trim or julienne veggies for dipping or sides, try the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to save significant prep time.
Season the tenders on both sides with your favorite spice blend, then set up a classic breading station: one bowl for flour, one for beaten eggs, and another for seasoned breadcrumbs or panko.
The Secret to Ultimate Crunch: Proper Air Frying
Preheat your COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Grey for the crispiest results. Line the basket with a square of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for zero sticking and hassle-free cleanup.
Lightly spritz each breaded tender with an oil sprayer to help the crust brown evenly without excessive oil. Place the tenders in a single layer, ensuring there’s space for hot air to circulate around each piece.
Serving and Storing Your Chicken Tenders
Serve hot, straight from the air fryer, with your choice of dipping sauces. For a perfectly portable meal, pack them in a Bentgo Salad Container alongside veggies and dip—they’ll stay crisp for hours.
To store leftovers, let them cool before placing in an airtight container; the set from Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers keeps them fresh in the fridge while preventing sogginess. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crunch.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe makes about 12 chicken tenders, feeding 4 people as a main dish or 6 as appetizers. Each serving contains approximately 250 calories, 3 grams of fat, and a hearty dose of lean protein, making these tenders a lighter option compared to traditional fried versions.
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Recap)
These air fryer chicken tenders turn a nostalgic favorite into a better-for-you, weeknight win—maximal crunch, easy prep, and real tender juiciness. A sure hit for kids and adults alike, whether you’re serving them for dinner, at a tailgate, or as a meal-prepped lunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut chicken into even-sized strips using a sharp knife on a Bamboo Cutting Board. Pat them dry for crispier breading.
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper mixed in.
- Dredge each chicken piece in flour, shake off excess, dip in egg, and coat completely with the breadcrumb mixture. For best results, press lightly so crumbs adhere.
- Preheat your COSORI Air Fryer to 400°F. Line the basket with a square of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper.
- Arrange tenders in a single layer in the basket, giving them space. Spritz lightly with olive oil using the YARRAMATE Oil Sprayer for Cooking for even browning.
- Air fry for 9–11 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). For accuracy, check with a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer.
- Serve straight away, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, and your favorite dipping sauces on the side.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Enjoy your ultra-crispy chicken tenders—quick, effortless, and irresistibly delicious!
