Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Homemade crispy air fryer chicken tenders start with chicken breasts dredged in a simple breading of flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs then is cooked for 5 minutes in the air fryer. It’s that quick and easy!

Why this recipe works

Making air fryer chicken breasts is a much healthier option as opposed to its deep fried counterpart. Plus, it will only take you about 20 minutes or less from start to finish to make!

We’ve whipped up so many different variations of chicken in the air fryer like our air fryer chicken wings and air fryer chicken breasts. Cooking it in the air fryer always creates the juiciest, crispiest chicken!

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

CHICKEN – Here we’re using chicken breasts that we slice into tender pieces. You can easily swap out the chicken breasts for pre-sliced chicken tenders that you can find at the store instead of cutting them yourself.

BREADING – This easy chicken tender coating is made from flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. If desired, preseason your chicken breasts before dipping into the breading with salt and pepper. You can optionally add panko to your breadcrumbs as well.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. Cut the chicken breast into tender pieces, about 4-5 inches in length and 1 inch thick.
2. Whisk the eggs in a bowl and set them aside.
3. Set up the dredging station with three bowls. One for the flour, one with the whisked eggs, and one with the seasoned breadcrumbs.
4. Dredge the chicken tenders in flour, followed by egg, and lastly with breadcrumbs.
5. Working in two batches, lay the tenders in the air fryer basket with space around each to allow for airflow and even cooking. Spray the top with olive or avocado oil.
6. Air fry at 400F for 5 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying the other side with oil.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Yes, you can use the store-bought precut chicken tenders in place of the chicken breasts used in this recipe.

You can store your chicken tenders in an air tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in the air fryer at 400F for 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated through.

Serving Suggestions

These air fryer chicken breasts become a classic when served with air fryer french fries or air fryer sweet potato fries. Choose your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch, honey mustard, Ray’s Secret Sauce, or BBQ to name a few popular choices.

Air fryer chicken tenders are perfect for lunch, dinner, and even as an appetizer for game day or get togethers. Save yourself time and the headache of cleaning up oil with this crispy golden fried tenders recipe.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Pizza
• Air Fryer Apple Fries
• Air Fryer Pretzel Bites
• Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
• Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
• Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
• Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs
• Air Fryer Fish
• Air Fryer Shrimp
• Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

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