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These air fryer chicken tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making them an absolute favorite in my household. I used to think that achieving the perfect crispy chicken strip without deep-frying was impossible. But, once I tried making chicken fingers in the air fryer, I was proven wrong. The panko breadcrumbs add an incredible crunch, and the simple seasonings pack these tenders with flavor.
Jump to Section
- Why you’ll love this Air fryer chicken strips recipe
- Ingredients to make crispy air fried chicken tenders
- How to make Air Fryer Chicken Strips
- Tips for Making the Best Breaded Chicken Tenders Air Fryer
- What to serve with chicken fingers
- How to Store & Reheat Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Frequently asked questions
- More recipes:
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
These air fryer chicken strips are perfect for those nights when you want something that’s quick to prepare yet utterly satisfying. And trust me, they’re so easy to make that you’ll find yourself whipping them up regularly. Plus, chicken tenders pair well with almost anything and are perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces.
Why you’ll love this Air fryer chicken strips recipe
- Quick and Easy: With this air fryer recipe you’ll have chicken fingers that are ready and on the table in under 20 minutes, making them perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a last-minute snack.
- Healthier Alternative: Air frying uses significantly less oil than deep frying, offering a lighter and healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
- Perfect for Leftovers: These chicken tenders taste just as good the next day. Simply reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back that crispy texture.
- Kid-Friendly: A meal that even picky eaters will love! Serve them with a side of veggies or a simple salad to create a balanced meal.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a larger batch and store them in the fridge or freezer for a convenient and tasty meal option throughout the week.
Ingredients to make crispy air fried chicken tenders
- Chicken Tenders: I like to use boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins for this recipe. They’re the perfect size for snacking, and they cook up quickly and evenly in the air fryer.
- Salt & Pepper: These two classic seasonings bring out the natural flavors of the chicken. Don’t be shy – a good pinch of salt and a few cracks of pepper make all the difference.
- Egg: The egg acts as a binder, helping the panko breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken strips.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and airier than traditional breadcrumbs, which gives these chicken fingers that signature crispy, crunchy coating. If you prefer a different type of breadcrumb, feel free to make the swap.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These two seasonings add a subtle depth of flavor to the breadcrumb mixture. Trust me, you’ll taste the difference.
- Paprika: Paprika brings a hint of smokiness and warmth to the coating. It complements the garlic and onion powders beautifully.
- Mustard Powder (optional): If you’re a fan of a little tang in your chicken tenders, add some mustard powder to the mix. It’s not for everyone, but I personally love the flavor it adds.
- Olive Oil Spray: A light spritz of olive oil spray gives the chicken strips that extra crispy texture in the air fryer. You can use any cooking spray you have on hand, but I prefer olive oil for its mild flavor.
How to make Air Fryer Chicken Strips
To get a crunchy crust on your chicken fingers you want to start by breading them in a simple seasoning mix.
Bread The chicken tenders
- Pat the chicken strips dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
- Dip the chicken into the beaten egg,.
- Then toss it into the panko mixture. Dust off any excess panko mixture.
- Lay the chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat for the remaining chicken and place them on the baking sheet.
Air fry the chicken tenders
- Place the chicken strips in the air fryer careful not to overlap.
- Flip halfway through, and continue cooking until the chicken is golden.
Tips for Making the Best Breaded Chicken Tenders Air Fryer
- Season the Chicken: Don’t skip the step of seasoning the chicken tenderloins with salt and pepper. It’s the foundation for a flavorful dish.
- Pat the Chicken Dry: Before seasoning and coating, pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. This helps the egg and panko mixture adhere better, resulting in a crispier coating.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Place the chicken strips in a single layer in the air fryer, ensuring there is space between each tender. This allows the air to circulate and ensures even cooking.
- Flip Halfway Through: Turn the chicken fingers halfway through cooking to ensure both sides are evenly browned and crispy.
- Check the Internal Temperature: The safest way to know if your chicken is cooked through is to check the internal temperature with a food thermometer. It should read 165ºF.
Popular Substitutions & Additions
- Breadcrumb Alternatives: If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers for a different texture.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for some extra heat.
- Add Cheese: Mix in some grated Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs for a cheesy twist on these chicken fingers.
- Dips and Sauces: Serve these air fryer chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce, like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing.
What to serve with chicken fingers
How to Store & Reheat Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Storing: After your chicken strips have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container. Layer them with parchment paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together and place in the fridge.
Reheating: To maintain the crispiness of your chicken tenders, it’s best to reheat them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350ºF, then place the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook them for 3-4 minutes, turning them once halfway through until they’re heated through.
How Long Will Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Last in the Fridge?
Air fryer chicken tenders will last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I Freeze Breaded Chicken strips?
Yes! Once the chicke fingers have cooled completely, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them until solid (about 1-2 hours) to prevent them from sticking together. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, you can reheat the frozen tenders directly in the air fryer without thawing.
Frequently asked questions
Absolutely! If you’re using chicken breasts, just cut them into thin strips similar in size to chicken tenders and follow the rest of the recipe.
The egg helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken. However, if you prefer not to use an egg, you can substitute with buttermilk, yogurt, or any other sticky liquid.
Yes! I actuallly have a an oven baked chicken tenders recipe that will walk you through how to do it.
These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a winning recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your household. They’re crispy, flavorful, and easy to make, making them a fantastic choice for a quick weeknight dinner, game day snack, or simply when you’re in the mood for some delicious comfort food. Whether you’re a fan of air frying or new to this cooking method, these chicken strips are so good!
More recipes:
- Air Fryer Meatballs
- Air Fryer Tofu
- Air Fryer Hamburgers
- Air Fryer Falafel
- Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
- Air Fryer Fish & Chips
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Pickle Brined Chicken Tenders
If you try this feel good Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe or any other recipe on Feel Good Foodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. We would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some shots, share it on Instagram so we can repost on Stories!
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder optional
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat an air fryer to 400ºF and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
- In a small size bowl, whisk the egg. In another medium size bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and mustard powder, if using.
- Dip the chicken into the beaten egg, then toss into the panko mixture. Dust off any excess panko mixture and lay the chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat for the remaining chicken and place them on the baking sheet.
- Air fry for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden. Enjoy immediately with any dip you like.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Huge hit with my kiddos! Love that I know everything going into their food. Thanks for another great recipe!
Yay, so glad they like them!! I love knowing what’s going into my kids’ food too. So happy you find my recipes helpful, Amira!! Thank you!
Delicious.
So glad you liked it!
So excited to make these for my 2 year old! Thank you!!
How long should frozen tenders be air fried?
Hi Kim, you can cook them for 12-14 minutes, be sure to turn halfway through. I hope you enjoy!
Anxious to try your recipe for air fry chicken tenders, but in directions , you do not give temp & cook time.
Hi Gwen, you can find the temp and the cooking time in the recipe card right above the comment section. You’ll have to let me know what you think when you make them!