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Ultra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Breaded or Unbreaded)

A large pile of golden brown, crispy air fryer chicken tenders stacked on a white plate, one is cut open showing the white meat.
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Make golden, juicy chicken tenders quickly in your air fryer. This recipe provides options for a classic breaded coating or a simple, no-breading version for a healthier, low oil meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenderloins, cut into uniform strips
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil (for spraying)
  • For Breaded Option:
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
  • For No Breading Option:
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for slight crisping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels. This step helps achieve a crisp exterior. If using chicken breasts, slice them into uniform 1-inch thick strips.
  2. Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken strips with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated. If using the no-breading option, you can lightly dust them with cornstarch now.
  3. Prepare the breading station (if using breaded option): Set up three shallow dishes. Place flour in the first, the beaten egg in the second, and panko breadcrumbs in the third.
  4. Coat the chicken (breaded option): Dredge each tender first in the flour (shaking off excess), then dip in the egg, and finally press firmly into the panko breadcrumbs to coat completely.
  5. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit (195 degrees Celsius).
  6. Arrange the chicken: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; work in batches if necessary to maintain crispness.
  7. Cook the tenders: Spray the tops of the tenders lightly with oil. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes.
  8. Flip and finish: After 6 minutes, flip the tenders over. Spray the second side lightly with oil. Continue cooking for another 4 to 6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) and the exterior is golden brown and crispy.
  9. Serve immediately: Remove the tenders from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For the juiciest results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
  • If you prefer a thicker coating for the breaded tenders, consider a double dip in the egg and breadcrumbs.
  • For the no-breading option, a light spray of oil is crucial for achieving a golden color and crisp texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishcraze.com/air-fryer-chicken-tenders-recipe-crispy/