Irresistibly Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

RECIPE

8/11/20253 min read

Introduction to Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Are you searching for a quick and delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy? Look no further! This air fryer chicken tenders recipe is a game changer for busy weeknight dinners. Not only are these tenders crispy and flavorful, but they are also considerably healthier than their deep-fried counterparts. Using an air fryer allows you to achieve that sought-after crunch with a fraction of the oil, making it an ideal choice for the health-conscious cook.

Ingredients for a Perfect Batch

Before diving into the cooking process, it's essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. For this air fryer chicken tenders recipe, you will need:

  • 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1 cup of breadcrumbs (Panko works best for extra crispiness)

  • 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon of onion powder

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Cooking spray or a light brush of oil

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you’re just a few steps away from creating delicious chicken tenders that your family will request time and time again.

Instructions for Cooking Delightful Chicken Tenders

Creating your air fryer chicken tenders is an easy process that can be broken down into several simple steps:

  1. Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into strips, ensuring they are even in size for uniform cooking.

  2. Set up the breading station: In three separate bowls, place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

  3. Breading the tenders: Dip each chicken strip into the flour, then the egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. Ensure a thorough coating for extra crunch.

  4. Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

  5. Cook the tenders: Place the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Air fry for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and cooked through.

Once they are cooked, you can serve your air fryer chicken tenders with your choice of dipping sauces, such as honey mustard or barbecue sauce, for an irresistible touch.

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Healthy Chicken Tenders

With this air fryer chicken tenders recipe, you can relish a crispy and flavorful dish without the guilt of excessive frying. Whether served as a part of a family dinner or enjoyed as a quick snack, these tenders will surely satisfy everyone at your table. Now that you have the recipe, it's time to fire up the air fryer and enjoy your homemade chicken tenders!

Our Review

We’ve been using the Ninja Foodi MAX 15-in-1 SmartLid Multi-Cooker for a variety of meals, but I’m especially impressed with how well it cooks chicken tenders. Whether I’m using the Air Fry function for a crispy coating or the SteamCrisp mode for juicier results, the tenders come out perfectly cooked—crispy on the outside and tender inside. The SmartLid and digital probe take the guesswork out of cooking, so I never worry about under- or overcooking the meat. I just insert the probe, select the desired doneness, and it automatically shuts off when the chicken hits the perfect internal temperature. It’s a total game changer, especially when I want a quick, healthy meal without babysitting the oven or stove. Cleanup is easy, and the results are consistently delicious. If you’re into homemade chicken tenders—this machine nails it every time.

About this item

  • ENERGY-SAVING: Save up to 60% on your energy bill* (*testing and calculations based on recommended cook time for sausages, using air fry function versus conventional ovens).

  • 15 VERSATILE FUNCTIONS: Pressure Cook, Air Fry, Grill, Bake, Dehydrate, Prove, Sear/Sauté, Steam, Slow Cook, Yoghurt, Steam Meals, Steam Air Fry, Steam Bake, Steam Bread, Steam Roast.

  • SMART COOK SYSTEM: The integrated Digital Cooking Probe monitors food temperature as it cooks and lets you know when it's ready to remove, with no guesswork.

  • COOKS UP TO 6 PORTIONS: Fit a 3kg roast or 1.8kg of French fries. Layer ingredients with the 2-Tier Rack to easily cook complete 3-part meals in one pot.

  • INCLUDES: Ninja Foodi Max Multi Cooker(UK Plug), Digital Cooking Probe, 7.5L Cooking Pot, 4.7L Cook & Crisp Basket, 2-Tier Rack, Chef-Created Recipe Guide. Colour: Stainless Steel/Black

Ninja Foodi MAX 15-in-1 SmartLid Multi-Cooker 7.5L with Digital Probe

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fried meat in cast iron skillet
fried meat in cast iron skillet