Name: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 24 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds Chicken tenderloins; 2 cups Buttermilk; 1 teaspoon Garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Onion powder; 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper; 2 Large eggs; 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon Onion powder; 1 teaspoon Garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper; 2 tablespoons Olive oil or cooking spray

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 13 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a crispy, juicy, and downright addictive chicken dinner that comes together quickly and easily, the Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe is your new best friend. This recipe transforms simple chicken tenderloins into a perfectly golden, crunchy delight without the guilt of deep frying, thanks to the magic of the air fryer. Every bite offers a satisfying crisp on the outside and tender, flavorful meat on the inside, making it a guaranteed hit for both weeknight dinners and casual get-togethers. Trust me, once you try this Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe, you’ll never want to go back to the oven or fryer again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits in the center filled with several smooth, light tan raw chicken pieces stacked unevenly. Surrounding it are smaller clear and white bowls on a white marbled surface: one bowl contains two white eggs, another is filled with pale beige breadcrumbs, a third holds a small amount of dark red powder, a fourth has a clear pale yellow liquid, and a small white bowl contains a mix of coarse black pepper and salt. Another white bowl holds two different light brown powders. The overall setup shows raw ingredients neatly arranged for a cooking process, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun in making this recipe. These simple, everyday staples each play a key role—not only in building layers of irresistible flavor but also in creating that perfect crunchy texture and inviting golden color.

Chicken tenderloins: Tender and quick-cooking, the perfect base for this dish.
Buttermilk: Adds a tangy richness and helps tenderize the chicken.
Large eggs: Acts as a binding agent for the breadcrumbs, ensuring the coating sticks beautifully.
Panko breadcrumbs: Provides an extra-crispy texture that’s light and airy.
Olive oil or cooking spray: Helps achieve that golden, crunchy finish in the air fryer without deep frying.
Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper: A flavor-packed spice mix that brings warmth and depth to every bite.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Tenderloins

Start by carefully removing the silver skin tendon from each chicken tenderloin. This small step makes a huge difference in tenderness and helps the chicken cook evenly. Using a fork and paper towel to grip the tendon makes it easier to peel away without tearing the meat. Trim any extra fat or connective tissue for clean, perfect tenders every time.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Next, whisk together the buttermilk with your spices—garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. The buttermilk marinade not only infuses moisture and flavor but also gently tenderizes the chicken. Let your tenders soak in this delicious bath for at least 20 minutes or, better yet, overnight. The longer, the better for that deep, succulent taste.

Step 3: Prepare the Breading Stations

Set up two shallow bowls: one with beaten eggs and another with a well-seasoned mixture of Panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This double-dipping method ensures a crispy, flavorful crust that stays put during cooking.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken Tenders

Dip each marinated chicken tender into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off, then press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture until it’s evenly coated. Give the tenders a little shake to discard extra crumbs—this keeps the coating light and makes for a crispier finish.

Step 5: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Lightly spray both the chicken tenders and the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray to promote browning and prevent sticking. Arrange the tenders in a single layer so they crisp up evenly. Cook at 400°F for 8 minutes, turning halfway through cooking to achieve that irresistible, golden crust on all sides.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once cooked, your golden, crunchy chicken tenders are ready to be devoured. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like BBQ, Ranch, or honey mustard. They’re perfect for a family dinner, game day snack, or whenever you need a quick comfort meal fix!

How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

The image shows seven pieces of raw, breaded fish fillets arranged evenly in a single layer on the black grill surface of an air fryer basket. Each fillet is coated in a light golden breadcrumb mix with a coarse texture and small bits visible, covering the entire surface of the fish. The fillets are elongated and slightly curved with a rough, crunchy coating texture, and the air fryer grill below adds a shiny black base with grooves and small pools of oil around the fish pieces. The overall look is prepared but not cooked, with the breading dry and pale. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dash of grated Parmesan can brighten up your tenders visually and elevate their flavor with subtle hints of freshness or saltiness. Consider adding lemon wedges on the side for an optional zesty pop that complements the smoky paprika seasoning.

Side Dishes

Pair your Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe with crisp coleslaw for a cool, crunchy contrast or serve alongside sweet potato fries for a sweet-savory combo. For lighter options, steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad work beautifully, balancing out the richness of the crispy tenders.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your tenders into handheld delights by assembling them in soft slider buns with crisp lettuce and tangy pickles. Alternatively, slice them up and toss into a salad or wrap them in a tortilla with crunchy slaw and a drizzle of chipotle mayo for a fun twist. The possibilities are endless when it comes to showcasing this easy recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover air fryer chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure they’ve fully cooled before sealing to prevent sogginess and preserve crunchiness when reheated.

Freezing

If you want to keep these tenders longer, freezing is a great option. Lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for about one month and thaw quickly when you need a quick meal.

Reheating

The best way to reheat your chicken tenders and maintain their crispy exterior is to pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make the coating soggy. Alternatively, reheat in a hot oven with a rack to help circulate air and keep them perfectly crunchy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen tenderloins, but make sure to fully thaw them before marinating and breading. This allows the coating to stick properly and ensures even cooking in the air fryer.

What dipping sauces go best with this recipe?

This Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe pairs beautifully with classic options like ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or even a spicy buffalo sauce. Feel free to customize based on your flavor preferences.

How can I make the coating extra crispy?

Using Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs is the secret to a super crispy coating. Also, spraying the tenders lightly with oil before air frying helps achieve that golden, crunchy texture.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?

Marinating in buttermilk is highly recommended as it tenderizes the chicken and adds richness, but if you’re short on time, even 20 minutes of marinating will work wonders for flavor and texture.

Can I double or halve this recipe easily?

Absolutely! This Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe scales up or down with no problem. Just maintain the same ratios and cook in batches to keep everything crisp and evenly cooked.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to dinners that feels indulgent yet easy enough for any night of the week. The golden crust, tender meat, and flavorful seasoning make every bite a delightful experience. I encourage you to try it out yourself and see how effortlessly you can impress your family or friends with this crispy, juicy crowd-pleaser!