Go Back
–+ servings
overhead view of chicken tenders on white plate with white bowl of mustard sauce containing a chicken tenders, with blue and white dishcloth, gold fork and air fryer in the background
Print Add to Collection

Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are as family-friendly as it gets! With no egg or flour, they have a crunchy, light breading that still turns out perfectly golden. Serve air fryer chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauces and homestyle sides!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 396kcal
Author Jennifer Draper

Equipment

Ingredients

Coating mix:

  • ½  cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½  cup slightly crushed cornflakes
  • 1  tsp garlic powder
  • 1  tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½  tsp smoked paprika
  • ½  tsp salt
  • ¼  tsp pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat air fryer to 380 ℉ and spray basket with non-stick spray
  • Toss raw tenderloins in 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • Pulse coating ingredients in a food processor or mini-chopper to blend into a finer consistency
  • Dredge tenders in coating mixture until fully coated, and press crumbs in well
  • Arrange tenders in single layer in air fryer basket, then spray tops evenly with oil (cook in batches if needed)
  • Cook at 380 ℉ for 6 minutes, then flip; spray tenders lightly with oil if they look dry
  • Increase temperature to 400 ℉ and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes, or until golden and internal temperature hits 165 ℉
  • Let tenders rest 3-5 minutes before serving

Notes

  • Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheat the tenders in the air fryer at 375 ℉ for 3-5 minutes to crisp again, and avoid microwaving to prevent soggy breading.
  • Preheat the air fryer for 3-5 minutes for the best results.
  • Arrange the tenders in a single layer without overcrowding to allow airflow.
  • The tenders are done when the internal temperature reaches 165 ℉.
  • Let the tenders rest a few minutes before serving to preserve the juices.

Nutrition

Calories: 396kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 759mg | Potassium: 716mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 712IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 10mg