These air fryer chicken tenders are a simple, crispy dinner made with sliced chicken breast and a quick breadcrumb coating. They cook fast in the air fryer, making them a practical option for busy weeknight meals when you want something familiar and easy.
A Quick Look at the Recipe
✅ Recipe Name: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
🕒 Ready In: ~20 minutes
👪 Serves: 4 servings
🍽 Calories: ~310 per serving
🥣 Main Ingredients: Chicken breast, egg, mayonnaise, breadcrumbs
📖 Dietary Info: Dairy-free, gluten-free option using gluten-free breadcrumbs
👌 Difficulty: Easy - minimal prep and air fryer cooking
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This recipe is designed to be cooked in a non-toxic air fryer, which helps reduce exposure to nonstick coatings that can break down at high heat. A glass air fryer is a great option for cooking chicken tenders safely while still getting that crisp, golden exterior.
If you enjoy easy chicken dinners like this one, you may also like our Honey Mustard Chicken, Crustless Chicken Quiche, or Dijon Chicken that come together quickly.
Jump to:
- A Quick Look at the Recipe
- Why You'll Love these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders:
- Key Ingredients:
- Easy Substitutions & Variations:
- How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders:
- Recipe Notes & Tips:
- How to Store:
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders FAQs:
- More Easy Dinner Recipes You'll Love
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- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Why You'll Love these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders:
Quick weeknight dinner: The tenders cook fast, making them easy to fit into busy evenings.
Simple ingredients: Made with just a few pantry staples and fresh chicken.
Crispy outside, tender inside: The air fryer gives great texture without deep frying.
Cooked in a non-toxic air fryer: Using a glass air fryer avoids traditional nonstick coatings while still delivering crisp results.
Kid-friendly: A familiar dinner option that works well for the whole family.
Key Ingredients:
- chicken breast. Sliced into strips so the tenders cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer.
- mayonnaise. Adds moisture and richness, keeping the chicken tender while helping the breadcrumbs stick. Use Homemade Mayonnaise for the best flavor.
- breadcrumbs. Create a crisp outer layer without deep frying; use plain or seasoned based on preference.
Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this page for exact quantities.
Easy Substitutions & Variations:
- Make them gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Use a different coating: Panko breadcrumbs add extra crunch, while regular breadcrumbs give a softer texture.
- Swap the mayonnaise: Greek yogurt or dairy-free mayo can be used in place of mayonnaise.
- Add seasoning: Mix garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning into the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
- Make them spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture.
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How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders:
- Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Step 2: Place the breadcrumbs in a separate shallow dish. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, coating all sides.
- Step 3: Then press into the breadcrumbs until evenly coated. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray, leaving space between each piece for proper airflow.
- Step 4: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Don't overcrowd the basket: Cook the chicken tenders in a single layer so hot air can circulate and crisp the coating evenly.
- Flip halfway through: Turning the tenders helps them brown on both sides and cook evenly.
- Check for doneness: Chicken tenders are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Glass air fryer timing: Glass air fryers may take slightly longer to heat, so allow a few extra minutes for preheating if needed.
- Serve right away: The tenders are crispiest when served hot from the air fryer.
- Serving Suggestions: We love having these chicken tenders with our Homemade Ranch Dressing and Loaded Cheese Fries.
How to Store:
Refrigerator: Store leftover air fryer chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes or in the oven until warmed through and crisp. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can soften the coating.
Freezer: Yes, these chicken tenders freeze well. Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer for best results.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders FAQs:
To keep air fryer chicken tenders moist, avoid overcooking, use a light coating (such as egg and mayonnaise), and cook in a single layer so the heat circulates evenly.
Air fryer chicken tenders typically take 10-12 minutes at 375°F, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Yes, air fryer chicken tenders can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Reheat in the air fryer to restore crispness before serving.
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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. If using a glass air fryer, allow a few extra minutes for preheating since glass takes longer to heat.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and mayonnaise until smooth.
- Place the breadcrumbs in a separate shallow dish.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, coating all sides, then press into the breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
- Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray, leaving space between each piece for proper airflow.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Remove from the air fryer and let rest for a minute before serving.
Video
Nutrition
Notes
- Don't overcrowd the basket: Cook the chicken tenders in a single layer so hot air can circulate and crisp the coating evenly.
- Flip halfway through: Turning the tenders helps them brown on both sides and cook evenly.
- Check for doneness: Chicken tenders are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Glass air fryer timing: Glass air fryers may take slightly longer to heat, so allow a few extra minutes for preheating if needed.
- Serve right away: The tenders are crispiest when served hot from the air fryer.
- Serving Suggestions: We love having these chicken tenders with our Homemade Ranch Dressing and Loaded Cheese Fries.
Jake P says
The air fryer makes these taste better than anything you'd get from a pizzeria. No grease but still crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Kae says
this is my favorite chicken finger recipe!