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air fryer chicken tenders recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

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This air fryer chicken tenders recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken using simple ingredients and minimal cleanup. Perfect for easy one-pot meals and quick weeknight dinners without deep frying.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Western
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ pounds chicken tenderloins
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for breaded version)
  • Cooking oil spray, as needed

Equipment

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken
    Pat the chicken tenderloins dry using paper towels. This helps achieve a crisp exterior.
  2. Season
    Place chicken in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Toss until evenly coated.(If using breadcrumbs, lightly coat the chicken at this stage.)
  3. Preheat the air fryer
    Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.
  4. Arrange for even cooking
    Place chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd.
  5. Cook
    Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through if needed.
  6. Check doneness
    Chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Rest and serve
    Let rest for 2 minutes before serving for the juiciest texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 35gFat: 14gFiber: 1gSugar: 1g

Notes

  • For extra crispy chicken tenders, use panko breadcrumbs and a light oil spray.
  • For a no-breading version, skip breadcrumbs and rely on seasoning alone.
  • Cook time may vary slightly depending on air fryer model and chicken thickness.

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