By: Becky Hardin
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Quick and easy to make, these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are one tasty bite! Coated in crispy Panko breadcrumbs, they are ready to serve in less than 30 minutes.
Table of Contents
Why We Love This Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
Time to get ready for the most delicious chicken tenders! Super quick and easy to cook in your air fryer, they are a real crowd-pleasing appetizer!
- Healthier. Get that crispy deep deep-fried texture and flavor without the need for all the oil.
- Quick and Easy. Ready to enjoy in less than 30 minutes and made with simple ingredients.
- Kid-Friendly. These are a great appetizer or main meal that your picky eaters will love.
Variations on Air Fryer Chicken Fingers
You can bread these chicken tenders with classic breadcrumbs or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for a different flavor. Try swapping the Parmesan for asiago or pecorino for a different flavor.
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How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover air fryer chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F air fryer for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How to Freeze
Freeze air fryer chicken tenders in a single layer on a lined baking sheet until solid, about 1-2 hours. Transfer to an airtight container or Ziplock bag to store for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer chicken tenders are a great appetizer to serve with your favorite dips like Chick-fil-A sauce, ranch, or BBQ. They are also a great addition to serve as part of a quick weeknight meal with your favorite potato and veggie sides. Try them with Shoestring Fries, BBQ Baked Beans, Garlic Parmesan Fries, or Potato Salad.
More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes To Try
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Fried Chicken
- Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
- Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
- Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
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Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
4.66 from 144 votes
Author: Becky Hardin
Prep: 10 minutes minutes
Cook: 13 minutes minutes
Total: 23 minutes minutes
Serves6 people
Print Rate
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Quick and easy to make in the air fryer, these chicken tenders are one tasty bite! Coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs, they are ready to serve in less than 30 minutes.
Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
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Ingredients
- 1½ pounds chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted (¾ stick)
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
Add the melted butter to a shallow bowl.
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
In a second shallow bowl, mix together the Panko, parmesan, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Dredge the chicken tenders. First, dip a tender in the melted butter then dredge in the Panko breading. Set aside on a plate or sheet pan and repeat with all tenders.
1½ pounds chicken tenders
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Transfer breaded tenders to the air fryer in a single layer (cooking in batches, if needed). Air fry at 400°F for 11-13 minutes. The tenders are done when they are fully cooked (165°F) and golden brown. Repeat with remaining tenders.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!
Becky’s tips
- Pat the tenders dry before coating to help the breading stick.
- I’ve made these both ways – flipping the tenders halfway through and not flipping them halfway through. The tricky thing about flipping them is it can cause some of the panko breading to come off. I really didn’t find much of a difference in even browning/crispiness when I didn’t flip, so that’s my preferred method.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket and cook the chicken tenders in batches. They should be placed in a single layer otherwise they won’t get crispy all over.
Storage:Store air fryer chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 306kcal (15%) Carbohydrates: 8g (3%) Protein: 29g (58%) Fat: 17g (26%) Saturated Fat: 9g (56%) Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 110mg (37%) Sodium: 820mg (36%) Potassium: 458mg (13%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 1g (1%) Vitamin A: 457IU (9%) Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) Calcium: 121mg (12%) Iron: 1mg (6%)
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How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Step by Step
Prep the Butter: Add 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter to a shallow bowl.
Make the Breading: In a second shallow bowl, mix together 1 cup of Panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup of finely shredded Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.
Dredge the Tenders: Dredge 1½ pounds of chicken tenders. First, dip a tender in the melted butter then dredge in the Panko breading. Set aside on a plate or sheet pan and repeat with all tenders.
Air Fry the Tenders: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Transfer breaded tenders to the air fryer in a single layer (cooking in batches, if needed). Air fry at 400°F for 11-13 minutes. The tenders are done when they are fully cooked (165°F) and golden brown. Repeat with remaining tenders. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
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