Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (No Breading!)

crispy air fryer chicken tenders on a serving platter

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (No Breading!)

This is the BEST air fryer chicken tenders recipe that comes together in under 15 minutes and makes the perfect side dish, appetizer, or main dish! Serve with dipping sauce, over a salad, on a sandwich, and more. They’re juicy, flavorful, and crispy without any breading!

Servings:

Ingredients

1.5 pounds boneless chicken tenderloins skinless
1 tbsp olive oil
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Parsley for garnish

Instructions

Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Season the Chicken. Place the chicken tenders in a large bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the tenders and toss to coat evenly.
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken tenders, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the seasoned chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; you may need to cook in batches.
Cook the chicken tenders for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Serve with my homemade ranch dressing!

Notes

Expert Tips

To spice up these crispy chicken tenders, feel free to add a little cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
If unsure about cooking time, check the chicken with an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature will read 165 degrees F when cooked through.

Serving & Storage Tips

Serve these with a side of sweet potato fries or french fries and veggies like green beans or asparagus for an easy meal the whole family will love! Pair with dipping sauces like honey mustard, BBQ sauce, and ranch dressing (or your favorite dipping sauce!).

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes and serve. To freeze, let the chicken tenders cool completely, then store them in a freezer bag and place them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Reheat and enjoy!

Nutrition