Air Fryer
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
These air fryer chicken tenders get their crunch from a simple panko coating and a hot blast of circulating air, no deep fryer or pound of oil required. They're the kind of recipe that disappears fast at the table, both with kids and adults dipping into ranch or honey mustard.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Crispy panko crust with a fraction of the oil
- No deep frying, no oily mess
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- A reliable weeknight crowd-pleaser
Ingredients
Full ingredient list below — check off items as you shop or cook.
Instructions
- Set up a breading station: flour mixed with 1/2 tsp salt and the pepper in one shallow dish; eggs whisked with water in a second; panko mixed with the remaining 1/2 tsp salt, paprika and garlic powder in a third.
- Pat the chicken tenders dry. Dredge each one in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in egg, then press firmly into the panko mixture to coat.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 3 minutes.
- Arrange the tenders in a single layer in the basket and spray both sides lightly with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips for success
- Pressing the panko on firmly, rather than just dusting it over, is what gives you a thick, crunchy crust.
- The light spray of oil on top of the breading is what helps it brown — don't skip it.
- Work in batches if your air fryer basket is small; overcrowded tenders steam instead of crisping.
- For extra crunch, use panko straight from the package rather than crushing it finer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, swap the flour and panko for gluten-free versions of each; the texture stays very similar.
How do I keep the breading from falling off?
Make sure each layer is fully coated before moving to the next, and press the panko on firmly rather than just sprinkling it.
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Thaw them fully first and pat dry; breading won't adhere well to icy, wet chicken.
What dipping sauces go well with chicken tenders?
Honey mustard, ranch, and buffalo sauce are all classic pairings.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 312 |
| Protein | 33g |
| Carbs | 24g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Sodium | 560mg |
| Sugar | 1g |
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on exact ingredients and brands used.
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