Oh man, there’s something about chicken tenders that just screams childhood comfort, right? Growing up, my mom would whip up crispy, golden tenders that we’d devour faster than I could say “dip it in ketchup.” Now, with my trusty air fryer, I can recreate that nostalgic crunch and juicy center in a fraction of the time—and with way less oil! If you’ve been craving that perfect crispy bite that’s tender on the inside and crunchy on the outside, you’re in the right place. Plus, I’ve got some tips to make sure these chicken tenders come out just right every single time. Get ready to bring back those warm, cozy memories with a modern twist!
Quick Facts
Yield: Serves 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
1 lb chicken tenders (about 8 pieces)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 large eggs
2 tbsp water
1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
Cooking spray (for air fryer basket)
How I Make It
Step 1:
First up, set out three shallow bowls for your dredging station. In the first bowl, mix the flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and water. For the third, pour in the panko breadcrumbs. This setup makes it super easy to coat each chicken tender perfectly.
Step 2:
Grab a chicken tender and dredge it in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg wash, making sure it’s fully moistened. Finally, press it into the panko breadcrumbs until it’s well covered. Repeat this for all your tenders. Pro tip: lightly spray each coated tender with cooking spray before air frying to get that golden crispness.
Step 3:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 3 minutes. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket without overcrowding them (you might need to cook in batches).
Step 4:
Air fry the tenders at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on them—the crust should be a beautiful golden brown with a satisfyingly crunchy texture. If they start browning too fast, lower the temperature by 10 degrees the next round.
Step 5:
Once cooked, transfer the tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any little extra oil. Let them rest for just a minute—trust me, this helps lock in the juiciness.
Step 6:
Serve warm with your favorite dips and enjoy that crispy, tender magic!
Variations & Tips
Swap paprika for smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to add a smoky or spicy kick.
Try using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for an hour beforehand to add extra tenderness and flavor.
If your air fryer basket sticks, line the bottom with perforated parchment paper designed for air fryers.
For extra crunch, double-dip the tenders by repeating the egg wash and breadcrumb coating.
How I Like to Serve It
I love pairing these tenders with a simple honey mustard or classic ranch dip, especially for easy weeknight dinners. They’re perfect alongside some crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh green salad to lighten things up. Also, they make fantastic kid-friendly party snacks, especially when served with a variety of dipping sauces!
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to regain crispiness.
Chicken tenders cook quickly; use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F internally for safety.
Closing: With just a few simple steps and your air fryer, you’ll have crispy, juicy chicken tenders that hit all the right nostalgic notes every time!
