How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

No oil and still all the crunch!

If you're craving crispy, golden chicken tenders without the grease of deep frying, this Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe is exactly what you need. Made with a flavorful blend of spices and a mix of panko and Italian breadcrumbs, these chicken tenders are light, crunchy, and incredibly satisfying, all without a drop of oil.

This is my most popular recipe on YouTube and for a very good reason; it gives you the taste and flavor of a restaurant style chicken tender without the need for deep frying. Most importantly, it maintains the juiciness of your chicken tenders without drying it out.

These tenders are perfectly seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper, each bite delivers bold flavor and the satisfying crunch you expect from restaurant-quality tenders. The secret lies in the dual-breading combo: panko for crispiness and Italian breadcrumbs for savory depth. Paired with an egg wash, the coating sticks beautifully and crisps up perfectly in the air fryer.

This recipe uses chicken breast sliced into tenderloins, making it both budget-friendly and easy to customize. Serve these air fryer chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or spicy mayo, or slice them up for salads, wraps, or rice bowls. I usually pair them up with a spicy ranch which always hits in my household.

I love how quickly these can be made. You can have these ready in under 25 minutes and they're a family favorite!

Say goodbye to soggy oven-baked tenders and hello to crispy perfection with this easy air fryer chicken tender recipe. Whether you're eating clean, cutting back on oil, or just want an easy meal with big flavor, these tenders check all the boxes.

Grocery List

Chicken breasts
Salt
Pepper
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Smoked paprika
Chili powder
Cayenne pepper
Panko breadcrumbs
Italian breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
Cooking spray

Cook Time 18 mins

Total Time 18 mins

Difficulty: Beginner

Cooking Temp: 400 F

Servings: 4

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

If you're craving crispy, golden chicken tenders without the grease of deep frying, this Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe is exactly what you need. Made with a flavorful blend of spices and a mix of panko and Italian breadcrumbs, these chicken tenders are light, crunchy, and incredibly satisfying, all without a drop of oil.

Ingredients

2 lbs. chicken breasts (cut into tenderloin strips)
2 tsp salt
2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
Cooking spray

Instructions

1
Slice chicken breasts into evenly sized tenderloin strips. Pat dry with paper towels.
2
Divide the seasonings into two cups or small bowls.
3
In a bowl, combine one bowl of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne. Toss chicken strips with the seasoning blend.
4
Beat the eggs in a small bowl, then pour over the chicken tenderloins.
5
Using a food processor, or blender, add the panko and Italian breadcrumbs,
6
If you don't have a food processor, simply mix the breadcrumbs into a large bowl.
7
Add the remaining seasonings and mix until well combined.
8
Dip the tenders into the seasoned breadcrumbs and coat until each tender is well combined.
9
Place the tenders in your air fryer basket and spray with cooking spray.
10
Cook at 400 degrees for 16 minutes flipping the tenders halfway through.
11
After the first flip, spray with more cooking spray.
12
Cook until the tenders reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
13
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, crispy air fryer chicken tenders, healthy chicken tenders, easy air fryer chicken tenders