Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are quick and easy to make. The perfect homemade alternative to store-bought frozen tenders and just as crispy as deep-fried chicken tenders (without the grease).
Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
These crispy air fryer chicken tenders are juicy and the perfect quick lunch or dinner. Each tender is coated in a breading of panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese and infused with paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and cayenne pepper. They are so much tastier and fresher than the frozen chicken tenders you’ll find at the store.
I’ve included a homemade honey mustard sauce in this recipe but feel free to dip these in BBQ sauce, ketchup, ranch, or any other dipping sauce of your choice!
If you love getting creative with your chicken tenders, check out my recipes for pretzel crusted chicken tenders and Doritos chicken tenders. I also have a classic baked chicken tenders recipe too.
Why Cook Chicken Tenders In The Air Fryer?
Here are a few reasons why these air fryer chicken tenders are now one of our go-to’s for an easy kid-approved dinner.
- Grease-free. A small amount of olive oil is used to coat the air fryer and brushed on top of the chicken tenders but otherwise, making chicken tenders in an air fryer is oil-free. No need to deep fry these in a vat of oil!
- Crispy outside. Despite the lack of frying, these chicken tenders are just as crispy on the outside as those that are deep fried.
- Perfectly seasoned. I season both the egg wash and the breadcrumb mixture with spices like paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder to give these chicken tenders just the right amount of flavor.
- Kid-approved. Chicken tenders are a go-to for kids of all ages so having this easy recipe on hand ensures you always have something to serve even the pickiest of eaters.
Recipe Ingredients
Both the honey mustard dipping sauce and the homemade chicken tenders are made with just a handful of ingredients. Scroll down to the recipe card below
For The Honey Mustard Sauce
- Honey – Locally sourced honey tends to offer the best flavor.
- Mayonnaise – The creamy base of the dipping sauce.
- Dijon mustard – Adds the sharp mustard flavor to the sauce.
- White distilled vinegar – Thins the sauce and adds a distinct tang to it.
- Spices – Paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
For the Chicken Tenders
- Eggs – For the egg wash.
- Spices – Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Chicken tenderloins – Remove the tendons.
- Panko breadcrumbs – Panko breadcrumbs have a crispier texture than regular breadcrumbs.
- Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated from the block is best.
- Olive oil – Cooking spray will work as well.
- Parsley
How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Making homemade chicken tenders in an air fryer is almost as easy as cooking frozen ones! See the recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Make the dipping sauce. Combine the honey mustard ingredients in a bowl. Cover and place in the fridge until needed.
- Prepare the egg wash. Whisk garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper into the eggs in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the panko, parmesan, and remaining seasonings.
- Dredge the chicken. Remove the tendon from the chicken. Fully coat each piece of chicken in the egg wash then dredge into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure all sides are fully coated.
- Air fry. Brush the air fryer with oil then place the chicken tenders in the air fryer in a single layer. Brush a little oil on top of the chicken. Cook at 400F for 6-8 minutes then flip and brush the tops with oil again. Cook an additional 6-8 minutes.
Tips for Success
Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind for the best air fryer chicken tendors.
- How to easily remove the tendons from chicken tenderloins. Place the chicken on a cutting board then place the tendon on the tine of a fork. Hold the end of the tendon with a paper towel and push the fork away while pulling up on the tendon. It should easily slip from the chicken.
- Be sure to fully coat the chicken. For crispy chicken tenders, be sure to coat each tenderloin with the egg wash and the breadcrumbs. I like to press some of the breadcrumbs on, to make sure they’re secure.
- Can I use chicken breasts? Yes, you can cut chicken breasts into strips to make your chicken tenders if preferred.
- How long to cook chicken tenders in the air fryer? It will depend on your air fryer and the size of each tender but in general, 12-16 minutes. The juices should run clear and the internal temperature 165F.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your air fryer chicken tenders with the honey mustard sauce or your favorite dipping sauce, like BBQ sauce or Chick Fil A sauce.
Pair them with French fries for a classic meal or swap the regular fries for zucchini fries, sweet potato fries, or fried pickles. Mac and cheese is another easy option for a kid-friendly dinner.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Fridge. You can keep the leftover chicken tenders in the fridge for up to 5 days. Please note that the breading will get soft as it sits in the fridge.
- Reheat. You can reheat the chicken by placing it in the air fryer at 400° F for 6-8 minutes.
- Freezer. To freeze your air fryer chicken tenders, let them cool then freeze in a freezer-safe container. You can air fry directly from frozen until heated through.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Honey Mustard Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar
- 1 teaspoon paprika divided
- 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt divided
- 1 teaspoon black pepper divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder divided
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Chicken Tenders Ingredients
- 2 eggs mixed
- 2 teaspoons paprika divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder divided
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound chicken tenderloin 8 tenderloins, remove the tendon
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tablespoon of your favorite unsalted seasoning or Italian seasoning
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons parsley torn
Instructions
- In a bowl add the honey mustard ingredients. Mix until combined. Place in the fridge. Taste to see if you want to add more honey or mustard based on your preference.
- In a bowl whisk the eggs, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Mix until combined.
- Remove the tendon from the chicken.*
- Add the chicken to the egg wash. Make sure the chicken is fully coated in the egg wash. Set aside.
- In a bowl add the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, unsalted seasoning, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon coarse kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix until fully combined. Set aside
- Dredge the coated chicken in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the batter onto the chicken tenders so both sides are fully coated.
- Use a pastry brush to coat the air fryer with oil.
- Place the chicken tenders into the air fryer. Do not overlap the chicken.
- Use the pastry brush to dab a little oil on top of the chicken.
- Cook the chicken at 400° F for 6-8 minutes. Flip the chicken over and use the pastry brush to dab a little oil on top of the chicken. Cook for an additional 6-8 minutes or until the juices run clear. You want an internal temperature of 165°.
- Remove the chicken from the air fryer and top with parsley.
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