All-time childhood favorite meets healthy weeknight dinner via crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders! A homemade version of my most-requested meal growing up, they are made with simple ingredients and a serious upgrade from the frozen ones I once prayed my mother would serve for dinner every night. Show
From the ages of approximately 4 to 14, chicken tenders (and their first cousin, chicken nuggets) were, to me, the pinnacle of culinary perfection. I ordered them at every drive-through, tugged the end of my mom’s grocery cart towards the freezer aisle hoping she’d grab a box, and if we ate out for a “fancy” dinner (ahem, Chili’s) I’d order them off the appetizer menu as my main dish. These days, I rarely stop for fast food, but on a recent road trip, we pulled through a drive-through and for whatever reason, I HAD to have chicken fingers. I consummated the experience by dunking them into my childhood dipping sauce of choice, honey (it’s also the inspiration behind my baked Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders). They were SO GOOD. Childhood Erin had a point. Freshly enamored, I pulled out my new go-to weapon for making healthy versions of deep-fried favorites, my air fryer. Watch out golden arches, you have been beat! Crunchy and crispy outside, tender inside, and completely dippable just like Air Fryer Shrimp, these healthy air fryer chicken tenders have officially replaced the frozen and fast-food versions in my heart. How to Make Air Fryer Chicken TendersThe key to making the chicken tenders crispy is a combination of regular and panko breadcrumbs.
I’ve suggested some light seasoning that gives the chicken tenders flavor without losing the simplicity of their appeal. Feel free to switch them up to suit your and your family’s preferences. The Ingredients
Cutting Your Own Chicken TendersIf your grocery store doesn’t sell chicken tenders, you can make your own from a chicken breast. Slice a boneless, skinless chicken breast lengthwise into strips (about a 1/2-inch thick).
The Directions
Tip!How long chicken tenders stay in the air fryer will depend upon your model, as well as how crisp you would like them to be. In my model at 400 degrees F (400 degrees F is the best temperature at which to air fry chicken), the chicken tenders cook in 7 to 8 minutes. Chicken Tenders Sauce SuggestionsBecause dipping is half of the fun!
Storage Tips
Storage TipsTo ensure your frozen chicken tenders are crispy once reheated, skip the microwave. Rewarming them in the oven or air fryer will help crisp them back up. What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken TendersSide Dishes 45 mins Grilling 20 mins Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
The Best Air FryerThis air fryer model has numerous different settings and includes a rack for broiling. The accessories are dishwasher-safe too. Did you make this recipe?Let me know what you thought! Leave a rating below in the comments and let me know how you liked the recipe. Frequently Asked QuestionsCan I Air Fry Frozen Raw Chicken Tenders? You can certainly put frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer, but only if you are making air fryer chicken tenders with no breading. Because this recipe is breaded, you will need to thaw the chicken first in order for the breading to adhere. Thawed, raw chicken is completely safe to put in an air fryer. Can I Make Chicken Tenders without Breading? For chicken tenders without breading, use the seasoning from my Air Fryer Chicken Breast and cook the chicken tenders at 400 degrees F for 7 to 8 minutes as directed in this recipe. (These Grilled Chicken Tenders are another delicious option.) Can I Use Different Seasonings for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders? Yes, you can certainly swap the seasonings in this recipe. For those who enjoy spicy chicken tenders, add some cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. If you’re a fan of garlic Parmesan chicken tenders, add Parmesan cheese and extra garlic powder. FOR THE AIR FRYER CHICKEN TENDERS:
Serving: 1(of 4)Calories: 343kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 53gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 227mgPotassium: 913mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 680IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 37mgIron: 2mg Join today and start saving your favorite recipesCreate an account to easily save your favorite projects and tutorials. Register More Scrumptious Air Fryer RecipesAir Fryer 35 mins This post contains some affiliate links, which means that I make a small commission off items you purchase at no additional cost to you. You May Also LikeAir Fryer 35 mins Hi, I'm Erin Clarke, and I'm fearlessly dedicated to making healthy food that's affordable, easy-to-make, and best of all DELISH. I'm the author and recipe developer here at wellplated.com and of The Well Plated Cookbook. I adore both sweets and veggies, and I am on a mission to save you time and dishes. WELCOME! Learn more about Erin How long should you cook chicken in air fryer?The amount of time it takes to cook chicken in an air fryer will vary based on the size of your chicken breasts.. Small Breasts (5 to 7 ounces): 7 to 10 minutes.. Medium Breasts (8 to 10 ounces): 10 to 12 minutes.. Large Breasts (11 ounces or more): 12 to 16 minutes.. |