When I’m in need of a quick and easy dinner for my picky kids, these air fryer panko chicken tenders are one tasty bite! I coat juicy chicken tenders in crispy Panko breadcrumbs and air fry them to perfection. The best part about these chicken tenders is how simple they are. I only need 5 ingredients to make them super crispy and flavorful, and the whole recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish.

air fryer chicken tenders on baking sheet

This post may include affiliate links that earn us a small commission from your purchases at no extra cost to you.

When my kids were at their pickiest, I probably made these air fryer chicken tenders at least once a week. In fact, we still make these pretty regularly even though the boys have gotten a little more adventurous in their eating. These taste just like my favorite deep-fried chicken tenders, but I love that they’re a healthier option for my kiddos. Pat and I love them, too!

What’s in This Air Fryer Panko Chicken Tenders Recipe?

  • Chicken: The easiest cut to use for this recipe is chicken tenders. They’re already the perfect shape, so there’s no prep required. But when tenders aren’t available, I like to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips.
  • Butter: Unsalted butter helps the breading stick to the chicken and adds tons of flavor.
  • Breadcrumbs: I prefer to use Panko breadcrumbs for the crispiest tenders. You can use classic breadcrumbs or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for a different flavor.
  • Cheese: Shredded Parmesan adds a salty and umami flavor to the breading. Try swapping for asiago or pecorino for a different flavor.
  • Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory flavor of these tenders.
chicken tenders baked in an air fryer
Email This Recipe
Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Tips for Success

  • Pat the tenders dry before coating to help the breading stick.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket and cook the chicken tenders in batches. They should be placed in a single layer otherwise they won’t get crispy all over.
  • I’ve made these both ways – flipping the tenders halfway through and not flipping them halfway through. The tricky thing about flipping them is it can cause some of the panko breading to come off. I really didn’t find much of a difference in even browning/crispiness when I didn’t flip, so that’s my preferred method.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover air fryer panko chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a 375°F air fryer for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through.

air fryer chicken tenders dipped ketchup

Serving Suggestions

My kids love these air fryer chicken tenders dipped in Chick-fil-A sauce, ranch, or BBQ. For sides, I like to serve them with Shoestring Fries, BBQ Baked Beans, Garlic Parmesan Fries, or Potato Salad.

5-Star Review

“Best chicken ever!! I am not exaggerating!” -Jill

Recipe Card

Air Fryer Panko Chicken Tenders Recipe

4.67 from 146 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 13 minutes
Total: 23 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Author: Becky Hardin
featured air fryer chicken tenders
Quick and easy to make, these air fryer Panko chicken tenders are one tasty bite! Coated in crispy breadcrumbs and ready in 30 minutes!
Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
Save this recipe!
Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you, plus new recipes weekly!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Ingredients 

  • pounds chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted (¾ stick)
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions 

  • Add the melted butter to a shallow bowl.
    6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • In a second shallow bowl, mix together the Panko, parmesan, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
    1 cup Panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Dredge the chicken tenders. First, dip a tender in the melted butter then dredge in the Panko breading. Set aside on a plate or sheet pan and repeat with all tenders.
    1½ pounds chicken tenders
  • Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Transfer breaded tenders to the air fryer in a single layer (cooking in batches, if needed). Air fry at 400°F for 11-13 minutes. The tenders are done when they are fully cooked (165°F) and golden brown. Repeat with remaining tenders.
  • Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Video

Becky’s Tips

Storage: Store air fryer chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
    Calories: 306kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 29gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 820mgPotassium: 458mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 457IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 121mgIron: 1mg

    Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

    Did you make this? Leave a comment!

    How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Step by Step

    Prep the Butter: Add 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter to a shallow bowl.

    Make the Breading: In a second shallow bowl, mix together 1 cup of Panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup of finely shredded Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.

    Dredge the Tenders: Dredge 1½ pounds of chicken tenders. First, dip a tender in the melted butter then dredge in the Panko breading. Set aside on a plate or sheet pan and repeat with all tenders.

    Air Fry the Tenders: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Transfer breaded tenders to the air fryer in a single layer (cooking in batches, if needed). Air fry at 400°F for 11-13 minutes. The tenders are done when they are fully cooked (165°F) and golden brown. Repeat with remaining tenders. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

    More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes to Try!

    Meet Becky Hardin

    Becky Hardin is a wife and mother living in Saint Louis Missouri. She founded The Cookie Rookie in 2012 as a creative way to share recipes. Now, she is a trusted resource for easy cooking around the world, being featured in Taste of Home, The Kitchn, ABC’s Home and Family, and more. Here at The Cookie Rookie she is the editor in chief of all recipes and continues to enjoy sharing her passion for cooking for busy families. She has since founded two additional food blogs, Easy Chicken Recipes and Easy Dessert Recipes.

    4.67 from 146 votes (132 ratings without comment)
    Subscribe
    Notify of
    guest
    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    29 Comments
    Newest
    Oldest Most Voted
    Inline Feedbacks
    View all comments
    Elizabeth beard
    Elizabeth beard
    August 10, 2023 6:03 pm

    Prepared exactly to recipe and they were really easy and good! Didn’t get a chance to take a pic because they are gone! My husband dipped in blue cheese dressing, but I ate plain.5 stars

    marlene johnson
    marlene johnson
    June 17, 2023 8:40 pm

    Made it tonight fantastic I have some left for tomorrow they are way better rolled in butter than oil .4 stars

    IMG_1459.jpeg
    Samantha Marceau
    June 19, 2023 9:29 am

    Those look great, Marlene! Thanks so much for sharing!

    Donna
    Donna
    May 17, 2023 10:02 am

    What is the best way to reheat so they don’t dry out?

    Samantha Marceau
    May 18, 2023 9:15 am
    Reply to  Donna

    Reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for about 4 minutes until warmed through!

    Donna
    Donna
    May 17, 2023 9:56 am

    So very easy and delicious. These will be a staple in my home. Thanks for a great recipe.5 stars

    831E3C13-B9EF-44E8-81DB-FDFA68EC09AC.jpeg
    Jan Beadles
    Jan Beadles
    February 5, 2023 1:49 pm

    Loved this.. So easy and delicious! I subbed dry ranch dressing for the salt pepper and garlic powder. This recipe is a winner for sure!!5 stars

    Samantha
    Samantha
    December 20, 2022 6:29 pm

    Awesome recipe!!!5 stars

    Patti
    Patti
    November 6, 2022 4:36 pm

    Came out perfect!!5 stars

    Jill
    Jill
    September 21, 2022 6:27 pm

    Best chicken ever!! I am not exaggerating!5 stars

    Samantha Marceau
    September 22, 2022 9:42 am
    Reply to  Jill

    Thank you!!

    Heather
    Heather
    July 17, 2022 8:34 pm

    Can you use frozen tenders? If so, what would the adjustments for time and temperature?

    Samantha Marceau
    July 18, 2022 9:26 am
    Reply to  Heather

    We would try 360°F for about 15 minutes, or until 165°F internally.

    Erica Kress
    Erica Kress
    March 21, 2022 5:52 pm

    So easy to make and delicious as well. The whole family loved them!

    Becky Hardin
    Becky Hardin
    March 24, 2022 4:02 pm
    Reply to  Erica Kress

    That’s awesome!!