Go Back
–+ servings
featured air fryer chicken tenders

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 306kcal
Author: Becky Hardin
Quick and easy to make in the air fryer, these chicken tenders are one tasty bite! Coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs, they are ready to serve in less than 30 minutes.
Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
Print Recipe

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1½ 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

Notes

  • Pat the tenders dry before coating to help the breading stick.
  • 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.
  • 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.
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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 306kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 110mg | Sodium: 820mg | Potassium: 458mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 457IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 121mg | Iron: 1mg