Air Fryer Chicken Tenders - Family Favorite Air Fryer Chicken Recipe - (2024)

Air Fryer chicken tenders are super easy to make, they’re crunchy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. This air fryer chicken is a healthier version of your favorite comfort food, chicken tenderloins are covered in an egg wash with Panko Crumbs and air fried in just 12 minutes. Serve smothered in buffalo or BBQ sauce or serve them with a side of your favorite with dipping sauce.

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The BEST Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

I have a weak spot for crispy chicken tenders. I could eat them almost daily with my favorite garlic Parmesan dipping sauce or in a Buffalo Chicken Wrap. But I know how unhealthy they can be when soaked in all of that oil, so I’ve been using my Philips Air Fryer to enjoy one of my favorite appetizers, without all of the oil.

These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders made with panko bread crumbs are my go to and are air fried with just a little bit of olive oil. The chicken comes out super crispy, just like they’ve been fried in a deep fryer.

You won’t be able to tell that these chicken pieces are not deep fried. Not only are these chicken tenders healthier, but you also don’t have that oil smell or the mess to clean up. The air fryer fried chicken are perfect to serve with a side of veggies, or on a platter for a game day appetizer.

What temperature do you cook chicken in air fryer?

330degrees F, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to get it at the correct temperature.

How long to cook chicken tenders?

Once the air fryer is preheated to 330degrees F, air fry the chicken pieces for 12-14 minutes. Or until the outside is golden brown and internal temp reaches 165 degrees.

Can you make this air fryer recipe with chicken breast or drumsticks?

Yes, you can! My kids love homemade chicken tenders and if I don’t have chicken tenderloins in my freezer, I slice the boneless chicken breasts into large strips, in the shape of a chicken tenders. You can also coat the chicken drumsticks in the panko crumbs and egg wash. Since chicken legs are low cost, this can be a cheap family dinner. If placing larger pieces of chicken breast in air fryer, you’ll need to adjust the cook time.

What kind of Panko bread crumbs are the best?

I typically use the plain panko bread crumbs that can be found at my local Walmart or Amazon. You can also use seasoned panko, likeLouisiana Styled or Italian Seasoning.

Sides to Serve With Air Fried Chicken:

• Spaghetti Squash ( we love it baked with a little bit of tomato, basil & mozzarella)
• Mac and cheese
• potato salad
• baked zucchini fries
• coleslaw
• southern style green beans
• corn on the cob
• mashed potatoes

What Air Fryer is the Best?

Is an air fryer on your wish list? There are so many on the market, and a few things to keep in mind when choosing buying an air fryer. When shopping, take into account the amount of people you plan to cook for. If you plan to use the air fryer to cook for a family, I would recommend purchasing an XL or XXL Air Fryer version. Otherwise you will have to cook in batches as the basket on the 2.75 qt air fryers are on the small side.

Also see what else is included, like a baking dish. The Air Fryer baking dish is great for making breakfast fritattas and one less accessory you will have to buy if it is included.

How to Air Fry Chicken Tenders

Preheat air fryer: To make chicken tenders, preheat air fryer to 330 degrees F.

Prepare the chicken: You can use chicken tenderloins or chicken breast. If using chicken breast, trim the excess fat and cut into strips.

Next, get the flour mixture ready. Place flour, egg, and panko crumbs in three separate small bowls. Add salt, pepper, and olive oil to the Panko crumbs, mix well.

Dip chicken in the flour, then the egg, then the Panko crumbs until evenly coated. Once you bread the chicken, place the chicken strips in air fryer basket. You’ll need to cook in batches depending on if you have a large or small air fryer.

Set the cook time for 12-14 minutes. Note that the cooking time can vary depending on the size of your chicken tenders. The chicken is done once it is golden brown and internal temp reaches 165 degrees F.

Serve as it – or covered in your favorite sauce: Place the air fryer fried chicken in a large bowl and toss with your favorite dipping sauce, or serve with a side of ranch dressing, buffalo sauce or barbecue sauce.

Ways to serve this crispy air fried chicken:

Serve with your favorite sauces or use in a variety of chicken recipes.

• On top of spaghetti with tomato sauce
• Chicken bacon ranch wrap
• Chicken & waffles
• Chicken Parmesan sub
• In a salad

Did you know you can also make breakfast in the Air Fryer? Check out our recipe for a breakfast Fritatta.

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