These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a firm family favorite, thanks to the cheesy and crispy breadcrumb coating. They come out super crunchy on the outside and perfectly juicy and tender on the inside. Making chicken fingers in the Air Fryer is just so quick and easy (5 ingredients and less than 20 minutes), I can’t help but make them over and over again.
As a busy mom of two, this air-fried chicken tenders recipe is a life saver! Not only are these easy to make, but they’re healthier than the typical fried strips. My kids request them time and time again, and I’m so happy I can cook them up for easy meals.
What’s in this Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe?
- Chicken Tenders: Use boneless, skinless chicken tenders (tenderloins).
- Eggs: Eggs help bind the breadcrumbs to the chicken.
- Breadcrumbs: Use Panko Breadcrumbs to create a crispy coating.
- Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds subtle flavor to the coating.
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Variations to Try
Sometimes I like to change up the flavor of these homemade Air Fryer chicken tenders by adding different seasonings to the breadcrumb mixture. I’ve tried Italian seasoning, herbs de Provence, taco seasoning, cajun seasoning, and blackened seasoning, and they’re all delicious!
These chicken fingers can also be tossed in a sauce after air-frying–try Buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or teriyaki sauce!
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover 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. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 375°F for about 4 minutes until warmed through. Add a few extra minutes if reheating from frozen.
Notes and Tips
- Be sure to coat all sides of the chicken tenders with the breadcrumb mixture, so that they get crisp in the Air Fryer.
- You may need to cook them in batches to make sure they get fully crisped.
- These crispy chicken fingers are perfect for serving with dips like BBQ, ketchup, Chick Fil A Sauce, ranch, and other sauces!
Top Reader Review
- “This recipe saved dinner tonight. So it may become a Monday tradition!” – JJ Nunez
- “So simple, easy & quick. And oh, SO TASTY!” – Earl
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep:10minutes
Cook:8minutes
Total Time
:18minutes
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket;the chicken tenders should be placed in a single layer. Cook them in two batches if needed.
- Panko breadcrumbs create a super crispy outside layer,but you can use normal breadcrumbs if that’s what you have.
- Check that the internal temperature of the tenders is at least 165°F before serving.
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 Facts
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
Amount Per Serving (0.5 pound)
Calories403
Calories from Fat 108
% Daily Value*
Fat12g18%
Saturated Fat 4g25%
Trans Fat 0.04g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 3g
Cholesterol245mg82%
Sodium1163mg51%
Potassium926mg26%
Carbohydrates15g5%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein56g112%
Vitamin A275IU6%
Vitamin C3mg4%
Calcium134mg13%
Iron2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Step by Step
Season the Chicken:Season 2 pounds of boneless,skinless chicken tenders with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Make a Dredging Station:Whisk 2 large eggs together in a shallow bowl. In a separate shallow bowl,combine 1¼ cups of Panko breadcrumbs and ⅓ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Dredge the Chicken:Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture,then into the breadcrumbs to coat.
Cook the Tenders:Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer with space between them. You may need to cook in batches. Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes,flipping the tenders halfway through.
