Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders | Quick, Healthy and Extra Golden
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves tender and juicy chicken tenders. They have a crispy outside. You can make them easily in an air fryer. No oil and no fuss — restaurant-style crispy chicken will be ready in just 10 minutes. This recipe is a favorite for kids and adults alike, healthy, quick to make, and the best option for an everyday dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Ingredients
✔ Chicken Tenders / Chicken Breast Strips – 500g
✔ Egg – 1
✔ Flour – ½ cup
✔ Panko Breadcrumbs – 1 cup
✔ Olive Oil Spray (optional)
✔ Salt – ½ teaspoon
✔ Garlic Pepper – ½ teaspoon
✔ Paprika – ½ teaspoon
✔ Garlic Powder – ½ teaspoon
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
✔ Wash the chicken strips thoroughly and season with salt,
pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Step 2: Make the Batter
✔ Crack the eggs in a bowl.
✔ Take the flour in another bowl.
✔ Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
Step 3: Coat the chicken
✔ First dip in the flour then in the egg finally coat in the breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Air Fry
✔ Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C)
✔ Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the basket
✔ If desired, spray lightly with oil
✔ Air fry for 8–10 minutes
✔ Flip once halfway
Pro Tips for Perfect Crispiness
☞ Be sure to use panko breadcrumbs
☞ Don't stack the chicken pieces on top of each other
☞ Preheat the air fryer
☞ The chicken is done when the thermometer reads 165°F inside
Serving Ideas
☞ Garlic Mayo Check Out Amazon
☞ Ranch Sauce Check Out Amazon
☞ Sweet Chili Sauce Check Out Amazon
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☞ Lettuce Salad Check Out Amazon
How To Make air fryer chicken tenders Recipe Tools Recommendation
When I cook this recipe, I can't do it without certain tools. I've listed the ones that give me great results time and time again, so you can easily get the same perfect texture at home.
1. Best Air Fryer Top Pick for Crispy Results
✔ Why You Need It: Evenly crispy texture, healthy cooking without oil, fast cooking.
✔ Perfect For: Chicken tenders, fries, veggies, reheating leftovers.
✔ Best air fryer: ☞ Check Out Amazon 25% discount
2. Heat-Resistant Silicone Tongs
✔ Why You Need It: Non-stick cookware won't scratch, grip is strong, safe for flipping chicken.
✔ Perfect For: Air fryer basket handling + flipping tenders without damage.
✔ chief silicone tongs: ☞ Check Out Amazon 25% discount
3. Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
✔ Why You Need It: Batter, marinate, breadcrumb coating all work.
✔ Perfect For: Quick prep, dishwasher-safe cleaning.
✔ Best Mixing bowls Set: ☞ Check Out Quick Recipe Pro
4. Instant Read Meat Thermometer
✔ Why You Need It: Chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F—no overcook/undercooking.
✔ Perfect For: Chickens, beef, fish—all kinds of recipes.
✔ best meat thermometer: ☞ Check Out Amazon 50% discount
5. Panko Breadcrumbs
✔ Why You Need It: Gives a restaurant-level extra-crispy texture.
✔ Perfect For: Air fryer chicken tenders, fish fillet, crispy snacks.
✔ Best breadcrumbs: ☞ Check Out Amazon
6. Essential Spice Set
✔ Why You Need It: Chicken won't taste good without the right seasoning.
✔ Perfect For: Everyday cooking—salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, onion, chili mix.
✔ best essential spice set: ☞ Check Out Amazon
Best Air Fryer Recipe Tools Buying Guide
5+ QT capacity
Digital temperature
Non-stick basket Check Out Amazon
Silicone Tongs: Prevents scratches + heat-safe.
Perfect for flipping tenders.
Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches 165°F — perfect juiciness.
Mixing Bowls: For seasoning + breading chicken efficiently.
Panko Breadcrumbs: For the crispiest, golden coating.
Conclusion
The Ultra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe is perfect for anyone. It offers healthy, crispy, and juicy chicken. Plus, it can be made quickly. You can get restaurant-level results without using any oil. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s the perfect quick dinner or kids’ favorite snack for busy families.
The real magic of this recipe comes from the combination of the Air Fryer, Panko Breadcrumbs, and Spice Blend. Using the right cooking tools not only makes the recipe — your entire cooking experience faster, safer, and more professional.
Air fryer Chicken Recipe 5 FAQ
How long to cook chicken tenders in an air fryer?
Chicken tenders in an air fryer can be perfectly crispy after cooking for 8-10 minutes. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 4 to 5 minutes. Then, flip the food and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes. This will make it crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
How to make extra crispy air fryer chicken tenders?
To make extra crispy, use Panko Breadcrumbs, Cornstarch, and a light spray-oil. These mix together to create a layer that gives the air fryer a great crunch.
Can I make air fryer chicken tenders with flour only no breadcrumbs?
Yes, chicken tenders will be crispy with just flour. You need to mix paprika, garlic powder, salt, and cornstarch with the flour. However, using breadcrumbs gives a better crunchy texture.
How long to cook chicken tenders in the air fryer at 400°F?
It takes 8–10 minutes to cook chicken tenders in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C). If the chicken is thick, you can increase the time by 1–2 minutes.
For best results, use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
For best results, use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Can I cook raw chicken tenders in the air fryer?
Yes, raw chicken tenders can be cooked directly in the air fryer. If cooked at the correct temperature, they will be crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Be sure to flip them halfway through cooking so that both sides cook evenly.
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