Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Printable)
Golden juicy chicken strips with a crunchy breadcrumb crust, air-fried to crispy perfection.
# Ingredient List:
→ Chicken
01 - 1.1 lb chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
→ Breading
02 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
03 - 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
04 - 1 tsp garlic powder
05 - 1 tsp onion powder
06 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
→ Egg Mixture
09 - 2 large eggs
10 - 2 tbsp water
→ Flour Coating
11 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
→ Cooking
12 - Olive oil spray
# How to Make:
01 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
02 - Set up three shallow bowls: place flour in the first bowl; whisk eggs and water in the second; combine panko, plain breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in the third.
03 - Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
04 - Dredge each strip in flour, shake off excess, dip into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
05 - Place coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly spray with olive oil.
06 - Cook at 400°F for 6 minutes, flip the tenders, spray again with olive oil, then continue cooking for an additional 5–6 minutes until golden and fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F).
07 - Remove tenders and serve immediately with preferred dipping sauces.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- They're ready in under 30 minutes, which means dinner on a busy night without feeling like a shortcut.
- The coating actually stays crispy, unlike breaded chicken that gets soggy sitting on a plate.
- You'll use a fraction of the oil compared to traditional frying, but somehow they taste even better.
02 -
- Skipping the flour layer sounds logical, but it's the difference between breading that sticks and breading that slides off during cooking.
- The air fryer basket temperature matters more than the time—check the internal temp rather than relying solely on the clock.
03 -
- Grated Parmesan mixed into the breadcrumb blend adds a savory depth that people notice but can't quite name.
- Make extra and store them in the fridge—they reheat beautifully in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes and taste almost as good as fresh.