Golden, crispy, and juicy: Air-Fryer Chicken Tenders will please the whole gang!
There was a time when my kids, now teenagers, nearly subsisted on chicken tenders and mac and cheese. Not my proudest moment as a parent (or, let’s be honest, series of moments, since this lasted a while). Back in the day, while it was tempting to microwave frozen tenders or nuggets, I was set on at least making these meals a little healthier. And that’s when my air fryer became my best friend. I could churn out fairly wholesome, crispy chicken tenders, I knew exactly what was in them, and, most importantly, my kids loved them.
Your air fryer is a great resource for foods like chicken tenders. Healthier than deep-frying and faster than baking, you still get all the benefits of both. When you do it right, making air-fryer chicken tenders is a win-win. They are better for you than frozen or takeout, but still super crispy and addictively delicious. Plus, they’re definitely doable on a weeknight!
These chicken tenders are easy and quick, whether for a weeknight dinner, a snack for the big game, or an impromptu gathering. The ingredients are all natural, and you probably already have them in your pantry or freezer, so that’s a plus as well.
What’s A Tender?
You might be wondering where the “tender” is on a chicken. Unlike other chicken parts (think leg, breast, thigh), it’s not immediately obvious where the tender comes from. The tender is short for tenderloin. The tenderloin is attached to the breast by a thin, white tendon and sits up against the rib cage. That tendon is easily removed with a knife (although it’s edible if you choose not to remove it). It’s white meat, and every chicken has two of them. Most stores sell chicken tenders in packages of eight or ten.
FAQs & Tips
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Let the cooked tenders cool and store in a resealable bag in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them this way for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, the best way to reheat them is in the air fryer. Microwaving them will make them a bit soggy. If your tenders are refrigerated, simply preheat your air fryer to 350° F and heat 5-10 minutes or until heated through. If frozen, preheat your air fryer to 400° F and reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Can I Use Chicken Breast Slices Instead Of Tenders?
If you only have skinless, boneless chicken breasts or your grocery is out of chicken tenders, yes, you can. The main thing is to make sure you slice the chicken breast into even pieces. Slice them into pieces that are approximately 4 inches long and of even thickness.
Why Are My Chicken Tenders Soggy?
If you end up with chicken tenders that are closer to soggy than crispy, it could be due to too much moisture and/or overcrowding when cooking. In Step 1, pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel to eliminate any moisture. Then proceed with the seasoning and dredging. Additionally, make sure you don’t overcrowd your air fryer when cooking. Depending on the size of your fryer, you may have to cook the chicken in batches. Leave a little room around each piece of chicken so the air can circulate fully.
Serving Suggestions
Air-fryer chicken tenders are delicious to dip. Serve alongside barbecue, Buffalo wing sauce, Homemade Ranch Dressing, and Delicious Honey Mustard Dressing. As for sides, there are many possibilities that work well with air-fryer chicken tenders. For instance, Baked Fries are a classic side with chicken tenders. But you can also branch out and pair them with a light Summer Pasta Salad or a Keto Broccoli Salad.
Air-Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 12 chicken tenders approximately 1 1/4 pounds
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1/2 cup unseasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup unseasoned panko
- Olive oil spray
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Season the chicken tenders with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Prepare two shallow bowls: one with beaten eggs and another with a mixture of breadcrumbs and panko.
- Dip each chicken tender first into the egg, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture. Place on a plate and spray both sides with olive oil spray.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure a crispy exterior on the chicken tenders.
- Cook the chicken tenders in the air fryer in batches for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until fully cooked and golden brown. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
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