If you’re craving something crispy, juicy, and incredibly easy to make, these air fryer chicken tenders are exactly what you need. Made with simple ingredients and cooked to golden perfection, this recipe delivers restaurant-style crunch without deep frying. Whether you want extra crispy chicken tenders, a version with flour, or even air fryer chicken tenders no egg, this guide covers it all.
The popularity of chicken tenders has exploded in recent years, and for good reason. They cook faster, use less oil, and turn out consistently delicious. Plus, you can cook raw chicken tenders in air fryer safely and evenly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
This recipe is beginner-friendly, customizable, and kid-approved — a true crowd-pleaser.
📋 RECIPE CARD – AIR FRYER CHICKEN TENDERS
| Preparation Time | Extra Time | Overall Time | Serving | Author |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 12 minutes | 27 minutes | 4 servings | On Spot Recipe |
🥘 Ingredients
To make crispy and flavourful chicken tenders, you’ll need:
Main Ingredients
- 500g chicken tenders (or chicken breast sliced into strips)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (air fryer chicken tenders with flour)
- 2 tbsp corn starch (air fryer chicken tenders corn starch)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¾ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
Binding Options
- 1 egg (optional)
- OR 3 tbsp milk or yogurt (air fryer chicken tenders no egg)
For Crispiness
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
For Serving (Optional)
- Honey mustard
- BBQ sauce
- Ranch dip (air fryer chicken tenders with sauce)
👩🍳 Directions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to get extra crispy air fryer chicken tenders every single time.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken tenders dry using kitchen paper. This step is crucial when cooking raw chicken tenders in air fryer, as removing excess moisture helps achieve crispiness.
Step 2: Mix the Coating
In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
This flour-cornstarch mix is the secret behind extra crispy chicken tenders.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken tender into egg (or milk/yoghurt for no egg), then coat evenly in the seasoned flour mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks well.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3–5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and crisp results for chicken tenders.
Step 5: Arrange in Basket
Place the chicken tenders in a single layer. Do not overcrowd. Lightly spray with oil.
Step 6: Cook
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
👉 If you’re wondering how long to cook chicken tenders in air fryer, the sweet spot is 11 minutes at 200°C, depending on thickness.
Step 7: Rest & Serve
Let the tenders rest for 2 minutes before serving. This locks in juices while keeping the outside crisp.
💡 Bonus Tip
For Reddit-style crunch lovers (reddit tip):
Double coat the chicken — dip again in milk and flour mixture before air frying. This creates an ultra-crunchy outer layer without deep frying.
For spice lovers, add cayenne pepper or peri-peri seasoning to the flour mix.
📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx.)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
These are high in protein and significantly lower in fat compared to deep-fried versions.
Bonus Recipe To Try
- Love air fryer recipes? Check out our High Protein Breakfast Burrito for a filling start to your day.
- Looking for comfort meals? Try our Instant Pot White Chicken Chilli — creamy and cozy.
- Craving something crispy and sweet? Don’t miss our Banana Bread Recipe for dessert lovers.
❓ FAQs
1. How long to cook chicken tenders in air fryer?
Typically, air fryer chicken tenders take 10–12 minutes at 200°C (400°F), flipping halfway for even cooking.
2. Can I cook raw chicken tenders in air fryer?
Yes, cooking raw chicken tenders in air fryer is completely safe as long as the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
3. Can I make air fryer chicken tenders without egg?
Absolutely! Use milk or yogurt instead — perfect for air fryer chicken tenders no egg.
Conclusion
So here we are, friends! These air fryer chicken tenders prove that you don’t need deep frying to enjoy crispy, golden chicken. They’re quick, healthier, and incredibly versatile perfect for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends.
Try this recipe, share it with your family, and don’t forget to leave a comment and star rating below.
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