These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside, juicy and tender inside, and incredibly easy to make. They’re perfect for a quick family dinner, lunch, or a delicious snack with your favorite dipping sauce.

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken tenderloins
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp milk
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Olive oil spray or a small amount of oil

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels.
2. Set up the coating: Place flour in one bowl. Whisk the egg and milk together in a second bowl. Combine panko, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a third bowl.
3. Coat the chicken: Dip each tenderloin into flour, then the egg mixture, and finally the seasoned breadcrumbs. Press gently so the coating sticks well.
4. Preheat: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes, if recommended by your model.
5. Arrange: Place the tenders in a single layer with space between them.
6. Add a little oil: Lightly spray or brush the breaded chicken with oil. This helps the coating become golden and crispy.
7. Air fry: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10–14 minutes, turning halfway through.
8. Check: The chicken is done when the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).
9. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

🔥 Tips for Extra-Crispy Tenders

• Use panko breadcrumbs for the crunchiest coating.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket.
• Lightly coat the breading with oil before cooking.
• Turn the tenders halfway through.
• Don’t overcook—chicken tenderloins are lean and can dry out quickly.
• If cooking in batches, allow the air fryer to return to temperature between batches.

🧄 Easy Seasoning Variations

Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Add ¼ cup grated Parmesan to the breadcrumbs.

Spicy Chicken Tenders

Add ¼–½ tsp cayenne pepper or chili powder.

Ranch Chicken Tenders

Add 1 tsp ranch seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture.

Lemon Pepper

Add lemon-pepper seasoning and serve with fresh lemon wedges.

🥣 Best Dipping Sauces

Serve with:

• Ranch
• Honey mustard
• BBQ sauce
• Buffalo sauce
• Garlic aioli
• Sweet chili sauce
• Ketchup

❄️ Frozen Chicken Tenders

For frozen, breaded chicken tenders, you generally don’t need to thaw them.

Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 10–16 minutes, turning halfway through. Check the package instructions when available, since frozen products vary considerably.

🍽️ What to Serve With Them

Try your chicken tenders with:

• Air fryer French fries
• Roasted potatoes
• Coleslaw
• Air fryer carrots
• Green salad
• Corn on the cob
• Mac and cheese

⏱️ Quick Recipe Card

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10–14 minutes
Temperature: 400°F / 200°C
Servings: 3–4
Difficulty: Easy
Safe internal temperature: 165°F / 74°C

⭐ Best tip: For truly crispy chicken tenders, use panko, don’t overcrowd the basket, and give the breading a very light coating of oil before air frying.