These no-breading air fryer chicken tenders are quick, juicy, flavorful, and perfect for an easy weeknight meal. No flour, breadcrumbs, or messy coating needed!

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken tenderloins
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika, optional
• 1 tsp lemon juice, optional

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat or tendon if necessary.
2. Season: Place the tenders in a bowl. Add olive oil, seasonings, and optional lemon juice. Toss until evenly coated.
3. Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2–3 minutes.
4. Arrange: Place the chicken tenders in the basket in a single layer. Leave a little space between them.
5. Air fry: Cook for 8–12 minutes, turning halfway through.
6. Check: Chicken is done when the thickest piece reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
7. Rest: Let the tenders rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.

🔥 Tips for Extra-Juicy Chicken

• Don’t overcrowd the basket.
• Try to use tenders that are similar in thickness.
• Pat the chicken dry before seasoning so the oil and spices stick.
• Start checking early—small tenders can cook surprisingly quickly.
• A meat thermometer gives the most reliable result.
• Let the chicken rest before cutting into it.

🌶️ Flavor Variations

Lemon Pepper: Use lemon-pepper seasoning and finish with fresh lemon juice.

Cajun: Add 1–1½ tsp Cajun seasoning for a spicy, smoky flavor.

Garlic Herb: Add extra garlic powder plus dried thyme and rosemary.

BBQ: Season normally, then brush with BBQ sauce during the final 2 minutes.

Buffalo: Toss the cooked tenders with your favorite buffalo sauce.

Honey Garlic: Brush with honey-garlic sauce during the final 1–2 minutes.

❄️ Can You Cook Frozen Chicken Tenders?

Yes, although thawed tenders generally cook more evenly.

For frozen, unbreaded chicken tenders:

• Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
• Time: Approximately 15–20 minutes
• Flip halfway through.
• Always verify the thickest piece reaches 165°F (74°C).

♨️ Reheating Leftovers

Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes. Don’t cook them too long or they can become dry.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

Serve these juicy tenders with:

• Air fryer roasted potatoes 🥔
• Air fryer carrots 🥕
• Corn on the cob
• Green beans
• Coleslaw
• Rice
• Pasta
• Your favorite dipping sauce

🥣 Easy Dipping Sauces

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

⏱️ Recipe at a Glance

Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 8–12 minutes
Total: About 15–20 minutes
Temperature: 400°F (200°C)
Servings: 3–4
Difficulty: Easy

⭐ Best tip: Chicken tenderloins are lean, so don’t rely on time alone. Check the thickest piece with a thermometer and remove them as soon as they reach 165°F (74°C) for the juiciest result.