Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: A Crunchy Delight in Every Bite

The Story Behind the Recipe 💕

Some days, my partner and I find ourselves staring into the fridge, wondering what to whip up for dinner that’ll make the kids actually excited to eat. You know the feeling, right? We wanted something different, something fun, and most importantly—something yummy. Chicken tenders were the first thing that came to mind, but we wanted them to be crispy, golden, and delicious—without deep-frying in a vat of oil.

That’s when our trusty air fryer came to the rescue! With just a few simple ingredients, these crispy air fryer chicken tenders were born. We tested different breadcrumb combinations, played around with seasoning, and finally landed on the perfect mix of panko and Progresso breadcrumbs for that ideal crunch. A spritz of avocado oil spray gave them a light crispiness without making them greasy. We even added a simple Kewpie mayo soy sauce dip that brought the flavors together beautifully.

Served up with some air-fried french fries and a squeeze of fresh lemon, this meal quickly became a weeknight winner in our house! The best part? No messy oil splatters and no greasy hands—just crunchy, golden chicken tenders that the kids (and adults!) devoured in minutes. 🍋✨

I hope this recipe brings as much joy and crispy goodness to your table as it does to ours! Happy cooking! 🍗🥰

Why You'll Love This Recipe 😍

✔ Healthier than deep-fried chicken – Enjoy all the crispy goodness with way less oil.
✔ Super crunchy coating – The panko + Progresso breadcrumb blend gives the perfect golden crust.
✔ Quick & easy – Just 10 minutes of prep and 12 minutes of cook time, and you're ready to eat!
✔ Kid-approved & picky eater-friendly – These tenders are crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and totally irresistible!
✔ Pairs perfectly with fries & dip – Because let’s be real… what’s a chicken tender without dipping sauce?! 😋

Nutritional Benefits 🌿

Chicken tenders are a lean protein powerhouse, making them a fantastic option for a balanced meal. Protein helps keep muscles strong and energy levels up, making this dish a great post-school or post-workout option. By using an air fryer instead of deep-frying, you cut down on unnecessary oil and reduce fat content, while still achieving that crave-worthy crunch. The combination of panko and seasoned breadcrumbs provides a light, crispy texture without excess grease.

Lemons not only add a burst of fresh flavor, but they also contain vitamin C, which supports immunity and gives your body an extra health boost. Avocado oil spray ensures even crisping without overpowering flavors while offering heart-healthy fats. And if you choose to serve this with a side of air-fried fries, you're keeping things crispy and delicious with a fraction of the calories of traditional fast food! 🍋💪

Ingredients 🛒✨

For the Air Fryer Chicken Tenders 🍗

• 20 chicken tenders (2 lbs.) – Lean and tender, perfect for crisping up! 🔥
• 2 teaspoons pink Himalayan salt 🧂 – A mineral-rich seasoning that enhances the flavor.
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper 🌿 – Adds just the right amount of spice and depth.
• 3 large eggs, beaten 🥚 – Helps the breadcrumbs stick for that golden crunch.
• 1 cup Progresso Plain breadcrumbs 🥖 – Brings in extra crunch and holds the breading together better!
• 1 cup Kikoman Panko breadcrumbs 🍞 – Light, airy, and the secret to the best crispiness.
• 4 tablespoons avocado oil spray 🥑 – Keeps everything light yet satisfyingly crispy.
• 2 lemons, cut into wedges 🍋 – A fresh squeeze makes all the flavors pop!

Optional Dipping Sauce 🥣

• 3 tablespoons Kewpie mayo 🍶 – Creamy, slightly sweet, and absolutely delicious.
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce 🥢 – Adds a deep umami flavor to the sauce.

Optional Side: Air Fryer French Fries 🍟

I will have a super easy side recipe using our PowerXL Air Fryer for these soon.

• ½ bag frozen unseasoned fries 🥔 – Quick, easy, and perfectly crispy!
• 2 teaspoons pink Himalayan salt 🧂 – Because fries deserve great seasoning too.
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper 🌶 – A little kick to balance out the salt.
• 3 tablespoons avocado oil spray 🥑 – Ensures a golden, crispy exterior.

🔥🍗 Crispy, golden, and oh-so-delicious—these ingredients are all you need to make the best crispy air fryer chicken tenders ever! 🥳✨

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders👩‍🍳

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients 🥚

Gather all your ingredients and set them up on the counter. This will make the process super smooth and keep things mess-free!

Step 2: Season the Chicken 🍗

Place your chicken tenders in a bowl and sprinkle them with pink Himalayan salt and black pepper. Toss them around so every piece gets a little love!

Step 3: Set Up the Breading Stations 🍽

Crack and beat your eggs in a shallow bowl. In a second bowl, mix the panko and Progresso breadcrumbs together. This is the secret combo for the ultimate crunch!

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer 🔥

Set your air fryer, we love our PowerXL, to 400°F (200°C) and let it warm up while you coat the chicken. Preheating ensures an even, golden cook every time!

Step 5: Coat the Chicken 🍗✨

Dip each seasoned chicken tender into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Then, coat it generously in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down slightly to ensure maximum crispiness.

Step 6: Coat and Prepare the Chicken for Air Frying 🥑

After coating them thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, lay the breaded tenders on a clean cutting board. Once all the tenders are breaded, lightly spray both sides with avocado oil to help them crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. The light mist of oil ensures a golden, crunchy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender! 💛🔥

Step 7: Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket 🍗🔥

Place the oiled chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they have space to cook evenly. If needed, cook in batches so they crisp up perfectly golden brown!

Step 8: Air Fry to Perfection ⏳

Cook at 400°F for 6 minutes, then flip the tenders, and cook for another 6-8 minutes until crispy, golden, and cooked through.

Step 9: Serve & Enjoy! 🍽

Plate your chicken tenders with fresh lemon wedges and your optional dipping sauce. Pair with crispy air-fried french fries, and dig in!

Frequently Asked Questions -FAQ ❓

❓ How long to cook chicken tenders in an air fryer?
For best results, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6 minutes, then flip and cook for another 6-8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. If using thicker tenders, add 2-3 extra minutes to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

❓ Can I freeze these chicken tenders?
Absolutely! To freeze, place breaded (but uncooked) chicken tenders on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to cook, air fry directly from frozen at 400°F for 14-16 minutes, flipping halfway through.

❓ What dipping sauces go well with these tenders?
These pair perfectly with Kewpie mayo and soy sauce, but you can also try honey mustard, ranch, barbecue sauce, or sriracha mayo for extra flavor!

❓ Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Although they are not the same, the answer is Yes! Simply slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin strips to resemble tenders. They may need an extra 2-3 minutes of cook time depending on their thickness.

❓ How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, air fry at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

❓ Do I need to flip the chicken tenders while air frying?
Yes! Flipping the tenders halfway through cooking ensures they cook evenly and get that perfect golden crisp on all sides.

Pro Tips ✨

✅ Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – Give the tenders space so they crisp up evenly.
✅ Double dip for extra crunch – Want ultra-crispy tenders? Dip twice in breadcrumbs!
✅ Let them rest for a minute before serving – This helps the coating set and stay crispy.
✅ Reheat leftovers in the air fryer – 3-4 minutes at 350°F, and they’re good as new!

If You Loved These Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, Try My Other Chicken Recipes! 🍗🔥

Loved these crispy air fryer chicken tenders? You’ll enjoy my Creamy Chicken Alfredo with Jar Sauce for a rich, cheesy, and effortless pasta night 🧀✨ or my Japanese Chicken Curry for a hearty, comforting meal with tender chicken in a flavorful curry sauce 🍛🍚. Try them out and let me know your favorite! 🎉🍗