Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Chicken Tenders are every kid's favorite, and this air fryer recipe makes them perfect every time. Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and ready in just 20 minutes. Just like fried... but so much better!

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Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 30

Total Time: 35

Servings:

Calories: 444kcal

Author: Cathy Trochelman

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken tenders
1/2 cup all purpose flour
2 large eggs beaten
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and a mixture of the panko crumbs, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper in a third. Dip tenders first in flour, then in eggs, then in bread crumb mixture to coat. Place coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Spray the inside of an air fryer basket with olive oil using an oil mister (**do NOT use aerosol cooking spray, as it can damage the inside of the basket**). Working in batches (about 4 at a time) place the tenders in your air fryer basket. Spray the top of the chicken tenders with an oil mister. Set the air fryer to 400° for 8 minutes.
After 8 minutes on one side, flip the tenders, spray again with an oil mister, and fry for an additional 4-5 minutes. Remove them from the air fryer basket and continue with the next batch.

Notes

Recipe variations:

Add any of your favorite seasonings to the bread crumb mixture (e.g. chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, oregano)
Substitute regular bread crumbs for panko bread crumbs
Cut the chicken tenders into smaller chunks to make chicken nuggets
Make them dairy free by omitting the cheese
Substitute any of your favorite cheeses in place of parmesan

Nutrition