Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Crispy air fryer chicken tenders made with simple pantry ingredients and ready in about 20 minutes. Golden on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfect for easy weeknight dinners, wraps, or dipping.

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Keyword air fryer chicken tenders

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 12

Servings

Calories 308kcal

Author Jesseca

Ingredients

1½ teaspoons salt
1½ teaspoons paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 large egg whisked
¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
1½ pounds chicken tenders or sliced chicken breast
Cooking spray

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
Combine all of the seasonings in a small bowl.
In one bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, and half of the seasoning blend.
In a second bowl, add the panko and mix in the remaining seasoning.
In a third bowl, whisk the egg.
Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, then the egg, and finally coat with the panko. Press lightly to help it stick.
Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd.
Generously spray the tops with cooking spray.
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying again, until golden and crispy.
The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Start checking around 9 minutes to avoid overcooking.

Video

Notes

Cut chicken into even-sized pieces for the most consistent cooking.
Let the breaded chicken rest for a few minutes before air frying for better coating adhesion.
For extra crispiness, don’t skip the second spray halfway through cooking.

Nutrition