I have been wanting to make more recipes for the air fryer since it cooks food more quickly than many other methods. That makes cooking from scratch more accessible for those busier days. One meal I’ve been wanting to make is air fryer chicken tenders.
There’s something so comforting about a meal that feels a little nostalgic while still being quick and nourishing. These air fryer chicken tenders are exactly that…crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and made with simple pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s a simple recipe that can be made for one person. Simple ingredients, and it comes together pretty quickly as well. When you’re single, it can be easy to think that it’s not worth cooking a full meal for only one person.
With just 8 ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a wholesome meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
Tips for the best chicken tenders
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Don’t overcrowd the basket…this helps them get crispy.
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Spray lightly with cooking spray for extra golden color.
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Use a meat thermometer if you like. Chicken should reach 165°F internally.
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Swap regular breadcrumbs for whole wheat or gluten-free if needed.
Serving ideas
These pair beautifully with:
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A fresh green salad
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Sweet potato fries
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Steamed veggies
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Honey mustard, ranch, or a simple yogurt dip
Storage & reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes to bring back the crispiness.
And finally…
Simple recipes like this remind us that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you can create a meal that feels comforting, satisfying, and nourishing.
These chicken tenders are sure to become a regular in your kitchen…easy enough for weeknights and delicious enough to feel like a treat.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
Ingredients
- 3 fresh chicken tenders boneless, skinless
- 1 egg
- 3 tbsp bread crumbs
- 1 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp avocado or olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning or Herbes de Province
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg
- In a second bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, oil and seasonings.
- Using a fork, dip each tender into the egg.
- Dip the egg coated chicken tender into the bread crumb mixture, making sure both sides are evenly coated.
- Lay each tender in the air fryer basket, making sure they are evenly spaced out,
- Air fry for 12 minutes, making sure that they cook to at least 165 degrees F.
- Enjoy!
