If you’re looking for juicy, flavor-packed chicken tenders without the hassle of breading, this is the recipe for you. With just a few simple ingredients, these air fryer chicken tenders turn out tender and perfectly seasoned in under 15 minutes. No messy breading required!
These air fryer chicken tenders prove you don’t need breading to get juicy, flavor-packed results. They’re seasoned just right, perfectly tender, and cooked in under 15 minutes with no mess and no fuss. Whether you need a quick dinner, an easy meal prep protein, or a snack, these fit the bill.
Unlike the deep-fried version, these naked air fryer tenders let the flavor of the chicken shine. No heavy breading and no grease. Just juicy, well-seasoned chicken with a slightly crisp exterior. And because there’s no coating, they pair well with just about anything.
These aren’t just for kids’ meals (though they’ll love them too). Serve them with something a little more hearty, like Garlic Butter Hasselback or Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes, or keep it casual with your favorite dipping sauces. However you enjoy them, these tenders are proof that simple doesn’t have to mean boring.
Why You’ll Love These Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
If you think chicken tenders need breading to be flavorful, this recipe will change your mind.
- Quick and easy. With just a few simple pantry staples, these tenders cook in under 10 minutes which makes them perfect for busy weeknights.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers. They reheat great, making leftovers ideal for lunches.
- Family-friendly. Kids and adults both love these, and little hands can even help prepare them.
- Customizable. Swap out the seasonings for your favorites, or pair them with different dipping sauces. The cooking method stays the same!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make these juicy, delicious chicken tenders. No breading required!
- Chicken breast tenderloins – Be sure to use tenderloins rather than whole chicken breasts for the best texture.
- Avocado oil – Helps lock in moisture and enhances browning in the air fryer.
- Garlic powder – Adds a deep, savory flavor without overpowering them.
- Onion powder – Balances out the garlic and enhances the seasoning blend.
- Paprika – Gives a touch of smokiness and a warm, golden color.
- Coarse kosher or sea salt – Essential for bringing out the flavors.
- Ground black pepper – Adds a bit of warmth and depth.
- Cayenne pepper (optional) – For a subtle kick of heat, if you like it spicy.
Substitutions and Alterations for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Want to switch things up? Here are a few easy ways to customize this recipe:
Seasoning swaps – You can replace the seasoning blend with your favorite store-bought or homemade dry rub. Italian seasoning, lemon pepper, or Cajun seasoning all work great.
Oil options – Instead of avocado oil, you can use olive oil or melted butter for a slightly different flavor.
Adjust the spice level – If you don’t want any heat, simply omit the cayenne pepper. Prefer extra kick? Add a pinch of chili powder or a dash of hot sauce before air frying.
Alternative cuts of chicken – If you don’t have tenderloins, you can use chicken breast sliced into strips or even boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result.
How to Make Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins
The printable recipe card with the full measurements and instructions is listed at the bottom of this page.
- Start by prepping the chicken. Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with some paper towels and set them aside.
- Next, make the seasoning mix. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
- Coat the chicken with the seasoning. Add the tenderloins to the bowl and toss until they’re evenly coated on all sides.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer basket that’s been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Make sure they are in one even single layer. Don’t overcrowd the basket.
- Air fry the chicken at 400ºF for 5 minutes.
- Open the air fryer basket, flip the tenderloins over, and air fry for an additional 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove the chicken and let it rest 3-5 minutes before serving or cutting to keep the juices locked in.
- Serve the cooked tenders with your favorite sauce and side for a complete meal.
Tips & Tricks for homemade chicken tenders
Remove the tendon for the best texture. That’s the tough white strip running through the middle of the tenderloin. To easily remove it, grab it with a paper towel and pull the tenderloin downward on each side.
Fully coat the chicken. Make sure each tenderloin is evenly coated with seasoning on all sides for the best flavor.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Arrange the chicken in a single layer with space between each piece so the hot air can circulate properly. Overlapping can lead to uneven cooking where you end up with some parts overcooked while other parts are undercooked.
Let the meat rest. After air frying, let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before cutting or serving. This keeps the juices locked in for extra tenderness.
Check the temperature. No one wants undercooked chicken! Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
Easy cleanup hack. Instead of using a mixing bowl, place the oil and seasonings in a zip-top bag, add the tenderloins, and shake to coat. It’s fewer dishes and the same great flavor!
kitchen tools to make chicken tenderloins in the air fryer
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Buy Now → How to Serve These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
These juicy chicken tenders are incredibly versatile! Here are a few delicious ways to serve them:
- As a main meal – Pair them with garlic butter Hasselback potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, and a side of roasted or steamed vegetables.
- With classic sides – Serve them alongside sweet potato fries, crispy potato wedges, or mac and cheese for a comforting meal.
- In a wrap – Slice them up and toss them in a soft tortilla with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for an easy, protein-packed lunch.
Best Dipping Sauces for Chicken Tenders
These chicken tenders are even better with a great dipping sauce! Try them with your favorite, or mix it up with one of these tasty options:
- Classic & Creamy: Copycat WingStop Ranch Dressing, Buffalo Ranch
- Tangy & Spicy: Honey Sriracha Sauce, Buffalo Sauce
- Sweet & Savory: Honey Mustard, BBQ Sauce
- Fresh & Light: Greek Yogurt Tzatziki Sauce
👉 Have a go-to sauce? Let me know in the comments!
How to Store Air-Fried Tenders
Keep your leftover chicken tenders fresh with these simple storage tips:
- Refrigerator: Store cooked tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing: Let the tenders cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. For the best texture, use a vacuum sealer to lock in freshness. They’ll stay at peak quality for up to 3 months.
Pro Tip: To prevent sticking, place tenders on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 30 minutes before transferring them to a storage bag.
Reheating Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer
Air frying is the best way to reheat chicken tenders while keeping them juicy inside and crispy on the outside.
- From the fridge: Reheat the tenders at 350ºF for 4–5 minutes until warmed through.
- From frozen: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, or use the microwave defrost setting for a quicker option. Then, reheat in the air fryer as directed above.
FAQs about air fried chicken tenderloins
Yes! It’s completely safe to cook raw chicken in the air fryer. Just make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before eating. After cooking, clean your air fryer basket with warm, soapy water to prevent cross-contamination.
Chicken tenderloins are a smaller, more tender cut found along the inner underside of the breast. Since they’re an underused muscle, they have a softer texture and slightly higher fat content compared to chicken breasts.
Yes! Chicken tenderloins cook faster than full chicken breasts because they’re smaller and thinner, making them ideal for quick meals.
For best results, air fry chicken tenderloins at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Yes! If cooking from frozen, air fry at 375°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Overcooking is the most common reason. Check the internal temperature at 8 minutes and remove them once they hit 165°F. Also, using a little oil helps keep them juicy!
Preheating isn’t required but helps with even cooking and a slightly crispier exterior. If you skip preheating, you may need to add 1–2 extra minutes to the cook time.
More Great Chicken Recipes to Try
If you loved these air fryer chicken tenders, you’ll enjoy these other easy chicken recipes:
- Boneless Chicken Wings – Crispy, juicy, and perfect for game day!
- Smoked Chicken Breast – Packed with smoky flavor and incredibly tender.
- Crockpot Sweet Honey Garlic Chicken – A set-it-and-forget-it dinner with the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
- No Peek Chicken – A comforting, one-pan meal that practically cooks itself.
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings – Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside—just like your favorite restaurant wings!
👉 Looking for more? Browse all my chicken recipes here!
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Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast tenderloins
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon coarse kosher or sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
- Pat the chicken tenderloins dry and set them aside.
- To a large mixing bowl, add the remaining ingredients. Mix to combine.
- Add in the chicken tenderloins and toss them until they are completely coated on all sides.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer basket that’s been sprayed with nonstick spray. Make sure they are in one even layer. Don’t overcrowd the basket.
- Air fry at 400ºF for 5 minutes.
- Open air fryer basket, flip the tenderloins over and air fry an additional 5 minutes.
- Allow the chicken to rest 3-5 minutes before cutting.
Video
Notes
- Remove the tendon for better texture. Grab it with a paper towel and pull the tenderloin downward to remove it easily.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Arrange the chicken in a single layer so the hot air circulates evenly, ensuring proper cooking.
- Coat the chicken evenly. Make sure each tenderloin is fully coated in seasoning for the best flavor and results.
- Check for doneness. Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
