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Looking for a quick, healthy, and downright delicious dinner option? These air fryer chicken tenders with no breading are here to save the day! They’re perfectly seasoned and cooked to juicy perfection in the air fryer. We skipped the breading for a lighter option, and you won’t even miss it because these chicken tenders are packed with incredible flavor. Plus, they are super easy to make, ready in about 20 minutes, and great for meal prep!
Table of Contents
- Why You Will Love These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- What Are Air Fryer Chicken Tenders?
- Ingredients Needed
- How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- How Long To Cook Chicken Tenders In The Air Fryer
- Serving Suggestions
- Expert Tips
- Storage Instructions
- Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Recipes To Try Next!
- AIR FRYER CHICKEN TENDERS NO BREADING Recipe
Why You Will Love These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- This recipe is quick and easy. It’s ready in under 20 minutes, including prep and cooking time!
- These chicken tenders are a healthier alternative with no breading.
- You likely have these seasonings already in your pantry, making this recipe as convenient as it is delicious
- These air fryer chicken tenders are versatile! Serve them as a main dish or add them to salads and wraps.
- There’s minimal cleanup afterward! The air fryer makes cooking and cleaning a breeze!
- They’re such a delicious and easy meal for busy nights and great for meal prep.
- There is no flour, eggs, or panko breadcrumbs needed for this recipe!
What Are Air Fryer Chicken Tenders?
Air fryer chicken tenders are a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal! Tender chicken tenders are seasoned to perfection with simple spices and cooked in the air fryer. This creates a golden brown exterior with no frying required! These air fryer chicken tenders without breading are a great low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free option. Plus, they are versatile and can be enjoyed with dipping sauces, wraps, or salads.
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken Tenders: Use one pound of boneless skinless chicken tenders for this recipe.
- Olive Oil: You only need two teaspoons of olive oil for this recipe! It’s much less oil than the traditional frying method.
- Garlic Powder: Season the chicken tenders with garlic powder for incredible flavor.
- Onion Powder: The onion powder adds another layer of flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: Add smoked paprika for additional flavor.
- Oregano: Dried oregano or Italian seasoning adds a delicious flavor to the chicken tenders.
- Salt and Pepper: Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper.
How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
Step 2: Add the chicken tenders to a large bowl. Then, add the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
Step 3: Toss to evenly coat the chicken tenders in the seasonings.
Step 4: Add a parchment liner to your air fryer basket for easy cleanup. Then, add the seasoned chicken tenders to the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd.
Step 5: Air fry the chicken tenders, flipping halfway through.
Step 6: Once done, let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes before serving.
How Long To Cook Chicken Tenders In The Air Fryer
Cook chicken tenders in the air fryer at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some ways you can serve these air fryer chicken tenders!
- Dipping Sauce: Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces like buffalo ranch, smoky BBQ, honey mustard, or garlic aioli.
- Salads: Chop the tenders and add them to a fresh green salad such as our chicken Caesar salad.
- Tacos & Burritos: Use the tenders as a filling for tacos or burritos, along with toppings like guacamole, salsa, and shredded cheese. Or, try our sheet pan tacos recipe!
- Wraps: Slice and layer the chicken in a tortilla with lettuce, tomato, and a creamy spread for a delicious wrap.
- Potatoes: Serve these air fryer chicken tenders with a side of potatoes. We like to serve them with our air fryer parmesan potatoes.
- Fries: Enjoy them with a side of fries, sweet potato wedges, or onion rings.
Expert Tips
- Meal Prep: Double this recipe to make enough for meal prep! Air fryer the chicken tenders and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They store well and can be reheated for a quick meal throughout the week.
- Batches: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking. Cook the chicken tenders in batches if necessary depending on the size of your air fryer basket.
- Flip Halfway: Turn the chicken tenders halfway through air frying to ensure even cooking on both sides.
- Even Seasoning: Toss the chicken evenly in the seasonings to ensure each piece is well-coated for consistent flavor.
- Add A Parchment Paper Liner: We recommend placing a parchment paper liner in your air fryer basket before adding the chicken tenders. It makes cleaning your air fryer afterward much easier.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover air-fried chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. When ready to serve again, enjoy them cold or reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes until warm.
Variations
- Spicy: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or chili powder to the seasoning mix for a little heat.
- Parmesan: Top with once done or mix 1-2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese into the seasoning mix for a cheesy flavor.
- BBQ Style: Toss the cooked chicken tenders in our smoky BBQ sauce.
- Fresh Herbs: Add fresh chopped rosemary or thyme for a burst of fresh flavor.
- Lemon: Squeeze some lemon juice over top of the chicken tenders before serving.
- Chicken Breast: If you don’t have chicken tenderloins, you can slice boneless skinless chicken breasts into strips to mimic tenders or try our air fryer chicken bites recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Freeze Air Fryer Chicken Tenders?
Yes! You can freeze these air fryer chicken tenders! Let them cool and transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container. You can freeze them for 1-2 months.
What If I Don’t Have An Air Fryer?
If you don’t have an air fryer, no worries! You can still make these delicious chicken tenders in the oven. Just line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the seasoned chicken tenders in a single layer. Bake them at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked and golden.
Can You Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Without Breading?
Yes, you can air fry chicken tenders without breading! This recipe is a healthier, low-carb option that’s still flavorful and delicious. The absence of breading makes the chicken tenders lighter and quicker to cook in the air fryer.
More Recipes To Try Next!
- Air Fryer Chicken Bites
- Juicy Brined Chicken Breast Recipe
- Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
- Air Fryer Shrimp
- Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken
If you try this recipe please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating ★★★★★ letting us know how it turns out for you.
AIR FRYER CHICKEN TENDERS NO BREADING
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken tenders
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F to ensure even cooking.
- Add the chicken tenders to a large bowl. Then, add the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
- Toss to evenly coat the chicken tenders in the seasonings.
- Add a parchment liner to your air fryer basket for easy cleanup. Then, add the seasoned chicken tenders to the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd.
- Air fry the chicken tenders at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once done, let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover air-fried chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- Cook In Batches: Cook the chicken tenders in batches if necessary depending on the size of your air fryer basket.
- Flip Halfway: Turn the chicken tenders halfway through air frying to ensure even cooking on both sides.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This air fried chicken is delicious and easy to make. It is good right out of the oven or cold. I used the left overs in my chicken salad.
Hi Jean, that makes me so happy to hear! I love that you enjoyed the chicken tenders both fresh and cold. Using the leftovers in a chicken salad is such a great idea! Thanks so much for sharing your experience and leaving a review!
These chicken tenders are incredibly moist and tasty if you don’t cook past the suggested time. I didn’t need all my seasoning and saved it in a baggy for my next batch!
loved it!
Hi Cynthia, we’re so happy you loved the chicken tenders! Great tip about not overcooking them, that really keeps them so juicy and tender. And I love that you saved your extra seasoning for next time, that’s very smart and efficient! I can’t wait for you to make your next batch!