How to Cook Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer Step by Step
- STEP 1: Season the Chicken Tenders
Season 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders with salt and pepper to taste.
- STEP 2: Whisk the Eggs
Whisk 2 large eggs in a shallow dish. This will help adhere the breadcrumbs to the chicken strips.
- STEP 3: Mix the Breading
In a separate shallow dish, combine 1¼ cups of Panko breadcrumbs with ⅓ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
- STEP 4: Bread the Tenders
Dip each chicken tender in the egg mixture, then fully coat all sides in the breadcrumbs.
- STEP 5: Fill the Basket
Place the breaded chicken tenders in the Air Fryer.
- STEP 6: Air Fry the Tenders
Cook chicken strips at 400°F for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through the cook time.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie
- Calories:403
- Fat:12 g18%
- Saturated Fat:4 g25%
- Trans Fat:0.04 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat:2 g
- Monounsaturated Fat :3 g
- Cholesterol:245 mg82%
- Sodium:1163 mg51%
- Potassium:926 mg26%
- Carbohydrates:15 g5%
- Fiber:1 g4%
- Sugar:1 g1%
- Protein:56 g112%
- Vitamin A :275 IU6%
- Vitamin C :3 mg4%
- Calcium :134 mg13%
- Iron:2 mg11%
These air fryer chicken tenders are a firm family favorite, thanks to the cheesy and crispy breadcrumb coating. They come out super crunchy on the outside and perfectly juicy and tender on the inside. Making chicken strips in my air fryer is just so quick and easy (5 ingredients and less than 20 minutes) that I can’t help but make them over and over again.
One Simple Tip!
Air fryers rely on air circulation to create a crispy crust, so make sure you leave a little room between the chicken tenders. If the chicken strips are touching in the air fryer, the sides will steam and turn out soggy.
Instructions
- Season chicken tenders with salt and pepper to taste.2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders, salt and pepper
- Whisk eggs in a shallow dish.2 large eggs
- In a separate shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.1¼ cups Panko breadcrumbs, ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Dip each chicken tender in the egg mixture and coat in the breadcrumbs.
- Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer.
- Cook at 400°F for 8 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through.
Notes
*I’ve tried Italian seasoning, herbs de Provence, taco seasoning, cajun seasoning, and blackened seasoning, and they’re all delicious!
**Panko breadcrumbs create a super crispy outside layer, but you can use normal breadcrumbs if that’s what you have.
Tips:
- Be sure to coat all sides of the chicken tenders with the breadcrumb mixture, so that they get crisp in the Air Fryer.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; the chicken tenders should be placed in a single layer. Cook them in two batches if needed.
- Check that the internal temperature of the tenders is at least 165°F before serving.
- These chicken fingers can also be tossed in a sauce after air-frying– try Buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or teriyaki sauce!
Storage: Store air fryer chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
