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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Zahra

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are crispy, juicy, and full of flavor without any breading. Coated in a bold spice blend and cooked to golden perfection in just 25 minutes, they're perfect for quick dinners, meal prep, or kid-friendly meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 3 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 371
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken tenders fresh or thawed
  • 1.5 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste, 1/2 to 1 tsp
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried basil

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl for spices
  • Paper towels
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Dry the chicken: Pat chicken tenders completely dry with paper towels to remove all surface moisture. Place in large bowl.
  2. Oil the chicken: Drizzle olive oil over tenders and toss with hands until evenly coated.
  3. Make seasoning blend: In small bowl, combine smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix well.
  4. Season chicken: Sprinkle spice mixture over oiled chicken. Massage seasonings into every surface with hands, ensuring complete coverage. Let rest 5 minutes.
  5. Preheat air fryer: Set air fryer to 400°F and preheat for 3-5 minutes.
  6. Cook tenders: Arrange chicken tenders in single layer in air fryer basket with space between pieces. Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.
  7. Check doneness: Tenders are done when golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • No breading needed: This recipe achieves crispy texture without flour, eggs, or breadcrumbs
  • Dry chicken is key: Moisture prevents browning, so pat chicken very dry before oiling
  • Don't overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed to maintain single layer with space between pieces
  • Temperature check: Always verify internal temp reaches 165°F for food safety
  • Spice level: Adjust cayenne from 1/2 to 1 tsp based on heat preference
  • Reheating: Use air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness