Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and super quick to make! They’re also a healthier option compared to frying in oil. Perfect as a snack, part of a meal, or added to a salad!

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon oregano
Oil spray
Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Prep the Chicken:
Put the defrosted chicken tenderloins in a medium bowl. Add olive oil and gently toss so all pieces are lightly coated.
Add the Seasoning:
Sprinkle in paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and oregano. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
Preheat Air Fryer:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket or tray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
Air Fry the Chicken:
Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer (don’t overlap).
Close the air fryer and set it to 380°F (193°C) for 7 minutes.
Flip and Finish Cooking:
After 7 minutes, open the air fryer and flip each tender. Cook for another 3–5 minutes at the same temperature.
Check Doneness:
The chicken is ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check.
Rest and Serve:
Remove the tenders and let them sit for a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if you like. Serve warm with your favorite sauce.

Tips & Tricks

You can try this recipe with other seasoning blends to change the flavor.
Add to salads, wraps, or sandwiches for a quick meal idea.
For a spicy twist, try tossing them in buffalo sauce after cooking.

Notes

Each chicken tender has about 74 calories, 2g fat, 1g carbs, and 13g protein.
Chicken tenders made in the air fryer are low in carbs and fit many diets like keto, paleo, gluten-free, and dairy-free.

Reheating

To reheat, place the tenders back in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 3–4 minutes.

Baking Option

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them in the oven. Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the internal temp is 165°F.

What to Serve With

Try them with a side salad, sweet potato fries, or dip them in Chick-fil-A Sauce or Buffalo Sauce. You can also chop them up and add them to a buffalo chicken salad.