Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (No Breading)
This recipe is your new go-to for quick, crispy, and flavorful chicken tenders without the mess of breading.
Made with simple ingredients you likely already have, these air fryer chicken tenders cook up golden and juicy in just 25 minutes.
No frying, no hassle—just perfectly seasoned, crispy chicken that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.
Whether you’re in a rush or just craving something easy and delicious, these tenders are the answer.
Try them once, and you’ll make them again and again!
For Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Chicken Tenders – This is the main ingredient, providing the juicy and tender meat without any breading.
- Olive Oil – Used to coat the chicken, ensuring it crisps up in the air fryer.
- Smoked Paprika – Adds a mild, smoky flavor with a hint of sweetness.
- Onion Powder – Brings a savory, aromatic base flavor to the seasoning mix.
- Garlic Powder – A key ingredient that adds a robust, garlicky depth.
- Dried Thyme – Adds a touch of earthiness and a slightly floral flavor.
- Kosher Salt – Enhances the flavor of the chicken and helps bring all the seasonings together.
- Ground Black Pepper – Provides the perfect amount of heat and balances the flavors.
- Cayenne Pepper – Optional for adding a bit of heat, adjust according to your spice preference.
- Dried Oregano – Contributes a savory, herbaceous note.
- Dried Basil – Adds a touch of sweetness and an aromatic layer to the seasoning.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (No Breading)
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- ½ – 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat the chicken evenly.
- In a separate small bowl, combine all the seasonings. Sprinkle this spice mix over the chicken tenders, ensuring they're well coated.
- Arrange the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking until golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- To reheat leftovers, set your air fryer to 350°F and warm the chicken tenders for 3 to 5 minutes, until hot throughout.
Nutrition
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?
Absolutely! If you don’t have tenders on hand, just cut chicken breasts into strips. It’s an easy swap, and they’ll cook just as well in the air fryer. Be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly for thicker pieces!
- How can I make these tenders extra crispy?
To get your chicken extra crispy, make sure you coat it evenly with olive oil before seasoning. You can also lightly spray it with cooking oil spray before air frying. This helps create that golden, crispy texture everyone loves.
- Can I make these tenders ahead of time?
You can prep these chicken tenders the night before. Coat them with the oil and seasoning, then store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, pop them in the air fryer straight from the fridge—no need to wait!
- How do I make these tenders spicier?
If you’re looking to turn up the heat, add extra cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. You can also throw in some chili flakes or even a dash of hot sauce to really fire them up. Just adjust to your taste!
- What dipping sauces go well with these chicken tenders?
These tenders pair perfectly with almost any dipping sauce! Try them with classic honey mustard, ranch, BBQ sauce, or even spicy buffalo sauce. The options are endless, so feel free to get creative!
