Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe Homemade – Delicious & Simple
Master the Art of Making Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe Homemade
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea that the whole family will love, this homemade chicken tenders air fryer recipe is just what you need! These crispy chicken tenders are not only easy to make, but they’re also a healthier alternative to traditional fried options, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds. With this simple guide, you can whip up perfectly breaded chicken tenders that are juicy on the inside and golden on the outside, making them the ideal choice for kids chicken tenders or even a tasty snack to enjoy any time. Say goodbye to frozen chicken tenders and hello to a homemade favorite that’s sure to become a staple in your household!
For perfectly crispy air fryer chicken tenders, marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes before coating it with seasoned breadcrumbs, as this helps to tenderize the meat and enhance the flavor.
Gather Your Ingredients & Tools

| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breast | 1 lb | Use boneless, skinless for easy preparation of homemade chicken tenders in the air fryer. |
| Breadcrumbs | 1 cup | Use panko for extra crunch in crispy chicken tenders. |
| Eggs | 2 | Beaten, for binding the breading on breaded chicken tenders. |
| Flour | 1/2 cup | Seasoned flour helps create a delicious crust for easy chicken strips. |
| Salt | 1 tsp | Essential for flavor, adjust to taste for kids chicken tenders. |
| Paprika | 1 tsp | Adds a mild kick and color; perfect for frozen chicken tenders as well. |
Tips
- Try using different seasonings, such as smoked paprika or taco seasoning, to give your chicken tenders a unique flavor profile.
- To freeze, arrange the cooked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Essential tools: nonstick pan, medium pot, oven or air fryer, and a blender if needed.
These essentials keep the air fryer chicken tenders recipe homemade balanced and consistent every time.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe Homemade Step by Step

- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs and a splash of milk.
- In a third bowl, place breadcrumbs and season with your choice of herbs or spices.
- Cut chicken breasts into tenders, if not already pre-cut.
- Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Dip the floured chicken tenders into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off.
- Coat the chicken tenders in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Spray the tenders lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Air fry the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure doneness.
- Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Chef tip: Season in layers and adjust to taste.
Flavor & Texture Secrets

| Flavor Element | Ingredient | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Savory | Homemade chicken tenders | Main Ingredient |
| Crispy | Breadcrumbs | Crisping Agent |
| Seasoned | Garlic Powder | Flavor Enhancer |
| Kid-Friendly | Easy chicken strips | Appeal Factor |
| Fried | Frozen chicken tenders | Convenience Option |
- Add-ins: herbs, spices, citrus zest, and dressings.
This fiber-rich combo makes it both filling and nutritious.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe Homemade

- Meal prep friendly.
- Brunch-ready bowl.
- Family dinner crowd-pleaser.
| Occasion | Pairing Dish | Beverage |
|---|---|---|
| Romantic Dinner | Filet Mignon with Garlic Butter | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Game Night | Buffalo Wings | IPA Beer |
| Summer BBQ | Grilled Vegetable Skewers | Sangria |
Explore related ideas here: more recipes. This reinforces air fryer chicken tenders recipe homemade enjoyment.
Serving Size Adjustments
| Ingredient | x1 | x2 | x4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Grain | 1 cup | 2 cups | 4 cups |
| Protein | 1 serving | 2 servings | 4 servings |
| Veggies | 2 cups | 4 cups | 8 cups |
Scaling preserves the nutrition balance of air fryer chicken tenders recipe homemade and its components (e.g., fiber/protein ratio). Try a batch cook for weeklong ease.
Allergy-Friendly & Diet Swaps
| Variant | Swap | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | As written | Balanced texture and flavor |
| Vegan | Use tofu or legumes | Plant protein emphasis |
| Gluten-Free | Use GF grains | Check labels for cross-contamination |
| Keto | Swap grains for greens | Keep fats moderate |
- Swap smartly to maintain structure.
- Adjust seasoning to fit each variant.
This ensures air fryer chicken tenders recipe homemade fits your dietary needs.
Troubleshooting: Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Issue: Frozen chicken tenders often come out soggy — Fix: Preheat your air fryer and cook them at a higher temperature to achieve crispy chicken tenders.
- Issue: Homemade chicken tenders lack crunch — Fix: Double coat the tenders in breadcrumbs and use an air fryer for extra crispy chicken tenders.
- Issue: Kids chicken tenders can be bland — Fix: Marinate the chicken in buttermilk and season the breading for flavorful, easy chicken strips.
- Issue: Breaded chicken tenders may fall apart during cooking — Fix: Ensure the tenders are well-coated and let them rest for a few minutes before air frying.
Keep air fryer chicken tenders recipe homemade balanced with mindful timing and seasoning.
Nutritional Highlights
| Calories | ~450 |
| Protein | ~20g |
| Carbs | ~55g |
| Fat | ~15g |
| Fiber | ~12g |
| Key Nutrients | Iron, Vitamin C, Folate |
- Fiber-packed and satiating.
- Protein-rich for recovery.
- Balanced bowl for daily energy.
Dietitian tip: Keep the air fryer chicken tenders recipe homemade colorful and balanced for micronutrients.
Key Takeaways
- Main technique: build layers with air fryer chicken tenders recipe homemade.
- Nutritional benefit: emphasize homemade chicken tenders air fryer.
- Texture/taste: contrast crunchy and creamy elements.
- Serving flexibility: great for meal prep or sharing.
- Prep efficiency: use batch-cooked bases.
Faqs
- Q: What is a simple recipe for homemade chicken tenders in an air fryer?
For a delicious homemade air fryer chicken tenders recipe, start by marinating chicken strips in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to ensure tenderness. Then, prepare a coating mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and your choice of seasonings. Dredge the marinated chicken in the breadcrumb mixture and spray lightly with cooking oil. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the chicken
- Q: How can I make crispy chicken tenders at home using an air fryer?
For homemade crispy chicken tenders in an air fryer, start by marinating chicken strips in buttermilk for at least an hour. Then, combine breadcrumbs with your favorite seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Dredge the marinated chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, spray lightly with cooking oil, and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown
- Q: What is a simple and delicious homemade air fryer chicken tenders recipe using breaded chicken tenders?
For a delicious homemade air fryer chicken tenders recipe, start by breading strips of chicken breast in a mixture of flour, eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs for a crispy texture. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Serve with
- Q: How can I make delicious homemade air fryer chicken tenders using frozen chicken tenders for a quick and easy meal?
For a quick and delicious homemade air fryer chicken tenders recipe, start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). If you’re using frozen chicken tenders, there’s no need to thaw them; simply place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. For added flavor, you can season them with your
- Q: What is a simple way to make homemade air fryer chicken tenders that resemble easy chicken strips?
For a quick and delicious homemade air fryer chicken tenders recipe, start by cutting boneless chicken breasts into strips, then marinate them in a mixture of buttermilk, garlic powder, and paprika for extra flavor. Next, coat the strips in a blend of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Preheat your air fryer, then arrange the coated chicken strips in a single layer and cook at 400°F
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe Homemade |
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|---|---|
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| Love it? Save this recipe for future delicious moments! | |
| Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 12 minutes | |
Ingredients |
|
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Chicken Breast | 1 lb |
| Breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Flour | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
Directions |
|
| Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). | |
| Step 2: In a bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. | |
| Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together eggs and a splash of milk. | |
| Step 4: In a third bowl, place breadcrumbs and season with your choice of herbs or spices. | |
| Step 5: Cut chicken breasts into tenders, if not already pre-cut. | |
| Step 6: Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. | |
| Step 7: Dip the floured chicken tenders into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off. | |
| Step 8: Coat the chicken tenders in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. | |
| Step 9: Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. | |
| Step 10: Spray the tenders lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness. | |
| Step 11: Air fry the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. | |
| Step 12: Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure doneness. | |
| Step 13: Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. | |
| Step 14: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy! | |
Final Thoughts
air fryer chicken tenders recipe homemade brings comfort and flavor to every table. Save and share your twist with fresh ideas and a mindful balance.
Pin this air fryer chicken tenders recipe homemade and try your twist with kids chicken tenders today.

