Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Crispy, golden Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are the perfect easy dinner for busy weeknights. No deep fryer or messy oil needed—just 20 minutes and a few simple ingredients. Your whole family will love these homemade chicken strips!

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Chicken Tenders are a fan favorite for both grown-ups and kids. I'll order them or make them at home, either way it's a winner. But, making at home does have its advantages, like being much easier on the pocketbook, and knowing exactly what ingredients are in them.

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and ready in under 20 minutes—Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are the answer to your weeknight dinner rush or kid-friendly meal needs. Skip the drive-thru and make this homemade version that’s just as crispy, way more flavorful, and baked with less oil thanks to the air fryer.

These golden tenders come out perfectly cooked every time, with a seasoned coating that’s crisp and crunchy without deep frying. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces and easy sides for a dinner the whole family will actually cheer for.

What Cut of Chicken Should I Use?

For the juiciest and most tender results, chicken tenderloins (also called chicken tenders or strips) are ideal. They’re naturally small and uniform in size, which makes them perfect for fast, even cooking in the air fryer.

If you don’t have tenderloins on hand, you can also use boneless skinless chicken breasts, although they may be slightly less juicy and tender. Just slice them into even, 1-inch-wide strips.

Recipe Variations

• Seasoning: Give your tenders a little flavor boost by adding the seasoning of your choice, including favorites such as cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, or even taco seasoning!
• Parmesan: Add about ⅓ cup grated parmesan to the breadcrumbs for an extra nutty, savory flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Buffalo-Style: Toss cooked tenders in buffalo sauce before serving.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Let's get dinner on the table fast! Pair them with these easy sides to make it a meal:

• Favorite sauce! Everyone can pick their favorite sauce. Some ideas are ranch, honey mustard, barbecue, ketchup, remoulade, buffalo, sweet and sour, or my kids' favorite Primal Kitchen's Chicken Dippin'.
• Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
• Mac and Cheese
• Baked Beans
• Creamy Coleslaw or Dill Pickle Pasta Salad - Make these ahead of time to serve quickly!
• Buttermilk Biscuits or Cheddar Bay Biscuits
• Fresh Green Salad with your favorite dressing and toppings
• Steamed Vegetables - our favorites are steamed broccoli or mixed vegetables
• Creamed Corn

More Easy Chicken Recipes You'll Love

• Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas - Tender strips of chicken, bell peppers, and onions tossed with bold fajita seasoning and roasted all on one pan for an easy, flavorful dinner with minimal cleanup.
• Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu - A slow cooker twist on the classic dish, featuring layers of juicy chicken, ham, and melty Swiss cheese topped with a creamy, savory sauce and buttery stuffing.
• Chicken Stir Fry - A quick and colorful weeknight dinner loaded with crisp-tender veggies and juicy chicken, all tossed in a savory homemade stir fry sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes!
• Crockpot Pineapple Chicken - Sweet, tangy, and full of tropical flavor, this easy slow cooker recipe combines tender chicken with pineapple chunks in a sticky, mouthwatering sauce.
• Crockpot Chicken Marsala - This slow cooker version of the Italian favorite features juicy chicken simmered in a rich mushroom and Marsala wine sauce—elegant enough for company, easy enough for weeknights.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Video