These Breaded Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are so crispy and juicy. If you love chicken tenders, you have got to try this recipe that cuts out the grease without losing any of the delicious flavors.
If you are looking for something to serve with this dish, try our air fryer french fries. Both of these go great with this copycat Chick-Fil-A sauce!
Watch The Chicken Tenders VIDEO here
Crispy air fryer chicken tenders
These Breaded Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are so tasty. Soaked in a flavorful marinade, dredged in Panko crumbs and Parmesan cheese, and seasoned with salt and pepper, they are packed with delicious flavor. The air fryer cooks them to a crispy, golden brown while inside the chicken is tender and juicy. These chicken tenders are not greasy at all and your kids and family will love them. Dip them in this awesome copycat Chick-fil-A sauce or even serve them with a side of veggies for a full meal. They would also taste amazing in a homemade Popeyes chicken sandwich!
The best type of air fryer for cooking chicken
Air fryers come in two basic types: the oven air fryer and the basket air fryer. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, such as the oven air fryer is bigger and bulkier, but has better airflow, especially when cooking a larger quantity of food at once. The basket style air fryer is great for things like french fries and is more compact, but it also cannot handle as much. For chicken, the oven air fryer is better because it allows more air circulation around the chicken, enabling more even cooking and crisping.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, these air fryer chicken tenders can be gluten-free! Substitute almond flour or brown rice flour for the Panko and Parmesan and then cook them like normal.
Can I make this with chicken breast instead?
Yes. If you use chicken breast, just make sure to cut the meat into smaller pieces because air fryers work by circulating hot air on all sides of the chicken. The more surface area there is, the faster and more evenly the meat will cook.
How long does it take to cook chicken in an air fryer?
That depends on the weight of the chicken. It will take less time to cook less chicken, but a larger piece or more chicken tenders will take a little more time. For this air fryer chicken tender recipe, it will take about 4-5 minutes per side with a pound of chicken tenders.
How to make breaded air fryer chicken tenders
This is a quick rundown of the recipe. For full recipe details, scroll down to the printable recipe card.
- Make the marinade. Add the mayonnaise, mustard, and garlic to a large bowl and mix.
- Marinate the chicken. Place the chicken in the marinade and toss to make sure they are completely covered. You can let it sit for a few hours, or even overnight. Or you can begin dredging immediately.
- Make the dredge. Combine the breadcrumbs, Panko, Parmesan, salt, and pepper to make the dredge for your chicken tenders.
- Dredge your chicken. Generously cover the chicken with the mixture and then place each piece in the basket of the air fryer. Lightly spray both sides of the chicken with canola or avocado oil in spray form. You can use your own oil mister bottle for optimal flavor.
- Bake. Cook the chicken tenders in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-5 minutes on each side. You can check doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the meat and checking to see if it has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I make them in a regular oven?
Yes, these chicken tenders can also be made in an oven. Follow the steps up until it is time to cook. Place them on a baking sheet and cook them in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes.
What goes well with breaded chicken tenders
These breaded air fryer chicken breasts taste delicious with a dipping sauce. You can try this tangy ranch, tasty Chick-Fil-A sauce, or this sweet and smoky barbecue sauce. If you’re in a hurry, toss some hot buttered pasta with this 3 ingredient pasta cream sauce, and dinner is done!
Can I make these in advance?
Yes, you can. You can marinate the chicken tenders the night before just like my breaded chicken skewers recipe and make the dredge mixture at the same time. Just store the chicken in the fridge in a covered bowl and place the breading mix in an airtight container until you’re ready to use them.
Can I freeze them?
Yes! After you are done cooking the air fryer chicken tenders, let them thoroughly cool and then place them in a ziplock bag in the freezer. They will last for about 1 month. The chicken can then be reheated in the air fryer.
How long will it take to cook frozen chicken tenders?
Frozen chicken tenders will take about 12 minutes total to cook, flipping halfway through. Then they will be thoroughly cooked and ready to serve.
More Air fryer recipes to try!
- Air fryer pork chops
- Easy shrimp
- Air fryer zucchini fries
- Crispy french fries
- Air fryer Bacon
- Steak bites
- air fryer asparagus, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli
- Breaded Air fryer chicken tenders
- Air fryer chicken thighs
- Perfect Air fryer salmon
- Air fryer baked potato
Breaded Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove
Breading mixture
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Make the marinade and add the chicken
- Combine the 1/4 mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 pressed garlic clove in a large bowl and place the 1 pound of chicken tenders inside. When pressing the garlic, I highly recommend using this grater. Its my favorite tool in my kitchen.
- Toss the chicken around in the marinade. You can begin dredging the chicken tenders right away or let them marinate for a few hours or even overnight for the best flavor.
Dredge in bread crumb mixture
- Now make the breading by combining 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs, 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
- Then generously coat the chicken tenders in the breading mixture.
- Place the breaded chicken on the air fryer basket (about 4 tenders at a time). Then lightly spray the bottom of the basket and the top of the breaded chicken with avocado oil spray from your own oil mister or cooking spray.
Bake in the air fryer
- Bake in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 4-5 minutes per side. A good way to know that your chicken is done is by inserting a meat thermometer into the center of the chicken. It should read at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Notes
Nutrition
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Jennifer H says
These were so yummy. The mayonnaise, dijon and garlic marinade was a tastier version of the typical egg/buttermilk bath. I used light mayo to make the recipe even more low fat (due to diet restrictions) and added a pinch of cayenne pepper and smoked paprika to the flour mixture to bump up the flavors. This was my first attempt at using my air fryer. Glad it turned out so good or else I would have thought twice about my purchase of another kitchen gadget.
Jennifer H. says
Forgot to add that I used organic whole wheat bread crumbs and whole wheat Panko bread crumbs for a more heart-healthy version. Imagine air-fried chicken tenders with dietary fiber—win, win! I’m a believer.
Dina says
That is awesome Jenniefer! Thank you for the great feedback 🙂
Dina says
Wow that is amazing Jennifer. I am so glad that the first recipe was a success!
Bonnie says
I made this at 11:30pm because it was something I actually had all the ingredients on hand for and it sounded quick, given the time. I was not disappointed!
Dina says
That is hilarious Bonnie! I stay up pretty late too so this is something I can totally relate to haha! I am so glad that you loved this recipe 🙂
Lee T. says
We love these. Also, it’s so easy to tweak seasonings according to what I, the chef, like in contrast to what my patrons (my kids) prefer.
Best air fryer tender recipe we’ve tried yet.
Dina says
That is so awesome to hear Lee! Making tweaks per preference is what makes them so versatile! Thank you for your feedback and support! 🙂
Chelsea says
Just made these tonight because it was really quick and easy. So yummy. Definitely going to add these to my go to dinners. We just made them in the oven. But next is the oven air fryer! So good!
Dina says
Chelsea, I am so glad you enjoyed these chicken tenders! Thank you for taking the time to write your kind feedback!
Olivia Ruiz says
wow, I made these for my mom and we both ate them faster than we can say best chicken tenders EVER!
Dina says
You are too kind Olivia! Makes me so happy to hear that these were the best chicken tenders that you have ever had! Thank you so much for your feedback and support! I hope you find many more delicious recipes on my blog! 🙂
Kari H says
Excellent !!!
Dina says
Happy that you loved this recipe! Thank you Kari for your support!
Kari H says
Thank you thank you ! Super yummy. I have no cooking skills at all. I just bought a air fryer and was super nervous to screw this up. My fiance was super satisfied. He gave me so many compliments. Thank you for sharing your recipe with me. Now I need to find more recipes to make !! 💜💜💜
Dina says
Hi Kari 🙂 Very happy to hear that your chicken tenders turned out so perfectly! Glad that this recipe was easy to follow and that your fiance loved them! Thank you so much for your awesome feedback! I actually have many more air fryer recipes for you to try out on your new air fryer! 🙂
Mary says
Thank you for sharing this recipe…it has become my family’s new favorite choice for breaded chicken! I also add a little of yellow mustard to the marinade to give it a little more zip! And add real crackers to make the regular breadcrumbs makes it extra crunchy 😊 Delicious!
Dina says
You are very welcome Mary! That is so awesome that these chicken tenders are not a family favorite in your home! 🙂 Love the addition you made 🙂 Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your feedback, Mary! I hope you and your family find more recipes to enjoy on my food blog! 🙂
Carlene Cochran says
How long do I cook in an oven air fryer? I have a Breville confection/air fryer. Looks great.
Dina says
Hi Carlene, I have not tested these in an oven air fryer yet so I am not entirely sure. But the bake time should be fairly similar to a basket air fryer.
Triciag says
These were delicious!👍
Dina says
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave your kind feedback 🙂