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
Full Recipe Instructions
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
- BBQ Sauce - June 30, 2025
- Fruit Kabobs - June 25, 2025
- BBQ Chicken Thighs - June 16, 2025
Pinkmomma says
Marinade keeps it very moist.
Bernadette Morrissey says
So quick and easy!!!!
I let the chicken soak for about a 1/2 hour.
My husband’s reaction: you can make this recipe from now on!
Dina says
That’s awesome Bernadette! Thank you for taking the time to write your kind feedback 🙂
MJ says
I just made these for the first time. ABSOLUTELY amazing!!!! Easy and delicious. I added a sprinkle of paprika to the dry ingredients. This is a real keeper.
Dina says
I am so glad you found this recipe! Thank you for taking the time to write your kind feedback 🙂
Maureen says
Excellent and so tender. Quick meal with Mac and cheese. Thank you!
Dina says
Thank you Maureen! I am so glad that you loved this recipe!
Lobelia says
It’s good. Marinate it like it says.
Dina says
Hi 🙂 I am happy that you enjoyed these chicken tenders! Thank you for your feedback and support. 🙂
Dave Glazier says
Usinga Ninja Foodi Plus the chicken was way under cooked after 5 minutes per side. I usually check with my thermometer anyway but I am glad you mentioned it 😊. Otherwise I greatly enjoyed the tenders.
Debbie Kelley says
Moist and tender— delicious!
Dina says
I am so glad to hear that you loved this recipe! Thank you for the kind feedback. I really appreciate you taking the time to come here and write your comment! 🙂
Emily says
My husband and I loved this recipe and I can already tell I’ll be making it over and over again! Thank you so much!
Dina says
You are very welcome Emily! So happy to hear you and your husband loved these chicken tenders so much! It makes me so happy when people use my recipes as family favorites! Thank you so much for your support and feedback! 🙂
Glenda says
This recipe sounds awesome. I love my AF. Thanks.
Dina says
You are very welcome Glenda! I hope you love this recipe. Let me know how it goes. 🙂
Deb Jackson says
Delicious!!!!😋😋
Dina says
Thank you Deb! Glad to you enjoyed these chicken tenders! 🙂
Danny R. says
I made this recipe and really enjoyed the dipping sauce. Thanks, Danny R.
Dina says
Danny, I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe and the dipping sauce! Thank you for the kind feedback 🙂
Gina says
Delicious! So moist and tender with a crispy crust! Will definitely use this recipe again.
Dina says
Very happy to hear you loved these chicken tenders Gina! 🙂 Thank you so much for your feedback! 🙂
Dave says
Family says these are the best I’ve ever made, hands-down. I made a quick homemade BBQ sauce (better than the jar stuff) and the copycat Chik-Fil-A sauce. Both terrific. Thanx much.
Dina says
You are very welcome Dave! That is such an amazing compliment that your whole family loved my recipes so much! Thank you so much for your awesome feedback and support! 🙂
Cath says
Do use use fresh Parmesan or the Kraft jar stuff?
Dina says
Hi Cath, I always recommend using real fresh parmesan cheese instead of the kraft stuff that sits on the shelves.
Kat says
I’ve made these 3 times in the past 2 weeks because my family is OBSESSED with them. My husband said tonight “these are some of the best things you’ve ever made.” I use panko only so they are super crispy and the marinade keeps them so juicy. Love love LOVE this recipe thank you!
Dina says
Wow Kat, I am so glad you and your family loved this air fryer chicken tenders recipe! Thank you so much for taking the time to write your kind feedback. I really appreciate it 🙂
Kathy Marshall says
I am making these for the fourth time! We love them. I am doing extra to save for my salad this morning and diced up a small jalapeno pepper since I have them fresh in my garden right now and added to the sauce. Best recipe ever!
Dina says
That’s amazing Kathy! I am so thrilled to hear that this air fryer chicken tenders recipe is on repeat in your home! 🙂
Nancy Resendes says
This recipe IS that good! It got raves—so much so, that I’m making another batch up today!
Dina says
Nancy, I am so glad you love this recipe. Thank you for the kind feedback 🙂