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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Amber says
Does it still work to substitute minced garlic or garlic powder? And is there any thing you would suggest to make these for a couple family members who really like their chicken Buffalo style?
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Amber, you can substitute the fresh garlic for the powder, but it will taste different. I always prefer fresh garlic since it has more flavor. In regards to the buffalo style, you can still make these the same way, just serve them with buffalo sauce 🙂
Jessica says
You replied to someone that said it turned out kinda soggy and asked if they had the setting on air fryer… But you say in the directions to bake??? Sorry went to make this and have the chicken marinating now I have no clue what to do?
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Jessica, thanks for this clarifying question. By that comment, I meant bake/cook them in the air fryer. I hope that helps and I hope you love these chicken tenders 🙂
Victoria says
These were delicious! I used Longhorn seasoning to lightly season the chicken but did everything else as instructed. They were so tasty and juicy. Thank you for sharing!! Also, my husband is on keto so I dredged his tenderloins in crushed pork rinds and parm mix and he loved it.
simplyhomecooked says
Thank you Victoria! So happy that you loved these air fryer chicken tenders 🙂 Glad that you made it work for your husband as well! Thank you so much for your kind review and I hope you find many more delicious recipes on my blog 🙂
Kim says
So glad I found this recipe. So easy and fun to make. Tasted just like Chic Fil a but better! Made the sauce…delicious. Will be making this chicken again. 😊
simplyhomecooked says
Yay! So happy to hear you loved these chicken tenders so much! I really appreciate your feedback Kim 🙂 Glad that this recipe will be a repeat in your kitchen 🙂 Hope you find many more delicious recipes on my blog!
Denise says
I tried this recipe using my air fryer for the first time… the breading was soggy after cooking 4 min each side -any recommendations .
simplyhomecooked says
Hi Denise, I’m sorry to hear that. Did you have it on the air fryer setting or the bake setting? That might be why it didn’t crisp up.
Kristen Parks says
I made these tonight as we just got our Instapot Air Fryer lid and this was an air fryer chicken recipe that was not complicated or with too many ingredients and on the healthier side. My fiance is a picky eater (super taster as he calls it -_-) and he loved this. I have pinned this recipe. I even tried a tender and very good. I must say with the mix of mayo and mustard as well as the other seasonings neither of us felt that any sauces were needed. Thanks for this recipe and it will be my go to for our new air fryer.
simplyhomecooked says
Kristen, I’m so glad you loved this air fryer chicken tender recipes!! Thank you for taking the time to write such a kind review! It means so much 🙂