20 Crispy Chicken Tender Recipes Air Fryer Delights

Venture into the world of crispy, juicy perfection with our roundup of 20 Crispy Chicken Tender Recipes: Air Fryer Delights! Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend treat, these recipes promise to deliver with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Get ready to transform your air fryer into your new best friend—let’s dive into these irresistible bites that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Classic Buttermilk Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Ready to crunch? These Classic Buttermilk Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are your ticket to crispy, juicy perfection—no deep fryer needed.

Ingredients

• For the marinade:
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce
• For the crust:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
• For cooking:
  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken tenders, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for extra flavor.
2. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Tip: This ensures even cooking from the start.
3. In another bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Coat each tender in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
5. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange tenders in a single layer, not touching. Spray tops lightly with cooking spray.
6. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes. Flip tenders, spray lightly again, and cook for another 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy. Tip: No peeking! Opening the fryer too often can lower the temperature.
7. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety. Tip: Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness every time.

These tenders come out unbelievably crispy with a hint of spice. Serve them stacked high with honey mustard or tucked into a soft bun for a next-level sandwich.

Spicy Cajun Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Crispy, juicy, and packing a punch—these Spicy Cajun Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are your next obsession. Perfect for game day, meal prep, or when cravings strike, they’re ready in a flash and disappear even faster.

Ingredients

• For the marinade:
  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce
• For the coating:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
• For cooking:
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine chicken tenders, buttermilk, and hot sauce. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge—overnight for maximum flavor.
2. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Tip: This ensures even cooking and crispiness.
3. In another bowl, mix flour, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and salt.
4. Drain chicken from marinade. Dredge each tender in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Tip: For extra crunch, double dip by repeating the flour coating.
5. Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with olive oil. Arrange tenders in a single layer, not touching.
6. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flip, then cook another 5-7 minutes until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Tip: Don’t overcrowd—cook in batches if needed.

Juicy inside with a fiery, crispy crust, these tenders are irresistible solo or dunked in cool ranch. Try them atop a salad for a crunchy protein boost or alongside sweet potato fries for the ultimate comfort meal.

Honey Mustard Glazed Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Yum! These Honey Mustard Glazed Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are your next obsession. Crispy outside, juicy inside, and that glaze? Chef’s kiss.

Ingredients

• For the chicken tenders:
  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
• For the honey mustard glaze:
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
2. Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper.
3. Dredge each tender in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with panko breadcrumbs. Tip: Press the breadcrumbs gently to adhere.
4. Place tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, flip, then cook for another 5 minutes until golden and crispy. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket for even cooking.
5. While the tenders cook, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat until smooth. Tip: Warm the glaze just enough to combine—no need to boil.
6. Brush the glaze over the cooked tenders or serve on the side for dipping.

Velvety glaze meets crunch in every bite. Serve these tenders atop a salad for a hearty meal or with extra glaze for dunking.

Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Ready to upgrade your chicken game? These Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are crispy, cheesy, and downright addictive—no deep fryer needed.

Ingredients

• For the chicken:
  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
• For the crust:
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Add chicken tenders, ensuring they’re fully coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
2. Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes.
3. In another bowl, combine Parmesan, panko, and Italian seasoning.
4. Dredge each marinated tender in the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
6. Air fry for 10 minutes, flip, then cook for another 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy.
7. Let rest for 2 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Zesty and golden, these tenders are a texture dream—crispy outside, juicy inside. Serve with a side of marinara for dipping or chop them up for a next-level salad topper.

Garlic Herb Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Need a quick, flavor-packed dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds? These Garlic Herb Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and ready in minutes.

Ingredients

• For the marinade:
  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
• For the coating:
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried parsley

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine chicken tenders with olive oil, minced garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes for maximum flavor.
2. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. This ensures a crispy exterior.
3. In another bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and dried parsley.
4. Dredge each marinated chicken tender in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
5. Place tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch for even cooking.
6. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
7. Let rest for 2 minutes before serving to retain juiciness.

Light, crispy, and bursting with garlic herb goodness, these tenders are perfect with a side of honey mustard or atop a fresh salad for a crunchy twist.

Buffalo Sauce Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Overwhelm your taste buds with these crispy, spicy Buffalo Sauce Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Perfect for game day or a quick dinner, they’re a guaranteed hit.

Ingredients

• For the chicken tenders:
  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• For the buffalo sauce:
  • 1/2 cup hot sauce
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
2. Dredge each chicken tender in flour, shaking off excess.
3. Dip the floured tenders into beaten eggs, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
4. Place the coated tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
5. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flip halfway through, until golden and crispy.
6. While the tenders cook, whisk together hot sauce, melted butter, white vinegar, and garlic powder in a bowl.
7. Once cooked, toss the tenders in the buffalo sauce until fully coated.
8. Return to the air fryer for 2 more minutes to set the sauce.

Now these tenders pack a punch with their fiery buffalo kick and unbeatable crunch. Serve them with a side of cool ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the heat, or pile them high on a toasted bun for the ultimate spicy chicken sandwich.

BBQ Glazed Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Zesty and finger-licking good, these BBQ Glazed Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are your next weeknight hero. Crispy outside, juicy inside, and slathered in a smoky-sweet glaze—boom, dinner’s done.

Ingredients

• For the chicken:
  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
• For the glaze:
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken tender in flour mix, then eggs, then panko. Tip: Press panko gently to adhere.
4. Place tenders in air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, flip, cook another 5 minutes until golden. Tip: Don’t overcrowd—cook in batches if needed.
5. While chicken cooks, whisk BBQ sauce, honey, and vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat for 3 minutes until glossy. Tip: Stir constantly to prevent burning.
6. Brush glaze over cooked tenders, return to air fryer for 2 minutes to set.

Fabulously crispy with a sticky-sweet kick, these tenders are perfect piled high on a platter or tucked into sliders with pickles and slaw. The glaze caramelizes just enough to make every bite irresistible.

Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are your ticket to a crispy, flavorful meal in minutes. Toss the boredom out the window and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

• For the marinade:
  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
• For the coating:
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine chicken tenders, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt. Marinate for 15 minutes.
2. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
3. In another bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and lemon pepper seasoning.
4. Dredge each marinated chicken tender in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
5. Place chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
6. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
7. Tip: For extra crispiness, spray the tenders lightly with cooking spray before air frying.
8. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary.
9. Tip: Let the tenders rest for 2 minutes after cooking for maximum juiciness.

Bite into these tenders for a crunch that gives way to juicy, lemon-pepper bliss. Serve them with a side of creamy ranch or atop a fresh salad for a meal that’s anything but ordinary.

Panko Breaded Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Absolutely nobody has time for soggy chicken tenders. Crisp up your life with these Panko Breaded Air Fryer Chicken Tenders—juicy inside, crunchy outside, and ready in minutes.

Ingredients

• For the chicken:
  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
• For the crust:
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
• For cooking:
  • Non-stick cooking spray

Instructions

1. In a bowl, marinate chicken tenders in buttermilk, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes. *Tip: Overnight marination boosts flavor.*
2. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, mix Panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, and paprika.
4. Dredge each tender in the Panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere. *Tip: Use one hand for wet and one for dry to avoid clumping.*
5. Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray and place tenders in a single layer.
6. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, flip, then cook another 5-7 minutes until golden. *Tip: Don’t overcrowd—cook in batches if needed.*

Now, devour these tenders with their golden, crunchy crust and tender inside. Nestle them in a waffle cone for a fun twist or dunk in spicy mayo for a kick.

Ranch Seasoned Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Dive into crunch without the guilt—these Ranch Seasoned Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are your weeknight hero. Crispy outside, juicy inside, and ready in minutes.

Ingredients

• For the chicken:
  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
• For the seasoning:
  • 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
• For the coating:
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
2. In a bowl, mix chicken tenders with buttermilk. Let sit for 10 minutes to tenderize.
3. In another bowl, combine ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4. Drain chicken from buttermilk, then coat evenly with the seasoning mix.
5. Mix panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a shallow dish.
6. Press each seasoned chicken tender into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring full coverage.
7. Place chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overlap.
8. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, flip, then cook another 5 minutes until golden and crispy.
9. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.

Crispy, herby, and utterly addictive, these tenders pair perfectly with a cool dip or atop a fresh salad. Serve them hot for that irresistible crunch.

Sweet and Spicy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Just when you thought chicken tenders couldn’t get any better, we’re turning up the heat—and the sweetness. These air fryer gems are crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor that’ll have you reaching for more.

Ingredients

• For the marinade:
  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce
• For the coating:
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
• For the glaze:
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 tbsp sriracha
  • 1 tbsp melted butter

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine chicken tenders, buttermilk, and hot sauce. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. Tip: For extra tenderness, marinate overnight.
2. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
3. In another bowl, mix panko, Parmesan, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
4. Dredge each tender in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Tip: Use one hand for wet ingredients and the other for dry to avoid clumping.
5. Place tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, flip, then cook for another 5 minutes until golden and crispy. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking.
6. While tenders cook, whisk together honey, sriracha, and melted butter in a small bowl.
7. Brush glaze over cooked tenders and serve immediately.

Absolutely irresistible, these tenders strike the perfect balance between sweet and spicy. Serve them with a cool ranch dip or pile them high on a slider bun for a next-level sandwich experience.

Teriyaki Glazed Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Craving something crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor? These Teriyaki Glazed Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are your ticket to a quick, delicious meal that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

• For the chicken tenders:
  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
• For the teriyaki glaze:
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 garlic clove, minced

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
2. In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Dip each chicken tender in flour, then beaten eggs, and finally coat with the panko mixture.
4. Place the coated tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
5. Air fry for 10 minutes, flip halfway through, until golden and crispy. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking.
6. While the chicken cooks, combine soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, and minced garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat.
7. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Tip: Keep an eye on the sauce to prevent burning.
8. Brush the cooked chicken tenders generously with the teriyaki glaze. Tip: For extra flavor, dip the tenders in the glaze before serving.
9. Serve immediately with extra glaze on the side.

Amazingly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and glazed with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, these chicken tenders are perfect over rice or as a game-day snack with a side of spicy mayo.

Crunchy Cornflake Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Crunchy Cornflake Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are here to upgrade your snack game. Crispy, juicy, and ready in minutes—these tenders are a game-changer.

Ingredients

• For the chicken:
  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp salt
• For the crust:
  • 2 cups crushed cornflakes
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
• For cooking:
  • Non-stick cooking spray

Instructions

1. Marinate chicken tenders in buttermilk and salt for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. Tip: Overnight marination boosts flavor.
2. Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes.
3. Mix crushed cornflakes, flour, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper in a shallow dish.
4. Dredge each tender in the cornflake mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Tip: Use one hand for wet and one for dry to avoid clumping.
5. Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
6. Arrange tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, not touching.
7. Cook at 375°F for 10 minutes, flip, then cook for another 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy. Tip: Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.

Tender on the inside, crunchy on the outside—serve these tenders with a side of honey mustard or atop a fresh salad for a satisfying crunch.

Maple Dijon Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Hit the crave button with these Maple Dijon Air Fryer Chicken Tenders—crispy outside, juicy inside, and slathered in a sweet-tangy glaze that’s pure magic.

Ingredients

• For the chicken:
  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
• For the sauce:
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
2. Season chicken tenders with salt and pepper.
3. Set up a breading station: one bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko.
4. Dredge each tender in flour, dip in egg, then coat with panko. Press gently to adhere.
5. Place tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, flip, then cook for another 5 minutes until golden and crispy.
6. While chicken cooks, whisk maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Brush half the sauce over the cooked tenders, return to air fryer for 1 minute to caramelize.
8. Serve with remaining sauce for dipping.

Whip these up for a game-day snack or slice them over a salad for a protein-packed lunch. The glaze? It’s the sticky-sweet hero that makes every bite unforgettable.

Smoky Paprika Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Crispy, smoky, and utterly addictive—these chicken tenders are your next air fryer obsession. With a paprika-kissed crust and juicy interior, they’re a game-changer for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

• For the marinade:
  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
• For the crust:
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine chicken tenders with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Marinate for 15 minutes to infuse flavors.
2. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Tip: This ensures even cooking and crispiness.
3. In a separate bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, and salt for the crust.
4. Coat each marinated chicken tender in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Arrange tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overlap. Tip: Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking.
6. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Tip: For extra crispiness, spray lightly with cooking oil before frying.
7. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.

Bold flavors and a satisfying crunch make these tenders a standout. Serve them with a creamy dipping sauce or atop a fresh salad for a meal that’s anything but ordinary.

Asian-Style Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Bite into crispy, juicy perfection with these Asian-Style Air Fryer Chicken Tenders—your weeknight dinner just got a major upgrade.

Ingredients

• For the marinade:
  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp ginger powder
• For the crust:
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 egg, beaten
• For serving:
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 2 green onions, sliced

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix chicken tenders with soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
2. Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes.
3. Dip each marinated chicken tender into cornstarch, then egg, and finally panko breadcrumbs. Tip: Press breadcrumbs firmly to adhere.
4. Place breaded tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, flip, then cook another 5 minutes until golden and crispy. Tip: Avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
5. Sprinkle cooked tenders with sesame seeds and green onions. Tip: Serve immediately for maximum crunch.

Now these tenders pack a punch with a crunchy exterior and tender, flavorful inside. Try dunking them in a spicy mayo or pairing with a crisp salad for a full meal vibe.

Zesty Lime Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Sizzle up your snack game with these crispy, tangy chicken tenders that are a breeze to make in the air fryer. Perfect for a quick dinner or a party appetizer, they’re packed with flavor and ready in minutes.

Ingredients

• For the marinade:
  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
• For the crust:
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp lime zest

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine chicken tenders with olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
2. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
3. In another bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and lime zest.
4. Dredge each marinated chicken tender in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
5. Place tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
6. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
7. Tip: For extra crispiness, spray the tenders lightly with cooking spray before air frying.
8. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking.
9. Tip: Serve immediately for the best texture.

Enjoy the crunch of these zesty lime chicken tenders, with their juicy interior and crispy, flavorful crust. Try dipping them in a creamy avocado lime sauce for an extra kick.

Almond Flour Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Viral-worthy and utterly crunchable, these almond flour air fryer chicken tenders are your weeknight hero. No fuss, all flavor, and ready in a flash—let’s dive in.

Ingredients

• For the chicken:
  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
• For the coating:
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
• For the egg wash:
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp water

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
2. Season the chicken tenders with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
3. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the almond flour, garlic powder, paprika, and 1/2 tsp salt.
4. In another bowl, beat the eggs with 1 tbsp water to create the egg wash.
5. Dip each chicken tender into the egg wash, then coat evenly with the almond flour mixture.
6. Place the coated tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
7. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flip the tenders, then cook for another 5 minutes or until golden and crispy.
8. Let the tenders rest for 2 minutes before serving to lock in the juices.

Magic happens when almond flour meets high heat—crispy outside, juicy inside. Serve these tenders with a side of honey mustard or atop a fresh salad for a low-carb twist.

Coconut Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Now, let’s dive into making these crispy, juicy Coconut Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders that’ll have everyone begging for the recipe.

Ingredients

• For the chicken:
  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
• For the crust:
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
• For serving:
  • 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix chicken tenders with buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for 30 minutes in the fridge for maximum tenderness.
2. Preheat air fryer to 375°F. This ensures even cooking from the start.
3. In another bowl, combine shredded coconut, panko, garlic powder, and paprika for the crust.
4. Dredge each marinated tender in the coconut mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Tip: For extra crunch, double coat by dipping back in buttermilk and crust mixture.
5. Place tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring space between for crispiness. Cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Serve immediately with sweet chili sauce for dipping. Tip: For a tropical twist, add a squeeze of lime to the sauce.

These tenders boast a perfect crunch with a hint of sweetness from the coconut, paired beautifully with the spicy tang of chili sauce. Try serving them over a fresh mango salad for a burst of freshness.

Greek Yogurt Marinated Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Forget boring chicken tenders—this recipe flips the script with a Greek yogurt marinade that’s creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor. Air-fry to crispy perfection in minutes.

Ingredients

• For the marinade:
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
• For the chicken:
  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add chicken tenders to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes.
4. In a shallow dish, mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and salt.
5. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each tender in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
6. Place tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
7. Tip: For extra crispiness, spritz tenders with cooking spray before air frying.
8. Tip: If breadcrumbs aren’t sticking, pat chicken dry with a paper towel before dredging.
9. Tip: Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should read 165°F.

Serve these tenders with a side of tzatziki or over a fresh Greek salad. The crunchy exterior gives way to juicy, flavorful chicken that’s anything but ordinary.

Summary

Every recipe in our ’20 Crispy Chicken Tender Recipes Air Fryer Delights’ roundup promises to bring joy and crunch to your table with minimal fuss. Whether you’re craving something classic or adventurous, there’s a tender here to tickle your taste buds. We’d love to hear which recipe became your family’s favorite—drop us a comment below! And if you enjoyed this collection, don’t forget to share the love on Pinterest. Happy cooking!