Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (No Breading!)

The sizzle of golden-brown chicken tenders as they air fry fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma. These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (No Breading!) come together in just 20 minutes and deliver a satisfying crunch without the extra calories from breading. The secret to their crispiness lies in the expertly seasoned skinless chicken, which becomes wonderfully tender on the inside.

This recipe is perfect for families looking for a healthier weeknight dinner or anyone wanting a quick snack that’s big on flavor. You can prepare the chicken tenders ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to cook, making dinner a breeze.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Enjoy the crunchy texture without any breading.
• Cooked in just 8-10 minutes for a speedy meal.
• Simple seasoning enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.
• The air fryer yields juicy, tender chicken every time.

What You’ll Need

Gathering a few quality ingredients is the first step to this dish’s success.

For the Chicken

• 1.5 pounds boneless chicken tenderloins, skinless
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Seasoning

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish

• Parsley for garnish

Consider using avocado oil as a substitute for olive oil.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Chicken tenderloins: use chicken breasts, cut into strips.
• Olive oil: avocado oil for a different flavor.
• Italian seasoning: replace with dried oregano or basil.
• Paprika: smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.

How to Make It

Let’s get cooking!

Pat the Chicken Dry

Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step helps ensure that the chicken will crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

Season the Chicken

Place the chicken tenders in a large bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the tenders and toss to coat evenly. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken tenders, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Cook the Chicken Tenders

Place the seasoned chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; you may need to cook in batches. Cook the chicken tenders for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Serve with my homemade ranch dressing!

How to Store It

Fridge: store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: no, the texture will change upon thawing.
Reheat: use an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Always ensure chicken is fully thawed for even cooking.
• Adjust the seasoning mix according to your taste preferences.
• Flip the tenders halfway through cooking for a consistent crisp.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for optimal airflow.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with homemade ranch dressing for dipping.
• Pair with a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
• Great for game day appetizers or family gatherings.