Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (No Breading)

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (No Breading) are juicy and tender, with a crispy crunch on the outside, that are seasoned to perfection!!

These homemade chicken tenders are so delicious, with just 10 minutes of prep time, for a kids favorite lunch or an easy mid week family dinner.

this recipe!

Air Fryer Fried Chicken Tenders

Fried chicken tenders in air fryer with no breading and no egg, really are a great low carb chicken tender to enjoy for a mid-week dinner with your favorite side dishes.

No need to buy the frozen chicken tenders at the grocery store when you can have fresh chicken tenders in air fryer for your family to enjoy anytime.

This air fryer chicken tenders recipe with flour really lets the pairing of the chicken and the spices meld together for the best flavor.

It is so easy to make these boneless chicken tenders in the air fryer in just 10 minutes of prep, with little oil used and such an easy cleanup.

Our teens love to eat these chicken tenders in air fryer and they are gone so fast that we love to make them ahead time to heat up when they want them.

The air fryer has become a must-have kitchen appliance, and it makes the best crispy air fryer chicken tenders just as good as my amazing air fryer fried chicken recipe!!

Also try this yummy breaded Doritos chicken tenders recipe and baked BBQ chicken tenders.

Why you'll love this recipe

• Easy chicken tender recipe, takes just 10 minutes to put together
• Quick, easy cleanup
• Kids favorite for lunch or dinner
• Great with so many easy side dishes for dinner
• Perfect to make ahead and heat up when ready

Ingredients

• Chicken - 1 pound of skinless, boneless chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins cut into 3-5 inch pieces
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Cornstarch
• Mrs Dash seasoning - or your favorite no-sodium seasoning (suggestions under substitutions)
• Paprika
• Salt - coarse salt
• Pepper - black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Parsley - optional garnish

Substitutions

What no salt seasoning to use as substitutes?

This is where the recipe gets fun because you can add any spicy seasoning of your choice:

• Cajun seasoning
• 21 Seasoning Salute
• Mrs. Dash
• Chile Lime Seasoning
• Mexican Fiesta
• Creole Seasoning
• Slap Ya Mama

Step by step instructions for how to cook chicken tenders in air fryer

STEP ONE - In a large bowl add all the ingredients and mix until the chicken is fully coated in the sauce. 

STEP TWO - Place raw chicken tenders in an air fryer and air fryer the chicken evenly in the air fryer at 400° F.

STEP THREE - Cook for 4-8 minutes per side or until the juices run clear and the chicken is golden brown. 

STEP FOUR - Garnish with parsley and serve.

How long to cook chicken tenders in air fryer?

Chicken tedners take 4 to 8 minutes per side.

Variations

We love to make the different variations of air fryer chicken tenderloins, to mix up this easy chicken dinner favorite recipe.

Breaded chicken tenders in air fryer

To make breaded air fryer chicken tenders with this recipe using panko, corn flakes or Italian bread crumbs. Whip eggs in a bowl and add the spices from this recipe into your choice of bread crumbs in separate bowl.

Dip the raw sliced boneless chicken in the eggs then dredge it in your bread crumbs mix and place on dish. Cook in the air fryer.

You can also make bbq chicken tenders in air fryer by brushing with your choice of barbecue sauce when you are ready to flip the chicken tenders half way through cooking time. Can also use a honey garlic sauce in the same way.

Bacon wrapped chicken tenders in air fryer can be made by simply wrapping the chicken tenders using bacon slices after spicy them.

Grilled chicken tenders in air fryer or naked chicken tenders can be made by not using the flour and using the oil to coat the tenders then add the spices and cook them in the airy fryer.

Using a gluten free flour you can easily make gluten free air fryer chicken tenders with this recipe.

Best dipping sauce for chicken tenders

The best sauces to dip your chicken tenders are BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, honey mustard, hot sauce, buffalo hot sauce, sweet and sour sauce, plum sauce, Chili sauce, chipotle sauce, and ketchup!

Best side dishes for chicken tenders in air fryer

• Parmesan French Fries
• Classic Greek Potatoes
• Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole with Corn Flakes
• Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole
• Green Bean Casserole with Sour Cream
• Baked Beans
• Ruth Chris Sweet Potato Casserole
• Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
• Creamy Potato Salad
• Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
• Kale Salad
• Jennifer Aniston Salad

Sandra's top tips for making the best air fryer chicken tenders

• Place chicken tenders in a single layer with room between each one for the best even cooking
• For Extra Crispy air fryer chicken tenders lightly brush the chicken tenders with oil such as olive oil and turn halfway thru cooking
• Know your air fryer and how it cooks and adjust cooking times accordingly
• Do not overcook the chicken tenders or they will become dry
• You can use parchment paper liners for easy cleanup as long as they fit your air fryer basket and do not block the air circulation
• Use a food thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken tenders is 165°F to ensure they are done for food safety

Why are my air fryer chicken tenders soggy?

Do not to overcrowd your air fryer basket and do not use boneless chicken tenders that have not been frozen properly or for too long. Using oil to lightly brush the chicken tenders is also a good idea for crispy chicken tenders.

Make ahead chicken fingers in air fryer

To make raw uncooked chicken tenders in the air fryer, store uncooked ready made tenders using an airtight container in the fridge for 1 to 2 days.

Allow to sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 mins, then cook in the air fryer with our instructions.

To freeze your raw uncooked chicken tenders, to make ahead see freezing instructions.

Reheat chicken tenders in air fryer

Remove the chicken tenders from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.

Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through (depending on thickness), turning them over half way through the cooking time.

How to cook frozen chicken tenders no breading in air fryer

Cook raw frozen chicken tenders in air fryer

Preheat air fryer to 350°F and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your non breaded chicken tenders.

How long to cook precooked frozen chicken tenders in air fryer.

Preheat air fryer to 350°F and cook for 6 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken tenders without breading.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

How to store leftover chicken tenders?

Use an airtight container to store leftover cooked chicken tenders in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.

Do not allow chicken to sit out for more than 2 hours at room temperature for the best food safety.

Can you freeze air fryer chicken tenders?

Yes you can freeze leftover cooked chicken tenders! Using a freezer-safe container or freezer zippered bag to freeze for 1 to 2 months.

To freeze your raw uncooked chicken tenders, make the chicken tenders on a baking tray. Place the baking sheet in the freezer to flash freeze them for two hours or until frozen through.

Remove from the freezer and place them in a freezer-safe container or a freezer zippered bag. Store them in the freezer for 1 to 2 months.

You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or cook them frozen to reheat (or cook) in the air fryer.

Do not refreeze chicken that has been frozen and thawed already for best food safety.

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