Make flavorful and juicy Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Tenders with a deliciously spicy crust. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy protein-packed snack. Ready in minutes, with bold Cajun seasoning that delivers big flavor with minimal prep!
These air fryer blackened chicken tenders, are perfect for a quick meal, or for adding them to a salad.
Serve this recipe with air fryer canned green beans, Air Fryer Spinach Strawberry Salad, or Chick Fil A Carrot and Raisin Salad.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Tenders
- Quick and Easy: These blackened chicken tenders cook up fast in the air fryer, giving you a satisfying meal in under 20 minutes!
- Packed with Flavor: Coated in bold, spicy blackened seasoning, every bite is filled with smoky, Cajun-inspired flavors.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These chicken tenders are great to make ahead, staying juicy and flavorful for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Low-Carb and High-Protein: A fantastic choice for those looking for a high-protein, low-carb meal that doesn’t skimp on taste!
- Versatile: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, in a wrap, or atop a salad—these tenders go with just about anything!
- Kid-Friendly: The mild spice level can be easily adjusted, making these a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients And Substitutions
- Chicken Tenders: For this recipe, I used boneless, skinless chicken tenders are ideal as they cook quickly and stay tender. If you prefer, you can substitute with chicken breast cut into strips for a similar result.
- Olive Oil: Or use using avocado oil spray, which also works well in high heat.
- Paprika: Adds a mild, smoky flavor and vibrant color to the blackened seasoning.
- Cayenne Pepper: This spice brings the heat!
- Garlic Powder: Complements the other spices without overpowering.
- Onion Powder: Adds a mild savory base to the seasoning.
- Dried Thyme: Gives a hint of herbaceous flavor that enhances the blackened seasoning profile.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the seasoning mix.
How To Make
Step One: Paint the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings adhere better and ensures a crispier result.
Step Two: In a small bowl, prepare the spice mix with paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your desired level of spiciness.
Step Three: Drizzle olive oil over the chicken tenderloins or use cooking spray to coat them lightly. This will help the seasonings stick. Sprinkle the blackened seasoning mix evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Step Four: Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately.
Step Five: Place the seasoned chicken tenderloins in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Set cook time for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
How To Reheat
To reheat Blackened Chicken Tenders in the oven: Place them on a baking sheet at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
To reheat Blackened Chicken Tenders in the air fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until warmed through.
To reheat Blackened Chicken Tenders in the microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway.
To reheat Blackened Chicken Tenders on the stove: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, flipping once.
Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Tenders Recipe Faqs
What is blackened seasoning, and can I make it at home? Blackened seasoning is a flavorful spice blend commonly used in Cajun and Creole cuisine.
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken tenderloins? Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe.
How do I know when the chicken tenders are cooked through? The best way to ensure the chicken tenders are cooked through is to use a meat thermometer.
Can I make these chicken tenders gluten-free? You can make gluten-free Blackened Chicken Tenders by using gluten-free spices in the seasoning mix.
Can I adjust the level of spiciness in the blackened seasoning? Absolutely! Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the blackened seasoning mix to control the level of spiciness.
Can I freeze leftover cooked chicken tenders? Yes, you can freeze-cooked Blackened Chicken Tenders.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer Popeyes Copycat Blackened Chicken Sandwich
- Air Fryer Naked Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Breast
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Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Tenders
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1/2 – 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust to your spice preference
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup Dipping sauces of your choice, e.g., ranch, honey mustard
Instructions
- Start by patting the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the chicken tenderloins or use cooking spray to lightly coat them. Sprinkle the blackened seasoning mix evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated on both sides.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes.
- Place the seasoned chicken tenderloins in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Cooking Spray
Nutrition
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