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Air Fryer Classic Chicken Tenders (Tenderloins)

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Air Fryer Classic Chicken Tenders (Tenderloins) are amazing! If you have been looking for a recipe for crispy air fryer chicken tenders, this is the recipe for you!

Made with a simple coating of panko breadcrumbs and a simple egg wash. This three-ingredient Air Fryer Chicken TEnder Recipe is going to amaze both you and your kids!

This recipe is so easy and absolutely delicious!

Let’s be honest; if you have kids, you know that you need to have a GREAT Air Fryer Chicken Tender Recipe ready to make.

If you are looking for even more ways to jazz up your Air Fryer Chicken Recipes, some of my family’s favorites are AIR FRYER CHICKEN FAJITAS, AIR FRYER DRY RUBBED CHICKEN WINGS, AIR FRYER BBQ CHICKEN SANDWICH, and AIR FRYER GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN WINGS.

Chicken Tenders

This crispy Air Fryer Chicken TEnder Recipe is a classical one. It’s the one my mother used to bake in the oven. It’s easy, and once you make it, you will always go back to it.

Here are some of the reasons that you will fall in love with this recipe:

Easy
Three Ingredients
Deep-Fried Flavor, when using the Air Fryer
The Best Recipe
Kid-Friendly
Easy to Change out to Gluten-Free

What Are Chicken Tenders?

Chicken tenders are nothing more than the piece of chicken that is attached to the chicken breast. It’s usually found on the underside of the chicken.

The chicken tender is more tender than the regular boneless, skinless chicken breast. It’s considered one of the leanest meats and has very little fat.

If you can not find chicken tenders in the grocery store, you can slice a piece of boneless, skinless chicken breast into strips for this recipe.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Classic Chicken Tenders (Tenderloins)

Chicken Tenders
Egg
Breadcrumb or Panko
Optional; Salt, Parsley or any other seasonings.

How To Make Air Fryer Classic Chicken Tenders (Tenderloins)

In a small bowl, beat your egg with a fork.

In another bowl, pour your bread crumbs. If you are using any other seasonings, add them into the breadcrumbs and mix.

Dip your chicken into the eggs and then into the bread crumbs. Spray your air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray (or olive oil)

As you coat your chicken, place them into the basket. Spray your chicken generously with olive oil spray. Set the timer for 5 minutes at 350 degrees F. After 5 minutes, flip and another 5 minutes (again, spray your chicken with olive oil spray)

Check to make sure that the chicken is cooked and has an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F.

The Best Type Of Air Fryer For Cooking Chicken

Whether you use an air fryer basket or oven model, the recipe will work exactly the same. I have also cooked these in my Ninja Foodi, Instant Pto Crisp Lid, and even my Meatlhy Lid.

The recipe will remain the same, and the cooking time will vary, based on the Air Fryer, so watch your chicken as they cook up.

CAN I MAKE THEM GLUTEN-FREE?

Yes, change out the bread crumbs to use Gluten-Free breadcrumbs or you can use almond flour or brown rice flour, as a substitute.

You can also change out the breadcrumbs if you want to make them low-carb or KETO Friendly.

Can I make this with chicken breast instead?

Yes, if you can not find chicken tenderloin in the store, or have a package of frozen chicken breasts you want to use up.

You can simply cut them into pieces. Divide each breast into equal size portions, and then use the recipe below as directed.

How long does it take to cook chicken in an air fryer?

That will depend on 2 things what air fryer you are using and what type of chicken meat you are using. Thicker pieces will allow a longer cooking time, than thinner pieces.

Remember to always check your food periodically as they cook up, and for best results use a meat thememomer.

Can I make these in advance?

Yes, if you want to make these ahead of time. Cook them as directed below, and then let them cool to room temperature and then place them into an air-tight container.

Place the container into the refrigerator, and they will last for about 2 to 3 days.

You can either reheat in the microwave or place them into the air fryer, and reheat them at 350 degrees F, air fryer setting for 2 to 3 minutes.

Can I freeze them?

Yes, again a great freezer-friendly option. You cook them as directed and then let them cool to room temperature. Place them into a freezer bag or a freezer-safe container. They will last for about 2 to 3 months.

You can cook them from frozen, by placing them into the air fryer and cooking for 10 to 12 minutes at 400 degrees F, air fryer setting.

How long will it take to cook frozen chicken tenders?

Frozen chicken tenders usually take about 10 to 12 minutes to cook at 400 degrees F, air fryer setting. Remember to flip halfway during the cooking process, for best results.

HOW LONG DO YOU COOK CHICKEN TENDERS IN THE AIR FRYER?

The important thing to remember when making homemade chicken tenders in the Air Fryer is that you want to put them into a single layer. Then air fry both sides for about 4 to 5 minutes.

If you really want them crispy, spray the coating generously with olive oil or another high heat oil. Repeat when you go to flip the chicken over.

The key to making a great Air Fryer Classic Chicken Tenders (Tenderloins) is that you want to check with your meat thermometer until the internal temperature of the chicken tender reaches 165 degrees F.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH CHICKEN TENDERS

I usually change out what I am serving depending on who I am feeding these to. If the Air Fryer Classic Chicken Tenders (Tenderloins) are for my children, I would usually serve them with French Fries.

If I make these for a family dinner, I usually serve them with a large garden salad.

Some Other Great Air Fryer Side Dish Options:

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