Air Fryer Chicken Tenders -No Breading

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: May 20, 2021

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Looking for an easy recipe for the whole family, look no further than this easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders -No Breading Recipe! Serve it with your favorite dipping sauce! Soon this will be your family’s go to air fryer chicken recipe.

Air Fryer Naked Chicken Tenders with crispy, juicy chicken and no breading.

Craving crispy chicken tenders without the breading? These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – No Breading Recipe are the perfect solution! Simple, flavorful, and healthier, they cook up golden and juicy in the air fryer, making them a quick and easy meal the whole family will love.

This is one of my favorite chicken recipes for the air fryer. If you are following KETO or Weight Watchers, you will love this recipe.

If you love easy air fryer chicken recipes, try my recipe for How to Air Fry a Whole Chicken, Air Fryer Chinese Chicken Wings, or Air Fryer KFC Chicken Recipe.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders without breading, crispy on the outside and juicy inside.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

✅ Healthier Option: No breading means fewer calories and less fat, making these chicken tenders a lighter choice without sacrificing flavor.

✅ Quick and Easy: These tenders cook in the air fryer in just 10-15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or a quick snack.

✅ Crispy and Juicy: The air fryer creates a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken tender and juicy inside—just the right texture!

✅ Customizable Flavors: You can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, from spicy to mild, or even add a marinade for extra flavor.

✅ Less Mess: With no breading, there’s less cleanup required, making it an even easier dish to prepare and enjoy!

Ingredients Needed

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Tenders
Olive Oil: A small amount of olive oil coats the chicken tenders.
Salt: For seasoning and enhancing flavors.
Paprika: For a smoky, mild heat (adjust to taste).
Garlic powder: For savory, aromatic flavor.
Dried thyme: For a subtle herbal note.
White pepper: For a milder, slightly spicy flavor.
Cayenne pepper: For a spicy kick (adjust to your preference).
Onion powder: For a savory depth of flavor.
Dipping Sauce: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as BBQ sauce, lemon juice, or buffalo sauce.

How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders -No Breading

Add all of the seasonings into a large mixing bowl.

Step One: Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C). This ensures that it’s hot and ready when you’re ready to cook the chicken tenders.

Step Two: In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken tenders with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper if you prefer some heat. Use your hands to toss and coat the chicken evenly with the spice mix.

Coating chicken tenders with olive oil and seasoning mixture in a bowl.

Step Three: Place the seasoned chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Ensure they are not overcrowded to allow for even cooking and crispy results.

Step Four: Insert the basket into the preheated air fryer and set cook time for 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken tenders. Flip the tenders halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

Placing seasoned chicken tenders into the air fryer basket and cooking.

Step Five: The chicken tenders are ready when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and have a golden-brown, crispy exterior. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

💡 Recipe Tips

Even Coating: Ensure the chicken tenders are evenly coated with oil and seasoning for a crisp, flavorful exterior.
Don’t Overcrowd: Cook the tenders in batches if necessary, leaving space in the air fryer basket for even cooking and crispiness.
Flip Halfway: Flip the tenders halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides are golden and crispy.
Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more or less paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne for your preferred flavor.
Use Thin Tenders: For the best texture, use thinly sliced chicken tenders so they cook quickly and evenly.

Storing

Storing: Store any leftover Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – No Breading in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Let them cool completely before storing to maintain their freshness.
Freezing: To freeze, place the cooked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, and store for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken tenders in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness. Alternatively, reheat them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders without breading, crispy and juicy inside.

What To Serve With Non Breaded Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer

Non-breaded chicken tenders from the air fryer are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. For a light and healthy meal, serve them with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of steamed broccoli.

If you’re craving something heartier, consider pairing the tenders with mashed potatoes, sweet potato fries, or quinoa. To complete the meal, offer dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue, or ranch for extra flavor.

Non Breaded Chicken Tenders In Air Fryer Recipe Faqs

❓ Can I use frozen chicken tenders? Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time by adding a few extra minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

❓ Do I need to use oil for cooking? While not necessary, lightly spraying the chicken tenders with oil helps achieve a crispier texture. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or any oil of your choice.

❓ How do I ensure the chicken tenders cook evenly? To ensure even cooking, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the tenders in a single layer, and flip them halfway through the cooking time for optimal crispiness.

❓ What can I do to add extra flavor? You can add your favorite spices or marinate the chicken tenders before cooking to enhance the flavor. Garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper are great options for seasoning.

❓ Can I make these chicken tenders ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the tenders ahead of time by seasoning or marinating them and storing them in the fridge. When ready, just pop them in the air fryer for a quick, delicious meal.

❓ How do I know when the chicken tenders are done? The chicken tenders are done when they are golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

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