Say goodbye to boring chicken! These Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Tenders are juicy, crispy, and bursting with bold, herby flavor. Coated in a vibrant pesto and cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer, they make the perfect quick dinner, lunch, or protein-packed snack. Ready in minutes—gone in seconds!
Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Tenders are a delicious and straightforward way to make chicken pesto tenders in minutes.
Today, I served them over a plate of spaghetti and garnished it with cherry tomatoes and some shredded fresh basil for a one-plate meal.
Easy peasy is one of my favorite hacks; there is nothing better than making a complete meal in the Air Fryer, and my kids loved it. And it’s filled with flavor and protein, guaranteed to keep the kids full for a while.
If you are looking for some other Easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER CHICKEN CUTLETS, AIR FRYER PICKLE-BRINED CHICKEN TENDERS, BBQ AIR FRYER CHICKEN BREAST and my kid’s absolute favorite, AIR FRYER COPYCAT KFC SPICY CHICKEN SANDWICH.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Bursting with Flavor – The pesto coating adds bold, herby goodness to every bite.
- Crispy Outside, Juicy Inside – Thanks to the air fryer, you get the perfect texture without deep frying.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
- Kid-Approved – Familiar flavors and fun finger-food format make it a hit with the whole family.
- Versatile Meal Option – Serve with pasta, salad, in wraps, or as a protein-packed snack!
Ingredients Needed
- Basil leaves – Fresh, aromatic basil for bold herby flavor
- Cashews – Creamy, nutty base for homemade pesto sauce
- Parmesan cheese – Savory cheese for richness and depth of flavor
- Garlic – Adds a pungent, zesty bite to pesto
- Olive oil – Smooth, healthy fat for blending and richness
- Chicken tenders or breasts (cut) – Lean protein cut into bite-sized tender pieces
- Salt & Pepper to taste – Basic seasoning to bring out chicken’s flavor
- Cooking Spray – Helps achieve a golden, crispy air-fried finish
How To Make Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Tenders
Step One: Coat the pesto on the chicken, covering both sides.
Step Two: Transfer the pesto-covered chicken to the air fryer basket, set the air fryer temperature to 370 degrees F, air fryer setting, set cook time for 5 minutes, flip, and air fry for another 3-5 minutes until fully cooked.
The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165 degrees F. The best way to tell if the chicken is fully cooked would be using a meat thermometer.
Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Tenders Recipe Tips
- Use fresh basil for the most vibrant pesto flavor—pre-made pesto works in a pinch but homemade is best.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if needed to ensure even crisping.
- Flip halfway through cooking to get golden color and crisp texture on both sides.
- Pound chicken to even thickness if using breasts to ensure they cook evenly.
- Let the tenders rest a few minutes before serving to lock in juiciness.
Storing
- Storing: Store leftover pesto chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them cool completely before sealing to maintain texture.
- Freezing: Freeze fully cooked tenders on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–6 minutes until warmed through and crispy. You can also microwave them, but the coating may soften.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Tenders pair perfectly with a variety of fresh and flavorful sides. Serve them over a bed of cooked spaghetti or zucchini noodles tossed with extra pesto for a complete meal, or keep it light with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.
They also go great with garlic bread, caprese salad, or a side of air-fried potatoes for a hearty and satisfying dish. For a fun twist, slice them up and use them in wraps or sandwiches with fresh mozzarella and tomatoes.
Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Tenders Recipe Faqs
Can I use store-bought pesto? Yes! Store-bought pesto works great for convenience, but homemade offers a fresher flavor.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders? Absolutely—just cut the chicken breasts into evenly sized strips so they cook evenly in the air fryer.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! Cooked tenders can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer to crisp them back up.
Do I need to bread the chicken? Nope—these are coated in pesto, so there’s no need for breadcrumbs, making them naturally low-carb and gluten-free.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- AIR FRYER FROZEN ORANGE CHICKEN
- 24 OF THE BEST AIR FRYER CHICKEN TENDERS YOU’LL EVER MAKE
- AIR FRYER PICKLE-BRINED CHICKEN TENDERS
- AIR FRYER EASY CHICKEN TENDERS
- BBQ AIR FRYER CHICKEN BREAST
- AIR FRYER GENERAL TSO’S CHICKEN RECIPE
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Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Tenders
Description
Ingredients
Pesto:
- 1 cup basil leaves
- ½ cup cashews
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- 2 medium garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
Chicken:
- 1 pound chicken tenders or chicken breasts cut into medium pieces
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- Cooking Spray
- Optional: Cooked Spaghetti, Cherry Tomatoes, Fresh Basil
Instructions
- Blend basil, cashews, parmesan, garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoon olive into a smooth paste and keep aside.
- Add salt and pepper onto the chicken pieces and spread the prepared pesto on top of the chicken. Toss well.
- Transfer the pesto-covered chicken to the air fryer basket, set the temperature to 370 degrees F, air fryer setting for 5 minutes, flip and air fry for another 3-5 minutes until fully cooked.
- The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165 degrees F. The best way to tell if the chicken is fully cooked would be using a meat thermometer.
- Plate, serve, and enjoy!
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper
Notes
Nutrition
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