Make the best Air Fryer Chicken Tenders—crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside—with this easy, panko-crusted recipe. These tenders deliver the flavor and crunch of fried chicken but use far less oil thanks to the air fryer. Ready in about 35 minutes and freezer-friendly, they’re perfect for quick weeknight dinners, snacks, or meal prep.
I grew up practically living on chicken tenders. Even now, there’s something irresistible about a golden, crunchy tender dunked in a favorite sauce. These air fryer tenders are a lighter way to enjoy that nostalgic comfort food. They crisp up beautifully in the air fryer after a classic three-step breading (flour, egg wash, panko) and finish in about ten minutes of cook time.
Use them as a snack with dipping sauces, slice them into wraps, or chop them to top salads. You can also bread the strips ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them, so cooked tenders are only minutes away whenever you want them.
Ingredients
Below are the ingredients that make these chicken tenders crispy, flavorful, and family-friendly. For exact measurements and full recipe details see the recipe section at the bottom.
- Eggs – 4 large eggs, whisked to create the egg wash that helps the breading stick.
- All-purpose flour – used for the first dry coating, helps the egg adhere.
- Salt – season the flour and chicken to taste.
- Panko breadcrumbs – these Japanese-style crumbs create an extra-crispy exterior.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – sliced into strips about 4–6 inches long and 1 inch wide.
- Chicken seasoning – a blend of dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper and salt brings deep flavor. Use your favorite poultry seasoning blend if preferred.
- Cooking spray – a light spray helps the breading brown and crisp in the air fryer.
Instructions
The method is simple: bread the chicken in three steps, then air fry until golden and cooked through. Step-by-step photos are shown inline to help guide you.
Bread the chicken tenders
- Set up a breading station. Whisk 4 large eggs in a shallow bowl. Put the flour and 1 teaspoon salt in a second shallow bowl. Place 2 cups panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl.
- Season the chicken. Slice 1½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips. Toss the strips with about 3 tablespoons of chicken seasoning until evenly coated.
- Three-step breading. Dip each strip first into the egg, letting excess drip off, then into the flour to coat. Return it to the egg, then press it into the panko so the breadcrumbs adhere evenly. Place the finished pieces on a cutting board and repeat.
Air fry the chicken tenders
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange in a single layer. Place breaded chicken strips in the air fryer basket so air can circulate around each piece. Cook in batches if needed.
- Cook and flip. Lightly spray the strips with cooking spray and air fry at 400°F for 4–6 minutes. Flip, spray again, and cook another 4–6 minutes, or until the coating is golden and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and repeat. Transfer cooked tenders to a wire rack to stay crisp while you finish the remaining batches.
Storage and reheating
This recipe yields about 12 chicken tenders. You can bread the strips and freeze them uncooked in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Cook from frozen by adding about 2 minutes per side (cook 6–8 minutes per side at 400°F).
Store cooked leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat in the air fryer at 400°F for 2–3 minutes to restore crispness.
What to serve with them
These tenders pair well with many sides and sauces. Consider:
- Air fryer French fries or baked sweet potato fries
- Mac and cheese or loaded mashed potatoes
- Fresh salads or wraps topped with chopped tenders
Popular dipping options include chipotle sauce, BBQ sauce, garlic parmesan sauce, honey mustard, buffalo sauce, or ranch and blue cheese dressings. Use your favorite dipping sauces to customize the flavor.
Tools for this recipe
- 5–6 quart air fryer (or a model suited to your household)
- Kitchen tongs
- Wire rack and baking sheet (for resting or oven method)
More air fryer recipes
Try other air fryer favorites such as:
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Baked Potato
Boneless Wings
Pizza Rolls
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Summary: Panko-crusted and air-fried chicken tenders that are crisp outside and juicy inside. A lighter alternative to deep-fried strips and freezer-friendly.
Servings: 12 chicken tenders
Prep time: 25 minutes • Cook time: 10 minutes • Total time: 35 minutes
Author: Whitney Bond
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs, whisked
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 3 tablespoons chicken seasoning (or your preferred blend)
- Cooking spray
Instructions
Bread the chicken
- Whisk 4 large eggs in a shallow bowl.
- Combine the flour and salt in a second shallow bowl.
- Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl.
- Cut the chicken breasts into 4–6 inch strips and toss with the chicken seasoning.
- Dip each strip into the egg, then flour, return to the egg, and press into the panko until fully coated. Repeat with remaining strips.
Air fry the chicken
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place breaded chicken in a single layer in the basket, leaving space for air circulation.
- Spray the strips with cooking spray and air fry for 4–6 minutes. Flip, spray again, and cook another 4–6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Repeat with any remaining batches and rest cooked tenders on a wire rack to stay crisp.
Notes
- When breading, use one hand for wet ingredients and one hand for dry to prevent clumping.
- To make gluten-free tenders, swap the flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, bake at 425°F on a wire rack over a foil-lined sheet for about 15 minutes, or until golden and cooked through (use convection if available).
- You can experiment with different seasonings such as Cajun or chicken wing seasoning for varied flavors.
Nutrition Facts (per tender, approximate)
- Calories: 206 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Fat: 4 g
- Sodium: 427 mg