20 Crispy Chicken Tender Recipes Air Fryer Delights

Craving that perfect crunch without the guilt? Dive into our roundup of 20 Crispy Chicken Tender Recipes Air Fryer Delights, where comfort meets convenience in every bite. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a casual get-together, these golden, juicy tenders are sure to be a hit. Get ready to elevate your air fryer game and keep everyone coming back for more!

Classic Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Who says you can’t enjoy crispy, golden chicken tenders without the guilt? These Classic Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are about to become your new weeknight hero.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Dip each chicken tender first into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.
4. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the coated tenders in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch.
5. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, flip the tenders, and cook for another 5 minutes or until golden and crispy.

The magic of the air fryer gives these tenders an unbeatable crunch without a drop of oil, making them a healthier alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Tip: For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.

Spicy Buffalo Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Get ready to spice up your snack game with these Spicy Buffalo Air Fryer Chicken Tenders that are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Dip each chicken tender first into the beaten eggs, then into the flour mixture, ensuring they’re fully coated.
4. Press the coated tenders into the panko breadcrumbs to cover all sides.
5. Lightly brush the air fryer basket with olive oil and place the tenders in a single layer.
6. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flip the tenders, and cook for another 5 minutes or until golden and crispy.
7. Toss the cooked tenders in buffalo sauce until evenly coated.

The magic of the air fryer gives these tenders an unbeatable crunch without deep frying, and the buffalo sauce adds just the right amount of heat. Perfect for game day or when you’re craving something spicy and satisfying.

Tip: For extra crispy tenders, let them sit in the air fryer for a couple of minutes after cooking before tossing in the sauce.

Honey Mustard Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These Honey Mustard Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are the perfect blend of sweet and tangy, with a crispy exterior that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
3. Place the chicken tenders in a large bowl and pour the honey mustard mixture over them, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
4. Spread the 1 cup panko breadcrumbs on a plate. Dip each honey mustard-coated chicken tender into the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere.
5. Place the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap.
6. Cook at 375°F for 10 minutes, then flip the tenders and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

The magic of this recipe lies in the air fryer’s ability to crisp up the panko breadcrumbs without drying out the chicken, creating a perfect texture contrast.

Tip: For an extra crunch, you can spray the breaded tenders lightly with cooking spray before air frying.

Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a game-changer for weeknight dinners, offering a crispy, flavorful twist on a classic favorite without the guilt of deep frying.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
2. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and olive oil. In another bowl, mix the Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
3. Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, then coat evenly with the Parmesan mixture.
4. Place the coated tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, flip, and cook for another 5 minutes or until golden and crispy.
5. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

The magic of this recipe lies in the air fryer’s ability to deliver that irresistible crunch without submerging your chicken in oil, making every bite perfectly crispy and guilt-free.

Tip: For an extra flavor boost, serve with a side of marinara sauce or a creamy garlic aioli for dipping.

BBQ Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Who knew your air fryer could deliver BBQ chicken tenders with that perfect smoky-sweet crunch? These tenders are a game-changer for quick weeknight dinners or game-day snacks.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
2. In a bowl, mix together the 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
3. Toss the chicken tenders in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
4. Drizzle the 1 tablespoon olive oil over the coated tenders and toss again to ensure they’re lightly coated.
5. Arrange the tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
6. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden and crispy.
7. Brush the 1/2 cup BBQ sauce over the tenders and air fry for an additional 2 minutes to caramelize the sauce.

The magic here? The air fryer gives these BBQ chicken tenders a crispy exterior without deep frying, and the quick caramelization of the BBQ sauce adds a sticky, finger-licking goodness.

Tip: For extra smokiness, add a pinch of chipotle powder to the flour mixture.

Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These Lemon Pepper Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a crispy, zesty twist on a classic that come together in no time, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix together 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
3. In another bowl, beat 2 eggs.
4. Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or brush with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Place the coated chicken tenders in the basket in a single layer.
6. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flip the tenders, and cook for another 5 minutes or until golden and crispy.
7. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.

The combination of crispy panko and zesty lemon pepper gives these tenders a irresistible crunch and flavor that’s hard to beat, making them a hit for both kids and adults alike.

Tip: For an even crispier coating, let the breaded tenders sit for 5 minutes before air frying.

Sweet and Sour Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These Sweet and Sour Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a game-changer for weeknight dinners, offering a perfect balance of tangy and sweet with a crispy finish that’s irresistibly good.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup sweet and sour sauce
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix together the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, place the beaten eggs, and in a third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.
3. Dredge each chicken tender first in the cornstarch mixture, then dip into the eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Lightly brush the air fryer basket with vegetable oil. Place the coated chicken tenders in the basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
5. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden and crispy.
6. Brush the cooked tenders with sweet and sour sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds if using. Serve immediately.

The magic of this recipe lies in the air fryer’s ability to deliver a crunch that rivals deep-frying, without the extra oil, making these tenders a guilt-free indulgence.

Tip: For an extra kick, mix a teaspoon of sriracha into the sweet and sour sauce before brushing it on the tenders.

Teriyaki Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These Teriyaki Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a game-changer for busy weeknights, offering a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors with a crispy edge.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken tenders with 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour for deeper flavor.
2. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and toss with 1 tablespoon cornstarch until lightly coated.
3. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, flip, then cook for another 5-7 minutes until crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Garnish with 1 tablespoon sesame seeds and 1 tablespoon chopped green onions if desired. Serve immediately.

The magic of this recipe lies in the air fryer’s ability to lock in the marinade’s flavors while achieving an irresistibly crispy exterior without deep frying.

Tip: For an extra glossy finish, brush the tenders with a little extra teriyaki sauce right after cooking.

Cajun Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Craving something crispy and full of flavor without the guilt? These Cajun Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are your answer, offering a healthier twist on a classic favorite with a spicy kick.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. In another bowl, beat the egg with the olive oil.
4. Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Place the coated tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
6. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, flip the tenders, and cook for another 5 minutes or until golden and crispy.

The magic of the air fryer gives these tenders an irresistibly crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy, and the Cajun seasoning brings just the right amount of heat.

Tip: For an extra crispy finish, spray the coated tenders lightly with cooking spray before air frying.

Ranch Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These Ranch Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a crispy, flavorful twist on a classic that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp water
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix together 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
3. In another bowl, whisk 1 large egg with 1 tbsp water.
4. Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the coated tenders in a single layer.
6. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, flip the tenders, and cook for another 5 minutes or until golden and crispy.

The ranch seasoning gives these tenders a tangy kick that pairs perfectly with the crispy panko crust, making them a hit for any game day or weeknight dinner.

Tip: For extra crispiness, spray the coated tenders lightly with cooking spray before air frying.

Panko Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These Panko Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a crispy, healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon water
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. In another shallow bowl, whisk the eggs with 1 tablespoon of water.
4. Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, then coat evenly with the panko mixture. Press gently to adhere.
5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
6. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, flip the tenders, and cook for another 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

The magic of the air fryer gives these tenders an irresistibly crunchy exterior without the guilt of deep frying, while the Parmesan in the panko mix adds a savory depth that’s hard to resist.

Tip: For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the panko mixture.

Almond Flour Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These Almond Flour Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a crispy, guilt-free delight that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy snack, they’re gluten-free and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp water
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
2. In a shallow bowl, whisk together 1 cup almond flour, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
3. In another bowl, beat 1 large egg with 1 tbsp water.
4. Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, then coat evenly with the almond flour mixture.
5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the coated tenders in a single layer.
6. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flip the tenders, and cook for another 5 minutes or until golden and crispy.

The almond flour gives these tenders an irresistibly crunchy exterior without the need for breadcrumbs, making them a healthier alternative that doesn’t skimp on texture.

Tip: For extra crispiness, let the coated tenders sit for 5 minutes before air frying.

Coconut Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These Coconut Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a crispy, golden delight with a tropical twist that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix together the shredded coconut, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs. Place the flour in a third bowl.
4. Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the coconut mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the coated tenders in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, flip, and cook for another 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy.

The combination of crunchy coconut and juicy chicken creates a texture contrast that’s irresistibly satisfying, perfect for a quick dinner or a fun appetizer.

Tip: For extra crispiness, give the tenders a quick spray with cooking spray before air frying.

Zesty Lime Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These Zesty Lime Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a game-changer for weeknight dinners, offering a crispy, flavorful twist with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Zest of 1 lime
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika.
3. In another bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tbsp water. In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the zest of 1 lime.
4. Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat with the lime-infused panko breadcrumbs.
5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the coated tenders in a single layer. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
6. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden and crispy.
7. Drizzle with 1 tbsp lime juice before serving.

The lime zest in the breadcrumb coating adds a bright, citrusy punch that makes these tenders irresistibly fresh and flavorful.

Tip: For an extra kick, serve with a side of spicy mayo or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Maple Glazed Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These Maple Glazed Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, with a crispy exterior that’s irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp water
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp paprika.
3. In another bowl, whisk the egg with 1 tbsp water.
4. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
5. Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.
6. Lightly brush the air fryer basket with 1 tbsp olive oil and place the coated tenders in the basket in a single layer.
7. Air fry for 10 minutes, flip the tenders, and cook for another 5 minutes until golden and crispy.
8. While the tenders cook, mix together 1/4 cup maple syrup and 1 tbsp soy sauce in a small saucepan over low heat until warmed through.
9. Brush the maple glaze over the cooked tenders and serve immediately.

The magic of this recipe lies in the quick air frying that keeps the chicken juicy inside while achieving a perfect crunch outside, all coated in a sticky-sweet maple glaze that’s finger-licking good.

Tip: For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.

Herb Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These Herb Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a game-changer for weeknight dinners, offering a crispy, flavorful coating with minimal oil.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix together 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
3. In another bowl, beat 1 large egg with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
4. Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Place the coated tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.
6. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

The magic of this recipe lies in the air fryer’s ability to deliver a crunch that rivals deep-frying, without the guilt. Perfect for dipping into your favorite sauce!

Tip: For an extra crispy finish, lightly spray the coated tenders with cooking spray before air frying.

Smoky Paprika Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These Smoky Paprika Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a game-changer for weeknight dinners, offering a perfect blend of smokiness and crunch without the guilt of deep frying.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, smoked paprika (1 tablespoon), garlic powder (1 teaspoon), onion powder (1 teaspoon), salt (1/2 teaspoon), and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon).
3. Dip each chicken tender first into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.
4. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the coated tenders in a single layer. Spray the tops with a bit more cooking spray.
5. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flip the tenders, and cook for another 5 minutes or until golden and crispy.

The smoked paprika not only gives these tenders their irresistible color but also a deep, smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the crunch of panko. Perfect for dipping into your favorite sauce!

Tip: For extra crispiness, let the coated tenders sit for 5 minutes before air frying to help the breading adhere better.

Mango Habanero Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Spice up your weeknight dinner with these Mango Habanero Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, offering the perfect balance of sweet and heat with a crispy finish.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 cup mango habanero sauce
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
2. In a bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Dip each chicken tender first into the beaten egg, then into the flour mixture, ensuring they’re fully coated.
4. Coat the floured tenders in mango habanero sauce, then roll them in panko breadcrumbs for that extra crunch.
5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the tenders in a single layer. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, flip, and cook for another 5 minutes or until golden and crispy.

The magic of this recipe lies in the mango habanero sauce, which caramelizes slightly in the air fryer, creating a sticky, spicy-sweet glaze that’s irresistibly good.

Tip: For an extra kick, drizzle additional mango habanero sauce over the tenders before serving.

Asian Style Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These Asian Style Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a game-changer for weeknight dinners, offering a crispy, flavorful twist on a classic that’s ready in no time.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp ginger powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the egg, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Place the chicken tenders in the egg mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let them marinate for 10 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and cornstarch.
5. Dredge each marinated chicken tender in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket.
7. Cook at 375°F for 10 minutes, flip the tenders, then cook for another 5 minutes or until golden and crispy.
8. Drizzle with sesame oil and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

The magic of this recipe lies in the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, with a crunch that rivals deep-fried versions without the guilt.

Tip: For an extra kick, serve with a side of sriracha mayo or sweet chili sauce.

Mediterranean Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These Mediterranean Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a breeze to make and packed with flavors that will transport you straight to the sunny coasts of the Mediterranean.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl, ensuring they’re fully coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
2. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. In a shallow dish, mix 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Dredge each marinated chicken tender in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place the tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
4. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

The combination of crispy panko and savory Parmesan creates a delightful crunch, while the marinade ensures each bite is juicy and flavorful.

Tip: For an extra burst of freshness, serve with a side of tzatziki sauce or a squeeze of lemon.

Conclusion

We hope this roundup of 20 crispy chicken tender recipes has inspired your next air fryer adventure! Each recipe offers a delicious twist on a classic favorite, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Don’t forget to try them out, share your top picks in the comments, and pin your favorites on Pinterest. Happy cooking!

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