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Air fryer chicken tenders are everything you want from a tender — crispy golden breadcrumb coating on the outside, juicy and tender chicken on the inside — and they're ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish. This recipe uses about 1.5 lbs of chicken tenderloins (roughly 8–10 pieces). A simple three-step dredge in flour, egg, and seasoned panko breadcrumbs gives you the crunch, while cooking at 400°F with a flip at the halfway point ensures even browning on both sides. The tenders are done when the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C) internally. To keep them juicy, don't skip the egg wash — it locks in moisture while the breadcrumbs crisp up around it.
Pro Tip
Panko breadcrumbs are the key to a genuinely crispy coating — they're coarser than regular breadcrumbs and create more surface area for crisping. Press the panko firmly onto each tender so it adheres well before air frying. A light spray of cooking oil over the coated tenders just before cooking helps the breadcrumbs brown evenly and prevents any dry, pale patches.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins (about 8–10 pieces)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- cooking oil spray
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Instructions
- 1
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- 2
Set up a three-station dredge: flour in the first shallow bowl, beaten eggs in the second, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper in the third.
- 3
Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels. Working one at a time, dredge each tender in flour (shake off excess), dip in egg (let excess drip off), then press firmly into the seasoned panko on both sides.
- 4
Arrange the coated tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overlap — cook in batches if needed. Spray lightly with cooking oil.
- 5
Cook for 6 minutes, then flip each tender and spray lightly with cooking oil again. Cook for another 5–6 minutes — 11–12 minutes total is a reliable guide for standard chicken tenderloins. The tenders are done when the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer and the coating is deep golden and crispy.
- 6
Transfer to a wire rack or plate. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce — honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue all work well.
Total time: 8 min prep + 12 min cook · Serves: 4 · Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients used.
Cooking guide: How Long to Cook Chicken Tenders in an Air Fryer at 400°F
