Perfectly seasoned on the outside and juicy on the inside, these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a healthy delicious meal that is done in minutes!
Using the air fryer to make chicken tenders is quick and easy! Not only are these tenders delicious, but they are healthy as well! I love dipping these in homemade Chick-fil-A Sauce or Buffalo Sauce! For a complete meal I chop the tenders and put them into a delicious Buffalo Chicken Salad!
Some of my most popular recipes are made in the air fryer such as Air Fryer Chicken Wings, Air Fryer Asparagus, and Air Fryer Potatoes.
Making chicken tenders in the Air Fryer couldn't be easier! Let me explain...
How to make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders:
**scroll down for full ingredients list and printable directions**
- Get all of the ingredients together and set aside. Add the defrosted chicken tenderloins to a medium size bowl, then add the oil. Lightly toss to coat in the small amount of oil.
- Add the seasonings to the chicken and toss lightly to coat the chicken. If you want another recipe for the seasoning blend try this chicken seasoning.
- Using your air fryer, lightly spray the base with cooking oil (I like this oil sprayer) and add the chicken tenders into the basket or tray, making sure they aren't overlapping. Close the air fryer and set to 380 degrees and 7 minutes.
- After the 7 minutes are up, carefully open the air fryer and flip over the chicken tenders. Close and set for 3-5 more minutes at 380 degrees. Check the internal temperature of the chicken - when they are 165 degrees F, they are done.
- Remove the chicken and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Top which chopped parsley if desired.
- Like buffalo tenders? You can see how to make Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders here.
How long does it take to cook chicken tenderloins in the air fryer?
Depending on the size of the chicken tenders, the cooking time might vary. At 380 degrees, they should take 10-12 minutes to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees using a meat thermometer.
Are chicken tenders in the air fryer healthy?
Yes! They are healthy as well as low carb, keto, south beach diet compliant, paleo, sugar free, gluten free, and dairy free! Each tender contains 74 calories, 2 grams fat, 1 gram carbohydrates, and 13 grams of protein.
Can I bake Chicken Tenders?
Yes, however it takes much longer. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, and check the internal temperature to make sure they are done at 165 degrees.
How to reheat the tenders:
Add them back to the air fryer and cook for 3-4 minutes at 350 degrees.
What should I serve with Air Fryer Chicken Tenders? Here are some options:
- Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
- Creamy Mac and Cheese
- Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad
- Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
- Mexican Street Corn Salad
- Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
- Buffalo Sauce (homemade recipe)
- Baked Caprese Pasta
- Garlic Hummus
What type of Air Fryer should I use for this recipe?
There are many Air Fryers to choose from, but I love my PowerXL Vortex Air fryer! Here are some other great options:
- Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven, 6 Quart: 6-in-1, Broil, Roast, Dehydrate, Bake, Non-stick and Dishwasher-Safe Basket, Stainless Steel
- COSORI Air Fryer 5.8QT - Large Hot Electric Oven Oilless Cooker with 8 Quick Setting Recommendation
Perfectly seasoned on the outside and juicy on the inside, these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a healthy delicious meal that is done in minutes!
- 1 pound boneless, skinless, chicken tenderloins
- 1 TBS olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- oil spray
- chopped parsley for garnish
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Add chicken tenderloins to a medium size bowl, then add the oil; lightly toss to coat the chicken. Add the seasonings to the chicken and toss lightly to coat the chicken.
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Using the air fryer, lightly spray the basket with cooking oil and add the chicken tenders, making sure they aren't overlapping. Close the air fryer and set to 380 degrees and 7 minutes.
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Carefully open the air fryer and flip over the chicken tenders. Close and set for 3-5 more minutes at 380 degrees. Check the internal temperature of the chicken - when they are 165 degrees F, they are done.
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Remove the chicken and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Top which chopped parsley if desired.
Recipe Video
Nutrition per serving (1 chicken tender): 74 calories, 2 grams fat, 1 gram carbohydrates, and 13 grams of protein.
Abby says
My favorite way to cook chicken in the summer time! No heating up the oven and so delicious.
Diana says
Do you preheat the air fryer or put in cold and set temp
Allyson says
I don't preheat the air fryer but you can if you want!
Michelle Hall says
I made this today and they turned out Perfect❗ So tender and juicy. I don't remember when I've had dinner ready in under 20 minutes.
I Love It❗😍👍🏼
Allyson says
So happy to hear that! These are a staple around here!
Ramona says
I literally just made these! Although they are tender, mine don’t have much flavor. I love how easy the recipe was, though.
Allyson says
Did you apply the correct measurements of seasoning?
Mary says
Yes always preheat your air fryer for 3-4 minutes.
Beth says
I love all the bold flavors these tenders have, and cooking them in the air fryer always makes them so juicy.
Sharina says
These chicken tenders are incredibly juicy and delicious! Perfectly cooked and seasoned!
Tanya says
Delish and so easy!!
Carole says
These are so easy, so quick, so delicious. Perfectly seasoned, tender and juicy. Will be my go to recipe for a quick dinner or any time I just want delish chicken.
Allyson says
Yes! So happy to hear you enjoyed them! We love this easy recipe!
Elle says
I am super picky but I really liked it, and so did my boyfriend! So flavorful and perfectly cooked! I added 1/4 tsp cayenne and 1 tsp thyme. Yum!
Allyson says
Happy to hear that! They are great in wraps and sandwiches too!
Olivia says
This will be the only way I make chicken tenders from now on! The combination of seasonings was perfect and it was so easy to make in the air fryer!
Erin | Dinners, Dishes and Dessert says
Looks absolutely fantastic! Can't wait to make this!
Catalina says
It's healthy and delicious! I can't wait to make it for my family!
katerina @ diethood.com says
My kids would love these!! SO easy and delicious!
Beti | easyweeknightrecipes says
I can't wait to make these! They look and sound amazing!
Sandra says
Oh, I love how juicy this is! And they're ready in minutes! So perfect!
Alicia says
I love using my air fryer to make chicken tenders, and these are seasoned perfectly! I like pairing them with your homemade Chick-fil-A sauce! Thank you for these easy recipes!
Dawn says
First time making chicken tenders in my Vortex Air Fryer and they are delicious!! Since I didn’t have oregano, I substituted Italian seasoning and it worked great! The tenders were moist and flavorful!!
I’m going to premix the seasonings in advance to make prep time even quicker, now that I’ve prepared this!!
The only thing I would recommend is to specify what setting on the AirFryer to use, since there are several options.
Allyson says
I am so happy you liked them! Thank you for your suggestion as well! We always use the air fryer setting unless specifically stated to use a different setting 🙂 Happy cooking!
Cierr’a says
It’s soo good!! Made a chicken salad with it
Allyson says
Great idea! Make sure you try our Fancy Nancy Chicken Salad (Chicken Salad Chick copycat)!!! It's so good!
Amanda says
These were really delicious. Made them last night and they had great flavor! My air fryer has a dial and it's hard to tell the exact temp. I basically cooked them at 375 the whole time - 7 min on one side and then I flipped them and cooked them another 2 min. Perfect!
Allyson says
Yes! So happy to hear that you loved them!
Tracy says
My air fryer has bake, roast or air fry. Which setting should I use?
Allyson says
air fry!
Vikki says
Tried this recipe tonight for the first time. Definitely keeping this recipe! Hubby really loved it.
Allyson says
So happy to hear that! Make sure you try my super popular Air Fryer Chicken Wings (SUPER CRISPY & EASY) and my Air Fryer Chicken Breast! Cheers!
Johnny says
I Love Chick-Fil-A.
Liz says
Very simple recipe yields perfectly cooked tenders. This will become my go-to. (I brined these for 25 minutes first so they were extra juicy.) Thanks!
Allyson says
So happy you loved them! I use them for everything!!!
Marie C Radtke says
Don't normally comment on recipes but I had to say this is the best recipe for chicken tender!! Juicy, tender very yummy 😋
Allyson says
It makes me so happy you came back to share your wonderful comment - thank you!
Jonathan says
Tender and juicy but not very much flavor. I even tried it using double the amount of seasoning because I know my taste buds are wonky.
Deb says
The spices and flavors were good, but way too intense for the amount of chicken!