Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders
Panko-crusted chicken tenders with zero deep frying that come out golden and crunchy in just 12 minutes.
- Cook temp
- 400°F
- 204°C · preheat
- Total time
- 24 min
- 10 prep · 12 cook · 2 rest
- Flip at
- 6 min
- of 12 min cook
- Pull at
- 165°F
- USDA safe minimum
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders · Cooking with Coit
Coit shows dredging chicken tenderloins in seasoned flour and panko before air frying in a single layer until crunchy.
- Target //Cook at 400°F (204°C) for 24 mins (flip at 6 mins).
- Doneness //Pull when internal temperature reaches 165°F (USDA safe minimum). Rest 2 mins before slicing.
- Golden Rule //These taste like restaurant chicken tenders but with a fraction of the oil and none of the deep fryer cleanup. The parmesan in the panko is the secret weapon for next-level crunch.
- Family Tweak //Serve with a lineup of dipping sauces: honey mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce, and ranch. Let kids pick their favorites and dip away.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbsChicken Tenderloins
- 1 1/2 cupsPanko Breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cupParmesan Cheese, grated
- 2 piecesLarge Eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cupAll-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 tspGarlic Powder
- 1/2 tspSmoked Paprika
- 1/2 tspKosher Salt
- 1/4 tspBlack Pepper
- 1 canCooking Spray
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Get to the point
- 1
Set up three bowls: flour with garlic powder, beaten eggs, and panko mixed with parmesan and smoked paprika.
- 2
Pat 1.5 lbs chicken tenders dry. Dredge in flour, dip in egg, then press into panko mixture.
- 3
Arrange in a single layer in a greased air fryer basket. Spray tops with cooking spray.
- 4
Air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes, flipping at 6 minutes, until golden and internal temp hits 165°F.
Step by step
Tap a step to cross it offSet Up the Breading Station
Set up three shallow bowls. Bowl 1: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour mixed with 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Bowl 2: 2 beaten eggs. Bowl 3: 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs mixed with 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
WhyAdding parmesan to the panko creates an extra layer of savory flavor and helps the crust brown more evenly in the air fryer.
Bread the Chicken
Pat 1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins completely dry with paper towels. Working one at a time, dredge each tender in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Dip into beaten egg, letting excess drip off. Press firmly into the panko-parmesan mixture, coating all sides.
WhyUse one hand for the dry ingredients and the other for the wet. This prevents your fingers from getting caked with breading that falls off in clumps.
Air Fry
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange breaded tenders in a single layer with space between each piece. Spray the tops of the tenders lightly with cooking spray. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 12 minutes, flipping halfway at 6 minutes.
WhyDo not stack or overlap the tenders. Air needs to circulate around each piece for even crisping. Cook in batches if needed.
Check and Rest
Confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F using an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part. Transfer to a wire rack and rest for 2 minutes before serving with your favorite dipping sauces.
WhyResting on a wire rack instead of a plate prevents the bottom from getting soggy from trapped steam.
- Dad pro tip
- These taste like restaurant chicken tenders but with a fraction of the oil and none of the deep fryer cleanup. The parmesan in the panko is the secret weapon for next-level crunch.
- Kid & toddler adjustment
- Serve with a lineup of dipping sauces: honey mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce, and ranch. Let kids pick their favorites and dip away.
- Serve with
- Air fryer french fries · Steamed broccoli with cheese · Apple slices with caramel dip
- Reheating
- Reheat in the air fryer at 360°F for 3-4 minutes until crispy again. Never microwave or the breading will turn soft and rubbery.
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 42 g
- Carbs
- 20 g
- Fat
- 10 g
Nutrition source: USDA FoodData Central #171077. Cook-time basis: Tested in 6-qt basket air fryer at 400°F (204°C) with 1.5-inch raw chicken tenderloins. USDA FSIS 165°F target.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you reheat leftover air fryer crispy chicken tenders without ruining the texture?
Reheat in the air fryer at 360°F for 3-4 minutes until crispy again. Never microwave or the breading will turn soft and rubbery.
What is the target internal temperature for this recipe?
Confirm internal core temperature reaches 165°F using an instant-read digital probe thermometer inserted into the thickest part. Allow the meat to rest for 2 minutes before slicing to let carryover heat equalize and lock in juices.
How do I adapt this meal for picky kids or toddlers?
Serve with a lineup of dipping sauces: honey mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce, and ranch. Let kids pick their favorites and dip away.
What are the best side dishes to serve with this?
Recommended sides include Air fryer french fries, Steamed broccoli with cheese, Apple slices with caramel dip.