Go Back
Flona

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are juicy, well-seasoned strips of chicken cooked until golden in the air fryer. With no breading and minimal oil, they deliver big flavor and a lightly crispy exterior in under 25 minutes.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 3 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 371
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the chicken tenders
  • 1 pound chicken tenders trimmed
  • 1.5 tablespoons olive oil for coating the chicken
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, adjust to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried basil

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat while you season the chicken.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss until all pieces are lightly coated.
  3. Mix the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), dried oregano, and dried basil.
  4. Season the tenders: Sprinkle the spice mixture over the oiled chicken. Use your hands or tongs to toss until every tender is evenly coated in seasoning.
  5. Cook in the air fryer: Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes, then serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces or sides.

Notes

Reheating: To reheat leftovers, place chicken tenders back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes, until heated through and slightly crisp.
Mild version: Omit the cayenne pepper for a kid-friendly batch, or divide the chicken and season half spicy, half mild.