Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Unbreaded!)
why make this recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Unbreaded) are a great choice for a quick and easy meal. They are healthier than traditional fried chicken tenders because they do not use any breading. This means fewer calories and less fat, while still providing a tasty and satisfying crunch. These tenders are perfect for dinner, lunch, or a snack, and they can be ready in under 20 minutes!
how to make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Unbreaded)
Ingredients :
- Chicken tenders
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
- Herbs (such as thyme or oregano)
Directions :
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, coat the chicken tenders with olive oil.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer in a single layer.
- Cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and golden.
- Serve immediately.
how to serve Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Unbreaded)
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are best served hot and fresh. You can enjoy them on their own or with a variety of dips like ranch dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. Pair them with a simple salad, steamed vegetables, or some fries for a complete meal.
how to store Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Unbreaded)
If you have any leftovers, let the chicken tenders cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you want to reheat them, place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
tips to make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Unbreaded)
- Make sure to space out the chicken tenders in the air fryer to ensure they cook evenly.
- Don’t skip the olive oil; it helps the seasonings stick and gives the chicken a nice flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. You can add more herbs or try a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
variation
You can add a spicy twist to your chicken tenders by including cayenne pepper or chili powder in the seasoning mix. Another variation is to use lemon zest for a fresh citrus flavor or try marinating the chicken in your favorite marinade before cooking.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free since it does not include any breading.
3. Can I make this recipe with chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! You can cut chicken breasts into strips and follow the same recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the strips.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Unbreaded)
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, coat the chicken tenders with olive oil.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer in a single layer.
- Cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and golden.
- Serve immediately with dipping sauces or sides such as a salad, steamed vegetables, or fries.
