Name: Chicken Air Fryer Recipes: Juicy No-Breading Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenders; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

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I’ll be honest, when I first bought my air fryer, I wasn’t dreaming about fancy dishes. I just wanted chicken that didn’t come out dry as cardboard. And guess what? These juicy air fryer chicken tenders without breading became one of my go-to meals. Simple, flavorful, and ready in under 15 minutes. The beauty of this recipe is that it keeps things light while still giving you that savory, satisfying bite you want from chicken. No heavy breading to weigh it down. Just tender chicken, a handful of spices, and that magic air fryer crisp. Honestly, it’s one of those air fryer recipes chicken fans will make on repeat. Whether you’re testing out your new air fryer, cooking for the family, or just craving something quick after work, this is a keeper. And if you’re into experimenting, try pairing it with an air fryer chicken wings recipe, air fryer chicken fajita recipe, or even whip up an easy air fryer chicken wings recipe for variety. It’s versatile, it’s quick, and it tastes like comfort on a plate.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
3) Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
4) How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
5) Tips for Making Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
6) Making Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
8) Try these Main Course Recipes next!
9) Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Air fryer chicken tenders stay juicy without breading.
This recipe takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish.
Simple spices keep the flavor bold and clean.
Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or late night cravings.

2) Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

I know, chicken without breading can sound boring. Trust me, it’s not. These tenders turn out juicy every single time, and the air fryer makes the job easier than ordering takeout. Think of them as the answer to dry chicken nightmares.

When I first tried them, I didn’t expect much. Then I bit into one and thought, “Okay, I’ll never go back to pan frying again.” The seasoning mix is simple yet big on flavor, which means you don’t miss that heavy breading at all. Plus, cleanup is painless and quick.

If you love chicken air fryer recipes, this one belongs in your weekly lineup. It works for a last minute dinner, or even as part of meal prep. No fuss, just good chicken with a crisp edge and tender bite inside.

3) Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Chicken Tenders: I stick with about a pound of chicken tenders. They cook quickly, stay moist, and work well with spices. If you don’t have tenders, you can slice chicken breast into strips.

Olive Oil: Just a spoonful makes the seasoning cling and adds a rich finish. It keeps the chicken from sticking, and it gives the edges a nice golden color.

Garlic Powder: A little goes a long way. Garlic powder adds a mellow kick that balances the smoky paprika.

Smoked Paprika: This spice gives a hint of smokiness and warmth. It’s one of those ingredients that makes simple chicken taste like something special.

Onion Powder: Subtle and sweet, onion powder blends well with the garlic for deeper flavor.

Salt: It brings out the natural taste of the chicken and ties the seasonings together.

Black Pepper: A little spice, a little bite. It gives the chicken just enough heat without overpowering.

4) How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Step 1. Pat the chicken tenders dry. This helps the oil and seasoning stick better, which means more flavor in every bite.

Step 2. Toss the chicken with olive oil and all the spices. I like to mix with my hands so every piece gets coated. Messy but worth it.

Step 3. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t crowd them or they’ll steam instead of crisp.

Step 4. Cook at 400°F for about 8 to 10 minutes. Flip halfway so both sides cook evenly. You’ll know they’re ready when the outside looks golden and the inside stays juicy.

Step 5. Serve hot with dipping sauces, or pile them on a salad or wrap for something fresh and filling.

5) Tips for Making Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Space matters. Leave room in the basket for the air to move. It’s the only way you’ll get that crisp edge. Crowding them is the fastest way to end up with steamed chicken.

Season well. Don’t skimp on the spices. Simple blends can taste amazing when you use the right amount. A light coating is enough to change plain chicken into a favorite dish.

Check for doneness. I use a meat thermometer because guessing usually ends with dry chicken. Aim for 165°F. That way, the chicken is safe but still juicy.

6) Making Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Ahead of Time

These chicken tenders hold up well if you make them in advance. I often cook a batch on Sunday, and by Wednesday they still taste good. The flavor actually settles in deeper after a day or two in the fridge.

If you’re prepping ahead, don’t overcook them. Slightly undercooking and then reheating later helps keep them from drying out. Just reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes and they’ll taste fresh again.

Meal prep fans will love this recipe. It pairs with rice, veggies, wraps, or even chopped over salad. Having chicken ready makes weekday dinners feel a lot easier.

7) Storing Leftover Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for three to four days. If you want to stretch it longer, freeze them for up to a month.

To reheat, skip the microwave if you can. Pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes and they’ll crisp right back up. Microwaving makes them rubbery, and nobody wants that.

Sometimes I even cut cold tenders into strips and toss them in a quick salad. It’s a simple way to use what’s left without feeling like you’re eating the same thing twice.

8) Try these Main Course Recipes next!

9) Air Fryer Chicken Tenders