Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly crispy, golden chicken tenders that are not only deliciously seasoned but also healthier than traditional deep-fried versions. Our no-breading Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are about to become your new favorite quick and easy meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you're a busy parent, fitness enthusiast, or just someone who loves mouthwatering chicken, this recipe will revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Remove chicken tenders from refrigerator and pat completely dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, creating a dry seasoning blend.
- Drizzle olive oil over chicken tenders and toss to coat evenly, ensuring each tender is lightly moistened.
- Sprinkle the prepared seasoning mixture over the oiled chicken tenders, massaging the spices into the meat to create an even coating.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for approximately 3-4 minutes to ensure proper cooking temperature.
- Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded to allow proper air circulation.
- Cook chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- Check internal temperature of chicken tenders with a meat thermometer - they should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Once cooked, let chicken tenders rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes.
Tips
- Pat the chicken tenders completely dry before seasoning to achieve maximum crispiness and help the spices adhere better.
- Use fresh spices for the most vibrant flavor profile - old spices can taste dull and flat.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each tender gets crispy and browns evenly.
- Always use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature. Chicken must reach 165°F for safe consumption.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to help redistribute juices and maintain tenderness.
- Experiment with different spice combinations to keep the recipe exciting and match your taste preferences.
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray the tenders with cooking oil before air frying.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 156kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 23g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 55mg
