With four ingredients and a super simple method, you can make the yummiest Air Fryer Chicken Tenders to share with the kids. This is an affordable kids meal that adults will love, too!
After years of making Baked Chicken Tenders, I wanted an air fryer option for those days when I don’t have time to wait for my oven to preheat. And these are so easy and so delicious. My kids enjoy them as much (or more!) than the frozen ones from the supermarket, which is helpful for those weeks when I want to make a meal for a little bit less money.
There are a few variations in this recipe so you can customize it for your family. And even options to make the chicken tenders ahead of time and reheat them quickly for fast meals.
This chicken recipe for kids is great with favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, guacamole, sour cream, bbq sauce, or honey, as you and your kids prefer.
(You may also like Baked Chicken Meatballs, Crispy Baked Fish Sticks, and Baked Chicken Nuggets.)
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Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to have on hand to make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders so you know what to pick up from the store or have ready.
- White or yellow corn tortilla chips: You can use either of these type of chips to make the coating for the chicken. This stays extra crispy and is inherently flavorful. Alternatively, you can use panko style breadcrumbs and a little salt.
- Chicken tenderloins: Using skinless boneless chicken tenders makes this recipe easy. Trim them with sharp kitchen knives as needed or desired.
- All-purpose flour (or cup-for-cup gluten-free flour)
- Eggs: I use two eggs to help the coating of the tenders adhere. To make these without eggs, use mayo (and vegan mayo if needed).
TIP: To add extra flavor to these chicken strips, you can add salt, garlic powder, paprika, or other spices to the flour.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a preview of how to make this Air Fryer Chicken Tenders so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of this post for the full information, including the amounts and the timing.
Step 1. Add the tortilla chips to a bag and crush with a rolling pin or add to a food processor or blender and process into fine crumbs. Place crumbs in a shallow dish.
Step 2. Add the flour to a second shallow dish. Break the eggs into another shallow dish and beat lightly.
Step 3. Working with one tender at a time, dredge completely in flour, then egg, and then tortilla crumbs. Place on the prepared air fryer rack or basket.
Step 4. Cook in the air fryer until completely cooked through and crispy. Serve with desired dips.
Frequently Asked Questions
The two best tips I know are to use crushed tortilla chips or Panko-style breadcrumbs. And you can spray the tops of the tenders with olive oil spray before cooking to add crispiness.
French fries, applesauce, broccoli, or another easy side dish is an easy pair. You can also serve over pasta with marinara sauce with shredded mozzarella as a deconstructed chicken parmesan, or over Caesar salad.
It takes about 10 minutes at 400 degrees F to cook chicken tenders in the air fryer, which is slightly faster than baking them in the oven.
How to Store
Store any leftover Air Fryer chicken tenders in the fridge in an airtight container. Serve cold or warm briefly in a 350 degree F air fryer or in the microwave for 15-30 seconds.
Best Tips for Success
- Coat the chicken well in the flour, egg, and crumbs to ensure the best results.
- If using the tortilla chip option, be sure to totally crush them to create an even crumb.
- If using panko, add ¼ teaspoon salt.
- To make these gluten-free, use an all-purpose gluten-free flour.
- To make these egg-free, use vegan mayonnaise in place of the eggs.
- Serve as strips or cut into pieces according to what will work best for your child.
- Serve with easy sides or over a Caesar salad or pasta dish.
I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please rate and comment below!
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Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F and coat the rack well with nonstick spray.
- Add the tortilla chips to a food processor or blender and process into fine crumbs. You should have about 1 cup. Pour into a shallow dish or pie plate.
Add the flour to a second shallow dish.
Break the eggs into another shallow dish and beat lightly.
Working with one tender at a time, dredge the chicken completely in the flour, then egg, and then tortilla crumbs and place on the prepared air fryer rack or basket. Continue to finish the rest of the chicken. (Optional: Sprinkle chicken with salt.)
Air fry for 8-10 minutes or until completely cooked through.
Serve warm or at room temperature with ketchup, ranch, marinara sauce, or applesauce.
- Store any leftover chicken in the fridge in an airtight container. Serve cold or warm briefly in a 350 degree F air fryer or in the microwave for 15-30 seconds.
- Coat the chicken well in the flour, egg, and crumbs to ensure the best results.
- If using the tortilla chip option, be sure to totally crush them to create an even crumb.
- If using panko, add ¼ teaspoon salt.
- To make these gluten-free, use an all-purpose gluten-free flour.
- To make these egg-free, use vegan mayonnaise in place of the eggs.
- Serve as strips or cut into pieces according to what will work best for your child.
- Serve with easy sides or over a Caesar salad or pasta dish.
Calories: 414kcal, Carbohydrates: 43g, Protein: 23g, Fat: 17g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 103mg, Sodium: 351mg, Potassium: 431mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 104IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 113mg, Iron: 2mg
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