Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – No Breading Recipe
These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside, and incredibly easy to make. With no breading, this low-calorie, low-carb meal is ready in less than 10 minutes and makes a fantastic snack or main dish!
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken tenders (about 8 to 10 pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture. This helps to get a crispy outer texture.
- In a bowl, drizzle olive oil over the chicken tenders. Toss them gently to coat all the pieces with oil.
3. Prepare the Spice Mix:
- In a small bowl, mix together:
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
4. Coat the Chicken:
- Sprinkle the prepared spice mix over the chicken tenders. Toss the tenders until they are evenly coated in the oil and spices.
5. Air Fry the Chicken:
- Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there’s space between the pieces so the air can circulate properly.
- Air fry the chicken tenders at 390°F (200°C) for about 8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
6. Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and serve them with your favorite dipping sauce such as honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce.
Notes:
Storage:
- Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or in the air fryer for a few minutes until they are warm and crispy again.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 221 kcal
- Total Carbs: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Sodium: 952 mg
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Sugar: 0.2 g
- Vitamin A: 104 IU
- Vitamin C: 4 mg
- Calcium: 18 mg
- Iron: 1 mg
- Net Carbs: 1 g
Q&A:
Q: Can I use boneless skinless chicken breasts instead of tenders?
A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just cut them into strips similar to the size of tenders and cook for the same amount of time. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Q: Can I adjust the spices for more flavor?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add more paprika for a smokier flavor, a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, or some dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to suit your taste.
Q: Can I use a different type of oil?
A: Yes, you can use any oil you prefer, such as avocado oil, coconut oil, or vegetable oil. Olive oil adds a nice flavor, but other oils will work as well.
Q: Are these chicken tenders gluten-free?
A: Yes, these chicken tenders are naturally gluten-free since there’s no breading involved. Just make sure your spice mix doesn’t contain any gluten, and the dipping sauce is also gluten-free.
Q: How do I know when the chicken tenders are fully cooked?
A: The best way to ensure the chicken is fully cooked is by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the chicken.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare and coat the chicken tenders with the oil and spices ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator and air fry them fresh when you’re ready to eat.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?
A: While it’s best to use fresh chicken for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen chicken tenders. Just make sure to increase the cooking time by 2-4 minutes and check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Enjoy these quick, easy, and moist Air Fryer Chicken Tenders—a healthy, flavorful meal everyone will love!