There’s nothing quite like biting into a crispy, golden chicken tender with that perfect crunch on the outside and juicy tenderness inside.

The good news? You don’t need a deep fryer to achieve that satisfying crispiness.

Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders give you the same irresistible texture and flavor but with less oil, less mess, and all the convenience of air frying.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, game-day snacking, or whenever you’re in the mood for something crispy and flavorful. The coating is made with a well-seasoned blend of panko breadcrumbs and a touch of spice, creating a crunchy, flavorful crust that locks in the juiciness of the chicken.

Whether you’re making these for kids, serving them up as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or enjoying them as a quick, satisfying meal, these air fryer chicken tenders are guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Table of contents

What You Need to Make the Crispiest Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Great chicken tenders start with the right ingredients. Each element plays a role in making these tenders crispy, flavorful, and just the way you like them.

Chicken Tenders or Chicken Breast Strips – Fresh, boneless chicken is key. You can buy pre-cut tenders or slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips.
Panko Breadcrumbs – These create a lighter, crispier coating than regular breadcrumbs, making them the best choice for air frying.
Egg and Buttermilk – This duo helps the breading stick and adds a little extra tenderness to the chicken.
Seasonings – A mix of garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper enhances the flavor without overpowering the crispy texture.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Prepare the Breading Station – Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs and buttermilk, and one with seasoned panko breadcrumbs. This layering process is what gives the tenders their crispy bite.
Coat the Chicken – Dip each tender first in flour (for a dry base), then in the egg mixture (to bind the coating), and finally in the seasoned breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto the tenders to ensure they stick.
Arrange in the Air Fryer – Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure they cook evenly and get that golden, crispy finish.
Cook Until Crispy – Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The tenders should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Serve with Your Favorite Dips – Enjoy them hot with honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch, or buffalo sauce for extra flavor!

Ways to Switch It Up

This recipe is super versatile, so feel free to experiment with different flavors and coatings:

Make It Spicy – Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix or brush the tenders with hot sauce before breading.
Cheesy Coating – Mix some grated Parmesan into the breadcrumbs for an extra-savory crust.
Gluten-Free Option – Use almond flour instead of regular flour and swap panko for crushed gluten-free crackers.
Extra Crunch – Instead of panko, try crushed cornflakes for a slightly sweeter, crunchier texture.

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Why These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Always Turn Out Amazing

There are plenty of ways to make chicken tenders, but this method ensures they come out crispy and juicy every time. Here’s why this recipe works so well:

Crispy Without Frying – The air fryer circulates hot air around the tenders, creating that deep-fried texture without the need for excess oil.
Flavorful and Juicy – The breading locks in moisture while adding the perfect amount of crunch and seasoning.
Quick and Easy – With minimal prep and under 15 minutes of cooking time, this is a fast and foolproof way to make crispy chicken tenders.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders are great on their own, but pairing them with the right sides makes them even better. Try serving them with:

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries – A slightly sweet contrast to the savory chicken.
Homemade Coleslaw – Adds crunch and a fresh, tangy balance to the meal.
Loaded Baked Potatoes – A comforting side that turns this into a hearty meal.
Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts – A healthy, flavorful veggie option.

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Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders are perfectly golden and crunchy on the outside while staying juicy inside. Made with seasoned panko breadcrumbs and cooked to crispy perfection in the air fryer, these tenders are an easy, mess-free way to enjoy a homemade favorite.

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 12

Total Time 22

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings serving

Equipment

Air Fryer For cooking the chicken to crispy perfection
Three Shallow Bowls For the breading station

Ingredients

1 pound chicken tenders or sliced chicken breasts
1 cup panko breadcrumbs for a crispy coating
2 large eggs whisked with buttermilk
1/2 cup flour for the first coating

Instructions

Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs and buttermilk, and one with seasoned panko breadcrumbs.
Dip each chicken tender into the flour, then the egg mixture, and finally coat with the panko breadcrumbs.
Arrange the breaded tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with oil.
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

For an extra crispy crust, double-dip the tenders in the egg and breadcrumb mixture.
Serve with ranch, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce for dipping.

Keyword air fryer chicken tenders, air fryer recipes, crispy chicken tenders

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Carrie Boyd

Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.

As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.

A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!