These juicy air fryer chicken tenders deliver the perfect protein-packed meal in just 15 minutes, without any breading needed! Each tender piece offers 24g of lean protein while staying incredibly low-carb at just 1g of carbs per serving.
The beauty lies in their simplicity – they’re ideal for meal prep, kid-friendly dinners, or quick lunches. Plus, with only 164 calories per serving, they fit perfectly into any healthy eating plan while still delivering that satisfying, home-cooked taste.
Fresh and Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Chicken Tenderloins: 1 pound, perfect for a tender and juicy result
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, helps seasonings stick and ensures moisture
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon, adds savory depth
- Kosher Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, enhances overall flavor
- Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon, brings Mediterranean flair
- Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon, adds beautiful color and mild sweetness
- Ground Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, provides gentle heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 5 minutes
- Prep the Chicken: Pat tenders dry thoroughly – this ensures a perfect exterior!
- Season: Drizzle with olive oil and mix your spice blend in a separate bowl
- Coat: Toss chicken with oil and seasonings until evenly covered
- Arrange: Place tenders in a single layer in your air fryer basket
- Cook: Air fry for 9-10 minutes at 380°F, flipping halfway through
- Check: Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety
Cooking Techniques
Air frying chicken tenders without breading is super simple – and the results are amazing! The key to success is patting the chicken dry before adding the oil and seasonings. This helps the spices stick better and creates a nice outer texture. Don’t skip the step of preheating your air fryer – those first few minutes of heat make a big difference in how evenly your chicken cooks.
Variations
Want to switch things up? Try these easy spice combinations:
- Italian style: Replace the paprika with Italian seasoning and add a pinch of red pepper flakes
- Cajun inspired: Add cayenne pepper and swap oregano for thyme
- Lemon pepper: Skip the paprika and oregano, double the black pepper, and add lemon zest
You can also use avocado oil instead of olive oil – it works just as well!
Serving Suggestions
These chicken tenders are perfect for so many meals! Slice them up for salads, wrap them in lettuce or tortillas, or serve them with your favorite dipping sauce. Some tasty sides that go great with these tenders:
- A crisp green salad
- Air fried vegetables (cook them right after the chicken)
- Cauliflower rice or regular rice
- Fresh cucumber and tomato slices
Storage Tips
Keep your cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F/175°C – they’ll taste almost as good as fresh! You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Just let them cool completely before putting them in a freezer bag.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Unbreaded)
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Paper Towels
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 lb Raw Chicken Tenderloins
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/2 tsp Oregano
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F/190°C for 5 minutes.
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Then, add them to a bowl and drizzle with olive oil.
- Combine the spices in a small bowl and stir until mixed. Sprinkle over the top of the chicken tenders. Toss the chicken tenders with the oil and spice blend until completely covered.
- Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Work in batches if need be.
- Air fry at 380F for 9-10 mins, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C.
