Here is a really easy to make recipe for Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe (No Breading, Low Carb)-no breading! A simple to make chicken recipe that is healthy and delicious! The chicken tenders are juicy and perfect for a fast lunch or dinner.
If you like chicken recipes, you should try my Healthy Grilled Chicken Salad or my Easy Chicken Spiedini next!
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Jump To
- 🛒 Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- How to Cook Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer
- Can you make air fryer chicken tenders with flour?
- How long to cook chicken tenders in air fryer?
- Serving suggestions
- 🫙 Storing and Reheating
- ☑️ Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- ❓ FAQ'S
- Some other chicken recipes you'll love:
- 📖 Recipe
- Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe (No Breading, Low Carb)
Since there are no eggs, breadcrumbs, or flour, this recipe is keto-friendly, low-carb, Whole30 and Paleo. Naturally gluten-free and also totally dairy-free. It's a super easy beginners chicken recipe for any new cooks at home.
These air fryer chicken tenders are a quick, healthy, and delicious option for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep. With no breading or flour, this chicken tenders recipe is keto-friendly, gluten-free, and perfect for Whole30 or Paleo diets. The chicken comes out juicy and flavorful with minimal effort-ideal for beginners exploring air fryer recipes.
Whether you're using fresh or frozen chicken tenders, this recipe is versatile and easy to customize with your favorite seasonings. Pair with sweet potato fries, a salad, or your favorite dipping sauce for a complete meal!
My air fryer has become my new best friend! And yes, it is super simple to also pan fry these or bake in the oven. But it is so much more convenient to pop it in the air fryer. It is a really healthy quick lunch, healthy snack, or dinner, that always comes out tender and perfectly seasoned.
As soon as the chicken tenders are cooked (less than 15 minutes!), you can layer them in a salad, make lettuce wraps, or even with your favorite grains. A really flavorful protein for meal prep. Cook some up on Sunday and enjoy during the week with your favorite healthy sides. You can also try this Air Fryer Taquitos recipe!
🛒 Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Chicken tenders (boneless, skinless)
- Olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
- Paprika (sweet or smoked)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried oregano
- Sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: Additional spices like cayenne for heat or Italian seasoning for variety.
How to Cook Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer
It's really easy! Gather together the ingredients.
Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a large bowl or ziplock bag. Drizzle with olive oil.
Season the Chicken: Mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Arrange in the Basket: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
Cook: Air fry for 12-14 minutes, depending on the size of the tenders. Check for doneness with an instant-read thermometer (165°F/74°C is safe).
Serve: Pair with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, buffalo sauce, or honey mustard.
They cook up perfectly every time!
Can you make air fryer chicken tenders with flour?
Yes, but this version skips the flour for a lighter, gluten-free option. If you prefer breaded tenders, coat the chicken in buttermilk and dredge in a mixture of flour or panko breadcrumbs before air frying.
How long to cook chicken tenders in air fryer?
Cook chicken tenders in an air fryer at 380°F for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway if desired. The exact time depends on the size of the tenders and your air fryer model.
Serving suggestions
These air fryer fried chicken tenders are versatile: They go nicely with any roasted vegetable, side dish, pasta, or bread.
- Serve with sweet potato fries for a classic combo.
- Slice and layer over a salad for a healthy lunch.
- Wrap in lettuce for a low-carb option.
- Pair with fryer chicken thighs or fryer chicken wings for a mixed protein platter.
🫙 Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store cooled tenders in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap in foil or place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving to maintain crispness.
☑️ Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Oil Matters: Lightly coat the chicken with oil to ensure the seasoning sticks and the tenders remain juicy.
- Even Spacing: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.
- Servings: I made 1 pound (which is about 6-7 tenders, depending on their size). It could be a lunch for two or a healthy snack for 3 people.
- No need to turn: The tenders do not need to be touched in the air fryer. They'll cook evenly on both sides without turning them over.
- Cooking spray or oil: Use cooking spray or brush some oil on the chicken before you cover them in the seasonings.
- Sauces: Serve them with your favorite sauces (sweet or spicy). I did a combo of a sweet sauce and a spicy sauce. Really, any dipping sauce will work great! If you're following Whole30 or are paleo, make sure you're using a ketchup that is Whole30/Paleo approved (or make your own!).
- Adjust Time for Frozen Chicken Tenders: If cooking frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer, thaw them completely before seasoning and follow the same cooking instructions.
- Reheat in Air Fryer: Warm leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes for best results.
❓ FAQ'S
Yes, thaw them completely before seasoning and cooking for even results.
Preheating ensures even cooking and crispier results, so it's recommended.
Try buffalo sauce, honey mustard, ranch, or a Whole30-approved ketchup for Paleo diets.
For the juiciest chicken tenders, set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). If you prefer crispier edges, you can cook them at 400°F for a slightly shorter time.
Yes, chicken tenderloins cook perfectly in the air fryer. They require minimal prep and cook evenly, resulting in juicy and flavorful chicken.
At 400°F, chicken tenders usually cook in about 10-12 minutes, depending on their thickness. Mine were ready at just 13 minutes. To be totally safe, use an instant read thermometer and check the temperature (the chicken will be safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF).
Absolutely! The air fryer is designed to cook raw chicken safely. Just ensure you cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Yes, you can air fry frozen chicken tenders. Thaw them first for even seasoning and cook for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway for even cooking.
Season the chicken with spices, drizzle with oil, and place them in a single layer in the preheated air fryer. Cook at 380°F for 12-14 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Yes, you can air fry frozen chicken tenderloins. For best results, thaw them first to ensure even seasoning and cooking. If cooking directly from frozen, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
I preheat my air fryer when making these chicken tenders. I do recommend preheating the air fryer when making these unbreaded chicken tenders. If you do not preheat the air fryer, you may need to cook for another 3-5 minutes to get them the correct internal temperature of 165ºF.
Absolutely! It's really easy to bake the chicken tenders. Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Lay the seasoned tenders on parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. You could also cook them in your toaster oven on 400ºF.
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📖 Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe (No Breading, Low Carb)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chicken tenders approx. 7 tenders
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or onion or a combo of the two
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt or more, to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- olive oil spray or nonstick spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a large bowl or ziplock bag. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Season the Chicken: Mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Spray or brush the air fryer with nonstick cooking spray (or olive oil).Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Arrange in the Basket: Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
- Cook: Spray with some olive oil spray (or cooking spray) and cook on 380° F for 12-14 minutes. Chicken is ready when internal temperature reaches 165° F. No need to flip the tenders. Check for doneness with an instant-read thermometer.
- Serve: Pair with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, buffalo sauce, or honey mustard. ENJOY!
Nutrition Disclaimer
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information presented below is an approximation and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
just made this and added ground turmeric. delicious! simple! thank you for another fun recipe!xo