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Crispy air fryer chicken tenders served on a plate with dipping sauce

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Delicious and healthier chicken tenders made in the air fryer, perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside without breading.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 32 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken tenderloins Make sure they are pat dried.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional for color)
  • to taste Fresh herbs for garnish (such as parsley or thyme) Use for finishing touch.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional paprika. Mix well to create a marinade.
  • Add the chicken tenderloins to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly in the marinade. Let them sit for about 10-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Cooking

  • Place the marinated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket.
  • Cook the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time for even crispness. The tenders should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • Once cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

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Notes

These tenders are versatile and may be served with various dipping sauces. For meal prep, they store well in the fridge and can be reheated in the air fryer.
Keyword Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, Chicken Tenders, Easy Dinner, Healthy Snacks, Meal Prep