Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Crispy Juicy Perfection

Q: Can I use frozen chicken tenders in this air fryer chicken tenders recipe?

While this recipe is designed for fresh chicken, you *can* cook frozen tenders in the air fryer. However, you'll need to adjust the cooking time and temperature. Check the packaging instructions on your frozen tenders for the recommended air frying time. Just remember, they won't have the same juicy flavor as starting with fresh and marinating!

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe Pub Grub Perfection

By Amara Vitalis August 5, 2025

4.81 (16 Ratings)

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook: Are you craving some proper Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders , like you get down the pub?

Honestly, who doesn't love a good air fryer chicken tenders recipe ? This one is proper banging. We're talking juicy chicken with a seriously satisfying crunch.

You know, the kind that makes you go "mmm" after every bite.

Brief Overview: Pub Grub, Sorted!

This air fryer chicken tenders recipe is inspired by good old British pub grub. It is dead easy to make in your kitchen.

This recipe is super easy and only takes about an hour, including marinating time. It serves about 4 hungry people.

Perfect for a family.

Main Benefits: Healthy ish Indulgence

These Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are way healthier than the deep fried version. You still get all the flavour and crunch without the excess oil.

Serve these up for a Quick and Easy Chicken Tender Dinner , or anytime you fancy a bit of comfort food.

What makes this recipe special? Well, it's bloomin' delicious, simple and you’ll have proper homemade chicken tenders air fryer .

Now, let's get to the good stuff the ingredients!

Ingredients & Equipment For The Best Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

Right, so you want to make some wicked air fryer chicken tenders recipe ? Ace choice, mate! This section breaks down exactly what you'll need.

No fancy chef-y stuff, just the basics for some belting homemade chicken tenders air fryer .

Main Ingredients: Simple is Best!

We're keeping it real here. Here's the lowdown on what you need, measured properly!

Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips. Quality matters! Look for chicken that's pink and firm, not pale or slimy. Trust me, it makes a difference in this easy chicken recipe air fryer .
Buttermilk: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Full fat is best for that proper tangy flavour.
Egg: 1 large.
Hot Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Frank's RedHot is classic, but go with what you love!
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon (5ml)
Paprika: 1 teaspoon (5ml)
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml)
Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml)
All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup (120g)
Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (90g) . Panko's key for that crispy air fryer chicken tenders texture!
Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (30g) (optional, but highly recommended!)
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , or any cooking oil you have handy.

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Bombs

Honestly, the seasonings are where the magic happens.

The paprika and garlic powder are essential. They give that familiar air fryer chicken strips flavour.
A little hot sauce kicks things up a notch. Don't be shy!
If you don't have panko, regular breadcrumbs will do in a pinch. Just be aware that it will affect the desired crispy effect.
Don't be afraid to experiment! A pinch of onion powder or dried herbs can be a game changer. Also, make sure to check out our quick and easy chicken tender recipe alterations!

Equipment Needed: No Faffing Around!

You don't need a Michelin star kitchen for this air fryer tenders recipes .

Air fryer . This is your star player for this juicy air fryer chicken tenders . If you have one with a basket, you're golden.
Two shallow bowls or plates. For the flour and breadcrumbs.
Whisk. For the marinade.
Measuring cups and spoons. Because eyeballing it sometimes doesn't work.
Tongs. To safely flip the chicken.

That's it! Now get cooking those easy chicken tender dinner !

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe: Pub Grub Perfection!

Honestly, who doesn't love a good chicken tender? But the deep fried version? Not always the healthiest choice. That's where this air fryer chicken tenders recipe comes in clutch.

Get ready for crispy air fryer chicken tenders that are actually good for you-ish. We are diving into a recipe that’s both super easy and incredibly delicious!

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place

First things first, let's get organised. Cut 1.5 lbs (680g) of chicken breasts into strips. Then, grab two bowls.

One for the wet stuff, one for the dry. This's the essential mise en place that'll make your life easier.

Got it? Good.

step-by-step: Chicken Tender Nirvana

Marinate those birds: Whisk together 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon (15ml) hot sauce, 1 teaspoon (5ml) garlic powder, 1 teaspoon (5ml) paprika, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) salt, and 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) black pepper. Add the chicken strips and make sure they're swimming in that flavour. Cover and chuck in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Breading bonanza: In one bowl, mix 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon (5ml) garlic powder, 1 teaspoon (5ml) paprika, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) salt, and 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) black pepper. In the other, combine 1 cup (90g) panko breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup (30g) Parmesan cheese (if you're feeling fancy). Drizzle with 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil and toss.
Bread 'em up: Dredge each chicken strip in the flour, then back into the marinade, then coat generously in the panko mix. Press the breadcrumbs on good and tight.
Air Fry Magic: Preheat your air fryer to 400° F ( 200° C) .
Fry Time: Pop the chicken strips in a single layer. Cook for 6- 8 minutes per side , until they hit an internal temp of 165° F ( 74° C) .

Pro Tips: Secret Weapon Status

Don't overcrowd the basket! Doing it in batches is the key to crispy air fryer chicken tenders .
Lightly spray the breaded air fryer chicken strips with cooking oil before frying. Trust me.
Got leftovers? Reheat them in the air fryer for a minute or two. Soggy tenders? Never again!

There you have it an easy chicken tender dinner ! Serve 'em up with your fave dipping sauce. Enjoy your juicy air fryer chicken tenders ! This quick and easy chicken tender recipe is gonna be a staple.

Recipe Notes for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe Ever!

Alright, so you're about to dive into making the best air fryer chicken tenders recipe , and I'm super excited for you! But before you start, let’s go over a few things that'll make your experience even smoother, yeah?

Honestly, how to air fry chicken tenders is simple, but a few tweaks can make all the difference between a good meal and a great one! These recipe notes will turn your already easy chicken recipe air fryer into the best air fryer chicken tenders experience.

Serving Suggestions: Time to Plate Like a Pro!

Presentation matters, innit? When it comes to crispy air fryer chicken tenders , think about how you wanna wow everyone.

Pile them high on a platter for sharing. Maybe some strategically placed parsley for a pop of colour. For sides, you can't go wrong with classic chips and a dollop of mayo! Fancy something lighter? Coleslaw or a simple green salad does the trick.

And don't forget the dipping sauces. A selection is always a good shout!

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Got leftovers? Not a problem! Pop those air fryer chicken strips into an airtight container. They'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, chuck them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until they're heated through and crispy again.

Pro tip : They might lose a bit of their crispiness, but they'll still taste amazing. I once made a batch so big I ended up freezing half.

Worked a treat. Just wrap them individually before freezing to prevent sticking.

Variations: Shake it Up, Baby!

Want to mix things up with this quick and easy chicken tender recipe ? No worries! For a gluten-free version, swap the flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives.

Easy peasy! If you're watching your dairy intake, use plant based milk instead of buttermilk in the marinade. You can also try using different seasonings.

A little bit of cajun spice adds a lovely kick. Get creative!

Nutrition Basics: Fueling Up the Right Way

Okay, let's be real. Homemade chicken tenders air fryer are a treat, but it’s good to know what you're putting in your body, right? Each serving packs about 450 calories, 45g of protein, and 20g of fat.

Using the air fryer cuts down on the extra oil, making it a healthier option than deep fried versions. It's all about balance, eh? With juicy air fryer chicken tenders , you're getting a good dose of protein.

So it helps keep you full and satisfied.

Honestly, give this air fryer tenders recipes a go. It's super simple, even if you're not exactly a culinary genius.

And remember, cooking should be fun! Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make sure my air fryer chicken tenders recipe are super crispy?

For maximum crispiness, don't overcrowd the air fryer basket! Work in batches to ensure hot air circulates evenly. You can also lightly spray the breaded chicken with cooking oil before air frying. This helps to get that golden brown, pub-grub level of crispiness we all crave. No one wants soggy tenders, right?

Can I use frozen chicken tenders in this air fryer chicken tenders recipe?

While this recipe is designed for fresh chicken, you can cook frozen tenders in the air fryer. However, you'll need to adjust the cooking time and temperature. Check the packaging instructions on your frozen tenders for the recommended air frying time.

Just remember, they won't have the same juicy flavor as starting with fresh and marinating!

How long do air fryer chicken tenders last, and what's the best way to store leftovers?

Leftover air fryer chicken tenders are best enjoyed within 3-4 days. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to re-crisp. Microwaving will make them a bit soggy, so steer clear of that unless you're in a real bind!

What are some good dipping sauces to serve with these air fryer chicken tenders?

The dipping sauce options are endless! Classic choices like ranch dressing, honey mustard, and barbecue sauce are always a hit. For something a bit different, try sweet chili sauce, a spicy mayo, or even a homemade blue cheese dressing. The only limit is your imagination, so get creative and find your perfect pairing.

Time to channel your inner Heston Blumenthal and get experimenting!

I'm trying to be healthy; are air fryer chicken tenders a better option than deep fried?

Absolutely! Using an air fryer drastically reduces the amount of oil needed compared to deep frying. This means fewer calories and less fat, making air fryer chicken tenders a healthier alternative. Plus, you still get that satisfying crispy texture without the guilt. It's a win-win, really!

Just watch out for the sodium content in some sauces.

Can I adapt this air fryer chicken tenders recipe to be gluten-free or dairy-free?

Yes, you can easily make gluten-free air fryer chicken tenders by using gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. For a dairy-free version, substitute the buttermilk with a plant based milk alternative mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and omit the Parmesan cheese.

There's no need for anyone to miss out on the fun!