You know those nights when you want something crispy, satisfying, and fast without the guilt? That’s why I’m obsessed with these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (No Breading)—they’re my go-to when life gets chaotic. I discovered this trick when my air fryer first arrived (best impulsive kitchen purchase ever) and realized I could skip the messy breading step entirely. The result? Juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken with just enough crispiness from the air fryer’s magic. My kids don’t even miss the breadcrumbs, and cleanup? A dream. If you’ve got 20 minutes and a craving for something easy but delicious, you’re in the right place.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Let me count the ways these no-breading chicken tenders will become your new weeknight hero:
- Crazy fast: From fridge to plate in under 20 minutes—even my hangry teenager approves.
- Health win: All the crisp without breading’s extra carbs (but 100% of the satisfaction).
- Less mess magic: No flour dredging station taking over your counter—just toss and cook.
- Adaptable: Swap the spices to match your mood (I’ve done everything from Cajun to lemon-herb).
Seriously, these disappear faster than I can make them in my house. The air fryer gives that golden exterior we all crave, while keeping the inside unbelievably juicy.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (No Breading)
Here’s all you need for these crispy, no-fuss tenders—most of this is probably already in your pantry:
- 1 lb chicken tenders (not breasts—they cook more evenly this way!)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin preferred for flavor)
- 1 tsp each of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (adjust to taste—I usually add an extra pinch of paprika for color)
That’s it! No breadcrumbs, no eggs, no flour—just pure, simple goodness.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Out of something? No worries—here’s how to adapt:
- Oil swap: Avocado oil works great if you’re out of olive oil—it has a higher smoke point too.
- Spice it up: Smoked paprika adds a fantastic depth, or try a dash of cayenne for heat.
- Chicken hack: If you only have breasts, just slice them into 1-inch strips—they’ll cook just like tenders.
Pro tip: Fresh garlic powder makes a difference! If yours has been in the cabinet for years, it might be time for a refresh.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Without Breading
These tenders couldn’t be simpler—just a few easy steps between you and crispy, juicy perfection. Here’s exactly how I do it every time:
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
First things first—grab those paper towels! Patting the tenders bone-dry is my secret for maximum crispiness. Then, toss them in a bowl with the olive oil and spices until every inch is evenly coated. Don’t rush this part—I use my hands to really massage in that flavorful mix.
Step 2: Air Fry to Perfection
Now for the magic: arrange the tenders in a single layer in your preheated air fryer basket (no stacking!). They need breathing room to crisp up properly. Cook at 375°F for 10 minutes, flip with tongs (careful—they’re hot!), then go another 5-7 minutes until golden and hitting 165°F internally. Pro tip: My air fryer runs hot, so I start checking at the 5-minute mark after flipping—better safe than dry!
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Want restaurant-quality results every time? Here are my foolproof tricks:
- Dry is key: I can’t stress this enough—pat those tenders bone dry before seasoning. Any moisture = steamed chicken, not crispy!
- Shake things up: If your air fryer doesn’t require flipping, give the basket a good shake halfway through for even browning.
- Let them rest: Resist eating immediately! A 2-minute rest lets juices redistribute—trust me, it’s worth the wait.
- Batch wisely: Cook in small batches if needed. Overcrowding = soggy tenders (I learned this the hard way).
Bonus trick: For extra crisp, spritz the basket with oil before adding chicken—just a light mist makes all the difference.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (No Breading)
These crispy tenders play well with almost anything! My family loves them piled on a big Greek salad with feta and olives—the tangy flavors are perfect together. For weeknights, I’ll roast whatever veggies we have (zucchini and bell peppers are favorites) while the air fryer works its magic.
Dips make everything better: try mixing Greek yogurt with lemon juice and dill, or go spicy with sriracha mayo. And if you must have something starchy (no judgment!), sweet potato fries in the air fryer keep it balanced. Honestly, half the time they don’t even make it to plates—we just stand around the kitchen dipping straight from the basket!
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers? (Rare in my house, but it happens!) These keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days—just pop them in an airtight container. When you’re ready for round two, skip the microwave (soggy sadness!) and reheat in your air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. They’ll come out nearly as crispy as the first time. Pro tip: If they seem dry, a quick spritz of oil before reheating works wonders!
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (No Breading) FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers—here’s what readers ask me most about these crispy wonders:
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
You can, but thaw them first—pop them in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Cooking from frozen leads to uneven results (and nobody wants icy centers!).
Why did my chicken turn out dry?
Two likely culprits: overcooking or skipping the olive oil. Stick to the timer and always check for 165°F with a meat thermometer—that oil lock keeps juices in!
What’s your favorite dip?
I’m torn between spicy (mix Greek yogurt with hot sauce) and herby (combine mayo with lemon and fresh dill). My kids? They’ll dunk them in ketchup every time.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the skinny on these crispy tenders (estimates vary slightly based on your exact ingredients):
- 180 calories per 4 oz serving
- 7g fat (mostly the good kind from olive oil)
- 26g protein – hello, muscle fuel!
- 600mg sodium (easy to reduce if you cut back on salt)
Not bad for something that tastes this indulgent, right? The air fryer magic means you get all the satisfaction without the extra carbs from breading.
Print
“20-Minute Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (No Breading) – Crispy & Juicy”
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Crispy air fryer chicken tenders without breading, perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
- Toss chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Place chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10 minutes, flip, then cook for another 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Check internal temperature—chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American