Craving the classic comfort of chicken tenders but looking for a healthier, less messy alternative? This easy recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (with no breading) delivers perfectly juicy, incredibly flavorful results, and the best part? They’re ready in under 15 minutes!

Say goodbye to greasy deep-fried options and heavy breadcrumbs. This recipe is a truly healthy dinner solution, crafted with no breadcrumbs, flour, egg, or dairy. It’s inherently low-carb, keto-friendly, gluten-free, paleo, and Whole30 compliant, making it an ideal choice for a wide variety of dietary needs. Plus, these unbreaded chicken tenders are fantastic for meal prepping, ensuring you have delicious, lean protein on hand throughout the week.

The beloved chicken tender holds a special place in American cuisine. It’s known for its satisfying texture and versatility, making it a go-to for picky eaters and adults alike. While many rely on frozen, breaded varieties, there’s a vastly superior and healthier way to enjoy this comfort food without compromising on taste or texture.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Tender Recipe

This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s designed to make your life simpler and your meals healthier. Here’s why these unbreaded air fryer chicken tenders will become your new favorite:

1. Dietary Friendly: This recipe expertly uses no breadcrumbs, no flour, and no egg. This makes it a fantastic option for those avoiding common allergens or adhering to specific dietary plans, without sacrificing flavor or texture.
2. Healthy & Wholesome: Enjoy a meal that is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, keto, paleo, and Whole30 approved. It’s a clean eating dream, offering lean protein without unnecessary additives or unhealthy fats.
3. Incredibly Fast: Forget long cooking times! These unbreaded chicken tenders are prepared in the air fryer and are truly ready in less than 15 minutes. From prep to plate, you’ll have a wholesome meal on the table in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
4. Picky-Eater Approved: Even the most discerning palates will adore these tenders. Their simple, savory seasoning and wonderfully juicy texture make them a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike, simplifying mealtime dilemmas.
5. Minimal Cleanup: With no messy breading station and no deep-frying, cleaning up after dinner is a breeze. The air fryer contains the cooking, leaving you with less scrubbing and more time to enjoy your meal.
6. Versatile for Any Meal: Not just for dinner! These tenders are excellent for lunchboxes, quick snacks, or as a protein boost in wraps, salads, and bowls. Their neutral yet flavorful profile makes them adaptable to almost any meal context.

Simple Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

Creating these delicious air fryer chicken tenders requires just a few basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Quality ingredients are key to great flavor!

• Chicken tenders: For this recipe, you’ll need about 1 pound of raw chicken tenderloins, which typically amounts to 6-8 individual tenders. Look for fresh, high-quality chicken for the best taste and texture. If starting with frozen tenders, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning.
• Avocado oil: We recommend avocado oil due to its neutral taste and high smoke point, making it an excellent choice for air frying. It helps the seasonings adhere to the chicken and contributes to a nice, even crispiness. If avocado oil isn’t available, any other neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point, like grapeseed oil, will work. Olive oil can also be used if you don’t mind its slightly more distinct flavor profile.
• Seasonings: The secret to truly flavorful unbreaded chicken tenders lies in a well-balanced seasoning blend. We use a simple yet potent mix of:
  • Paprika: Adds a touch of mild sweetness and a beautiful reddish-orange hue.
  • Kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors.
  • Black pepper: Provides a subtle, warm kick.
  • Onion powder: Offers a foundational savory depth.
  • Garlic powder: Imparts that irresistible aromatic garlic flavor without the chunkiness of fresh garlic.

  Feel free to adjust these seasonings to your preference or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat!

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders without Breading: Step-by-Step

Making these healthy chicken tenders in your air fryer is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked, flavorful results every time.

Preheating Your Air Fryer: The Secret to Success

Before you even think about seasoning your chicken tenderloins, it’s crucial to preheat your air fryer. This step is often overlooked but is absolutely essential for achieving accurate cooking times and that desirable crispy exterior. Preheating ensures your chicken starts cooking immediately at the right temperature, promoting even browning and preventing a tough, chewy texture.

You’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 375ºF (190ºC) for at least 3 minutes, or as outlined in the manual for your specific model. Different air fryers vary, so always refer to your manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Freshness

These air fryer chicken tenders are fantastic for meal prep, but knowing how to store and reheat them properly will keep them tasting great:

• Refrigeration: Once cooled completely, transfer any leftover tenders to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure they are fully cool before sealing to prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Reheating for Best Texture:
  • Air Fryer: For the crispiest results, reheat in the air fryer at 350ºF (175ºC) for 3-5 minutes, or until steamy and hot throughout. This method helps restore some of their original crispiness.
  • Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, you can reheat them in the microwave for 60-90 seconds, or until heated through. Be aware that the microwave will soften the exterior.
• Freezing: These tenders freeze exceptionally well! Allow them to cool completely after cooking. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They will maintain their quality in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. For best results, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What Should I Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Tenders?

Air fryer chicken tenders are a fantastic, crowd-pleasing meal any day of the week, especially for those looking for quick and easy healthy options. Their versatility makes them pair well with a wide array of side dishes and, of course, delicious dipping sauces! But beyond the dips, what truly complements these savory tenders to create a complete and satisfying meal? I have plenty of ideas for you!

Perfect Side Dishes:

Elevate your chicken tender experience with these delectable side dishes that offer balance and flavor:

• French fries: A classic pairing that’s always a hit, especially if you air fry them for a healthier twist!
• Sweet potato fries: A slightly sweeter, nutrient-rich alternative to traditional fries.
• Tater tots: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and incredibly fun to eat.
• Baked potatoes: Simple, comforting, and a great base for various toppings.
• Mashed potatoes: Creamy and smooth, offering a delightful contrast to the crispy tenders.
• Rice: A neutral and filling side, perfect for absorbing any extra sauce.
• Tossed salad: A light, refreshing option to add greens and crunch.
• Caesar salad: The tangy dressing and crunchy croutons provide a fantastic counterpoint.
• Steamed vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make for a quick, healthy, and vibrant side.
• Coleslaw: The creamy tang of coleslaw offers a refreshing bite.
• Crudités and dip: Fresh vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, and bell peppers with extra dip for a crunchy, wholesome accompaniment.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: For a more sophisticated and equally healthy side, roasted Brussels sprouts with a balsamic glaze are phenomenal.
• Corn on the Cob: Sweet and juicy, perfect for a summer-inspired meal.

Must-Have Dipping Sauces:

No chicken tender meal is complete without an array of amazing dipping sauces. Here are some favorites:

• Ranch dip: The ultimate classic, creamy and herbaceous.
• Sweet and sour sauce: For a delightful balance of tangy and sweet.
• Honey mustard: A popular choice that’s both sweet and savory.
• BBQ sauce: Smoky and robust, perfect for a hearty flavor.
• Honey garlic sauce: A sticky, sweet, and garlicky glaze.
• Buffalo sauce: For those who love a spicy kick.
• Buffalo ranch: Combines the best of both worlds – heat and creamy coolness.
• Curry mayonnaise: Adds an exotic and deeply flavorful twist.
• Sriracha Mayo: A simple mix for a spicy, creamy kick.
• Ketchup: The timeless, kid-friendly favorite.

Expert Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Achieving perfectly juicy and crispy unbreaded chicken tenders in the air fryer is simple with a few insider tricks. Here are some expert tips to ensure your recipe turns out flawless every time:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: This is arguably the most crucial tip for air frying anything! Always work in batches to ensure all of your food is evenly cooked and gets wonderfully crispy. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation, leading to steamed (rather than fried) chicken. Give each piece ample room to breathe and crisp up.
• Flip for Even Browning: Just like with traditional frying, flipping your food halfway through the cooking process is essential. This gives the chicken tenders an opportunity to cook evenly and brown nicely on both sides, ensuring that appealing golden crust. Don’t worry, opening the air fryer briefly to flip will not significantly impact the cooking time, especially if you pause the machine.
• Master Your Seasoning Blend: For the best flavor adhesion and distribution, first add the oil and seasonings to a bowl and whisk them together well to create a paste or slurry. Then, add the chicken tenderloins and toss to coat. This method helps the seasoning adhere in a more even layer to the raw chicken when compared to just sprinkling dry seasoning onto oiled chicken, preventing uneven flavor spots.
• Pat Your Chicken Dry: Before seasoning, always pat your chicken tenders thoroughly dry with paper towels. Excess moisture on the surface of the chicken can hinder crisping and lead to a chewier texture. A dry surface allows the seasonings and oil to create a better crust.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: While cooking times are provided, the best way to ensure your chicken is safe to eat and perfectly cooked is by using a reliable meat thermometer. Always check that the thickest part of the chicken tenders reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC) for food safety.
• Rest Your Chicken: After removing the cooked tenders from the air fryer, let them rest on a plate for 1-2 minutes. This brief resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in more tender and juicy chicken.
• Consider Liner Options: While not strictly necessary, using parchment paper liners designed for air fryers (with holes for air circulation) can make cleanup even easier. Just be sure to never preheat your air fryer with a liner in it, as it can fly up and hit the heating element.

Raw chicken tenders typically need to be air fried for a minimum of 6 minutes, and up to 10 minutes. This range depends largely on factors such as the size and thickness of the tenders, the model and wattage of your air fryer, and how full the basket is. Remember to flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and doneness. The most important factor for food safety and delicious results is to confirm that each tender reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC) in its thickest part before serving.

Absolutely, you can put raw chicken in an air fryer! Think of your air fryer as a mini convection oven. As long as your air fryer is clean before use (and thoroughly cleaned after cooking raw meat to prevent cross-contamination), you can cook virtually anything in it that you would in a standard oven. The key is to ensure that all raw meat, including chicken, reaches the minimum internal temperature recommended by the USDA (165ºF or 74ºC) before it is removed and served to ensure it is safe to eat.

There are a few common reasons why your air fryer chicken tenders might not be as crispy as you’d like. The most frequent culprit is overcrowding the air fryer basket; when too many pieces are crammed in, air can’t circulate effectively, leading to steaming instead of crisping. Ensure you cook in a single layer and in batches if necessary. Other reasons could include not preheating your air fryer, not patting the chicken dry enough before seasoning, or using too little oil, which helps create that golden, crispy crust.

Yes, you can cook frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer, but this recipe is specifically designed for raw, thawed chicken. If using frozen, pre-breaded tenders, you’ll generally need to adjust the cooking time and temperature according to the package instructions. For raw, frozen unbreaded tenders, it’s best to thaw them first for optimal seasoning adhesion and even cooking, as well as to achieve the best texture and flavor profile this recipe aims for. If you must cook from frozen, expect longer cooking times and ensure they reach 165°F internally.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed the simplicity and deliciousness of these unbreaded chicken tenders, you’ll love exploring these other fantastic air fryer recipes:

• Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
• Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
• Sausage and Peppers in the Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Whole Chicken (Rotisserie Style)
• Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Sliders
• Flaky Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon Dill
• Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli