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Tender and juicy No Breading Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a fast and tasty recipe that is ready in only 20 minutes (including prep!). Enjoy this delicious air fryer chicken recipe with your favorite side dishes for a fast weeknight meal.
These no breading chicken tenders in the air fryer are so tender and juicy, and they’re ready in a flash. Seriously! They bake in just 7-10 minutes and only need a few minutes of prep time.
That means you can grill the chicken to top a plate of lemon garlic pasta in under 20 minutes. Dinner is saved, and you’re about to be a hero. That cape looks nice on you.
This recipe uses a very simple seasoning of olive oil, smoked paprika, and Montreal steak seasoning. You’re welcome to use your favorite seasoning, rub, or even a sauce. Use my recipe as a baseline and then go make it your own!
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken with olive oil and seasoning for at least 30 minutes.
- Do not skip the step of preheating the air fryer. A hot air fryer means the chicken starts cooking right away and fully cooks in less time. Shorter cooking time = juicier chicken.
- All air fryers will be slightly different for cooking time. Test your chicken at the 5-minute mark.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is fully cooked to 165˚F.
- Cover the chicken and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes prior to serving. This keeps it extra juicy!
No Breading Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts {or precut chicken breast tenders}
- 1.5 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Montreal Steak Seasoning {or favorite seasoning rub}
- 1/8 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts into tenders/strips.1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Combine with olive oil, Montreal steak seasoning, and smoked paprika. (optional) : cover and marinate for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.1.5 tsp olive oil, 1 tsp Montreal Steak Seasoning, 1/8 tsp smoked paprika
- Preheat air fryer for 3 minutes at 370˚F.
- Brush olive oil in the preheated air fryer basket or use air fryer parchment. Position chicken tenders in the basket so that they aren't touching.
- Cook at 370˚F for 5 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 2-5 minutes (some models may need more or less time).
- Test chicken with an instant-read thermometer. Chicken must be cooked to 165˚F.
- Cover the chicken and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes prior to serving. This keeps it extra juicy!
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken with olive oil and seasoning for at least 30 minutes.
- Do not skip the step of preheating the air fryer. A hot air fryer means the chicken starts cooking right away and fully cooks in less time. Shorter cooking time = juicier chicken.
- All air fryers will be slightly different for cooking time. Test your chicken at the 5-minute mark.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is fully cooked to 165˚F.
- Reheat at 350˚F for 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
These were easy and delicious, my favorite combo! No clue why it’s taken me so long to try them!
So glad you liked them, Tina! Happy birthday! 🙂