Tender and juicy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders With No Breading 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.
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These chicken tenders in the air fryer are so tender and juicy, and they’re ready in a flash. Seriously! They bake in just 7 minutes and only need a few minutes of prep time.
That means you can grill the chicken and 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.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
A few tasty carb options are Air Fryer Waffle Fries, Gluten-Free Scalloped Potatoes, Sage Sausage Stuffing, Cheesy Garlic Bread, Air Fryer Cauliflower Gnocchi, or Air Fryer Texas Toast.
For veggies, I recommend Air Fryer Zucchini, Stir-Fried Green Beans, Healthy Pea Salad, Air Fryer Cabbage, Honey Sriracha Brussel Sprouts, and Roasted Frozen Broccoli.
Meal Prep Tips
You can slice and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours before cooking. Keep it in an air-tight container in the fridge.
Double the recipe and cook half and freeze the other half uncooked for future fast meals. It’s a classic Prep Once Cook Twice hack.
To freeze cooked chicken, allow it to fully cool. We like to freeze some tenders whole on a rimmed baking sheet and then transfer to freezer storage. This prevents the chicken from freezing together in one clump.
I’m a fan of dicing up some of the cooked chicken to freeze so later I can throw it on top of a Kale Chopped Salad, in a Cold Soba Noodle Salad, or to make a quick Dill Chicken Salad.
You can also use it in place of the raw chicken for our Chicken Pasta Broccoli Bake.
Budget hack: Precut chicken tenders are usually more expensive than boneless skinless chicken breasts. You’ll save money by purchasing chicken breasts (we get ours from Butcher Box) and cutting them into tenders yourself.
Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Variations
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!
Top your finished chicken with Cilantro Chimichurri, Chipotle Sauce, or Sugar-Free Barbeque Sauce.
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.
- This is a great recipe to use air fryer parchment if you have any hanging around. No parchment? Liberally brush olive oil on the basket prior to adding the 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 165F.
- Cover the chicken and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes prior to serving. This keeps it extra juicy!
More Delicious Chicken Recipes
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (No Breading)
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.
- Combine with olive oil, Montreal steak seasoning, and smoked paprika. (optional) : cover and marinate for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
- Preheat air fryer for 3 minutes at 370F.
- 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 370F for 5 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes (some models may need more or less time).
- Test chicken with an instant-read thermometer. Chicken must be cooked to 165F.
- 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 165F.
- Reheat at 350F for 2-3 minutes.
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