Sometimes the best things in life are simple! These air fryer chicken tenders are simply delicious, and they have no breading making them a healthy alternative to breaded tenders. I can promise you that you won’t even miss the breading on these chicken tenders. They are that good!

Made with pantry ingredients, you’ll be whipping up this crowd favorite in no time. They are begging to be dunked in your favorite dipping sauce.

The dry rub seasoning on these chicken tenders really is perfect and is the main reason they are such a hit in our house. The air fryer does its magic to cook them to perfection while keeping the chicken super moist and tender.

Why You Need Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (No Breading) in Your Life

Still not convinced? Here is everything amazing about this recipe:

• Ready from start to finish in 15 minutes
• Zero carbs
• Gluten-free
• Low fat
• Kid-friendly (you can adjust the spice of the dry rub seasoning as needed)
• Crispy deep-fried taste without the artery-clogging (pull out that air fryer)

It’s ridiculously easy to make this recipe.

Ingredients

• Chicken tenders
• Olive oil or your favorite oil spray
• Dry rub seasoning

That’s it! Only three ingredients plus an air fryer and you’ll be making delicious homemade chicken tenders better than anything you could buy at the store and way healthier since there is no breading. And with only five minutes of prep time and ten minutes of cooking, dinner will be ready in a flash.

You can use any chicken seasoning that you like, but if you want to make your own multi-purpose chicken rub, here are some of the spices you’ll need. I prefer to use my barbecue seasoning or cajun seasoning for these chicken tenders.

• Smoked paprika
• Garlic power
• Onion powder
• Oregano
• Brown sugar
• Cumin powder

Mix the seasoning together, and you have a delicious low-carb flavoring. Make some extra seasoning, so you always have some on hand for quick, super flavor.

Tip: Make the chicken seasoning ahead of time and store it in these airtight containers so you always have it on hand.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Now that you have all the ingredients (see how easy that was?) let’s make this!

Step 1: preheat the air fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 370°F and coat the basket with non-stick spray. I like to use this avocado oil spray since it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor. You can use any oil that you like. Just add it to this oil sprayer so you can easily coat the basket.

Step 2: prepare the chicken tenders

Dry the chicken tenders with a paper towel and rub or spray oil on the chicken to coat it evenly. Sprinkle the seasoning mix all over the chicken. Be sure that every crevice is coated in seasoning, so you end up with flavorful chicken tenders.

Step 3 arrange the chicken tenders in the air fryer

Place the tenders one layer thick in the air fryer. Try to arrange them so that they are not touching each other so that they cook evenly.

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Step 4: get to cooking!

Cook in the air fryer at 370°F for 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken tenders reach 160°F to 165°F. Allow them to cool for 3-5 minutes before serving.

You’re done! Now serve with brown rice and green vegetables for a delicious healthy weekday meal. Or throw them into a salad or roll them into a wrap. The possibilities are endless. If you are feeling adventurous, try out a delicious sauce.

Tips and Tricks

Don’t skip drying the chicken before cooking

Patting the extra moisture off the chicken before coating it will ensure even browning and a crispier coating. The drier the chicken is, the crispier the coating will be.

Using oil spray is a necessary replacement

Instead of flour, eggs, or bread crumbs in this recipe, we will rely on the oil to provide flavor and moisture to the chicken. The oil will ensure that the seasoning evenly sticks to the chicken, giving an even, crispy exterior that you crave when you make chicken tenders.

Cook the chicken tenders in batches if you have a small air fryer

You may need to adjust cooking times. Smaller air fryers may cook quicker, but it depends on your make and model. Check for clear juices when cut open or an internal temperature of 160°F to 165°F. Since there isn’t any breading on these chicken tenders, you will have no worries about them sticking together in your air fryer, but you should still space them out so they can cook evenly.

Butcher your own chicken tenders

If you cannot find chicken tenders at the store, you can make your own. Purchase boneless skinless chicken breasts and cut them into thin, even strips. Whatever size you desire for your tenders is possible!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to put raw chicken in the air fryer?

Yes, it is safe. You will adjust for time – an air fryer cooks faster than an oven. But an air fryer is a safe and delicious way to cook meat.

Can you freeze air fryer chicken tenders after cooking?

Yes, but ensure the tenders are entirely cool. Then place them in an air-tight bag or container and freeze for up to 6 months. When you want a quick snack or meal, you can simply throw the frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer at 360°F for 8-10 minutes. If the chicken tenders are thawed first, you can heat them up at 370°F for 3-5 minutes.

Can you put pre-cooked chicken tenders in an air fryer?

You sure can! No need to even defrost the meat before. Slightly defrost the chicken tenders in the air fryer for three minutes at 370°F. Open the air fryer and spray the tenders with oil and sprinkle with seasoning. Cook as usual for another 10 minutes at 370°F.

Does air fryer chicken taste deep-fried?

Although you may not get quite the level of oily depth of flavor of conventional methods, many people prefer the taste of the air fryer. It gives you extra-crispy food that you can’t achieve from the oven without the heaviness of oil-fried food.

How spicy is the dry rub seasoning?

The dry rub seasoning is not especially spicy, but it depends on the spices you choose to use. For most people and kids, it will not be hot at all.

Most smoked paprika in the US provides a mild smoky flavor with a slightly earthy, peppery taste when cooked. Cumin is similar to paprika as it has a mild spice flavor and is objectively low on the heat index. In epicenter ratings, it is ranked as a 3, and cayenne peppers are rated at a 9. So, unless you are especially sensitive, the dry rub seasoning is a good crowd-pleaser. 

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