Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Crispy & Family-Friendly)

Crispy air fryer chicken tenders made with simple pantry ingredients — golden on the outside, juicy inside, and perfect for quick dinners, lunchboxes, or after-school meals.

RECIPESFAMILY FAVOURITESBUDGET-FRIENDLY RECIPES

1/7/20261 min read

Crispy air fryer chicken tenders
Crispy air fryer chicken tenders

Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 12 minutes | Total: 22 minutes | Serves: 4
Best For: quick dinners, lunchboxes, kid-friendly meals

A Family Favourite Made Easy

These easy air fryer chicken tenders are a go-to for busy families. They’re quick to prepare, use simple ingredients, and cook up perfectly crispy without deep frying.

Whether you’re serving them for dinner with veggies, packing them into lunchboxes, or making a quick snack, these tenders are reliable, comforting, and always a hit at the table.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

  • 500 g chicken tenderloins

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon paprika

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional

  • ¼ cup grated parmesan

  • Cooking spray

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes.

  2. Coat chicken with olive oil in a bowl.

  3. Mix breadcrumbs and seasoning in a separate bowl.

  4. Press chicken into crumbs until evenly coated.

  5. Place in air fryer basket in a single layer.

  6. Lightly spray with cooking spray if desired.

  7. Cook for 6 minutes, flip, then cook another 6 minutes until golden and cooked through.

  8. Rest briefly and serve warm.

Helpful Tips

  • Don’t overcrowd the basket — cook in batches if needed.

  • Chicken is cooked when juices run clear.

  • Add parmesan for extra flavour without extra effort.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Air fryer gives crisp results with less oil

  • Simple seasoning suits all ages

  • Quick cook time for busy nights

  • Freezer-friendly for meal prep

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