Name: Crunchy Air Fryer Chicken Strips (Chicken Tenders) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken tenderloins; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1/4 cup whole milk; 1 1/2 cups bread crumbs; Vegetable oil spray, for spraying basket and chicken

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 4 reviews

If you are craving a snack or dinner that hits the perfect balance of crispy and juicy, look no further than this Crunchy Air Fryer Chicken Strips (Chicken Tenders) Recipe. It transforms simple chicken tenderloins into golden, flavorful strips that have a satisfying crunch on the outside while remaining tender and juicy inside. This recipe uses straightforward ingredients and the magic of the air fryer, so you get all the flavor and crunch without the extra grease. It’s a foolproof way to enjoy homemade chicken tenders that are just as delicious as your favorite takeout, but ready in less than 30 minutes.

Ingredients You'll Need

A close-up view of a raw meat piece with light brown and pink tones, soaking in a bubbly, pale yellow liquid mixture inside a white bowl with a smooth surface. A gold fork gently holds the meat from the left side, its tines piercing the meat softly. The bowl rests on a white marbled textured surface, highlighting the colors of the meat and the liquid around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Crunchy Air Fryer Chicken Strips (Chicken Tenders) Recipe is all about simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each one plays a crucial role, from seasoning to forming that irresistible crispy crust.

2 pounds chicken tenderloins: The star of the dish, naturally tender and perfect for a quick cook time.

2 teaspoons Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the chicken’s natural flavors.
½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the seasoning.
½ teaspoon paprika: Brings a beautiful color and a smoky-sweet undertone.

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Delivers a gentle heat that warms the palate without overpowering.
¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a savory layer that complements the chicken perfectly.
2 large eggs, beaten: Acts as the glue for the bread crumbs to stick and create that crunchy exterior.

¼ cup whole milk: Keeps the egg mixture nice and smooth for an even coating.
1 ½ cups bread crumbs: The key to that addicting crunch, providing great texture and golden color when cooked.

How to Make Crunchy Air Fryer Chicken Strips (Chicken Tenders) Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer to 390 degrees ensures your chicken strips start cooking at the perfect temperature, which helps achieve that signature crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Take the chicken tenderloins and generously season them with Kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. This step is crucial for building flavor under the breading and throughout the chicken.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Wash

In a shallow bowl, beat together the eggs and whole milk. This liquid mixture will help the bread crumbs stick evenly to the chicken, ensuring every bite is perfectly coated.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken

First, dip each piece of seasoned chicken into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, dredge it into the bread crumbs, pressing lightly to make sure the crumbs adhere well. This double coating creates the irresistible crunchy texture you’re aiming for.

Step 5: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Spray the air fryer basket lightly with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. This also helps in crisping up the bread crumbs while cooking.

Step 6: Air Fry the Chicken Strips

Place the breaded chicken strips in a single layer inside the basket. Lightly spray the tops with vegetable oil to promote that golden brown crunch. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning on both sides.

How to Serve Crunchy Air Fryer Chicken Strips (Chicken Tenders) Recipe

Inside a black air fryer basket, there are four pieces of breaded chicken arranged in a loose cluster. Each piece is coated with a light golden breadcrumb layer, showing a rough texture with tiny grains covering the whole surface. The basket has ridges visible beneath the chicken pieces, and the area outside the basket shows a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving to brighten up the dish visually and flavor-wise. A drizzle of honey mustard or your favorite dipping sauce creates an extra layer of excitement that your guests will love.

Side Dishes

These chicken strips pair beautifully with classic sides like crispy fries, creamy coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad. For a lighter option, roasted vegetables with a hint of garlic and olive oil make a wonderful accompaniment.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these chicken tenders over a bed of vibrant mixed greens for a quick salad meal. You can also arrange them in a sandwich or wrap, layered with crunchy slaw and spicy mayo for a delightful handheld treat. The presentation is limited only by your imagination!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken strips in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or snacks the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, lay the breaded and uncooked chicken strips on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, you can air fry straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftover chicken strips in the air fryer at 350 degrees for about 3-5 minutes to regain their crunch. Avoid microwaving to keep them crispy and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes! You can slice chicken breasts into strips and follow the same breading and cooking process. Just keep an eye on cooking time as thicker pieces may take a bit longer.

What if I don’t have bread crumbs?

You can substitute with crushed crackers, panko, or even crushed cornflakes for extra crunch. Each option will add a slightly different texture and flavor.

Is it necessary to spray the chicken with oil before air frying?

While not absolutely necessary, spraying the chicken with oil helps the bread crumbs turn crispier and achieve a beautiful golden color without deep frying.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap out traditional bread crumbs for gluten-free alternatives or crushed nuts to keep it safe and still delicious.

How do I know when the chicken strips are done?

The chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, and the breading should be golden brown and crispy. The air fryer’s quick cooking time makes it easy to achieve perfect results every time.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly satisfying about biting into crunchy, golden chicken strips that are perfectly seasoned and cooked just right. This Crunchy Air Fryer Chicken Strips (Chicken Tenders) Recipe is my go-to for fuss-free, crowd-pleasing chicken that’s ready in a flash. Whether for dinner or a snack, once you try it, you’ll find it hard to go back to anything else. Give it a whirl—you’re going to love these crunchy, juicy bites as much as I do!

Crunchy Air Fryer Chicken Strips (Chicken Tenders) Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need