Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – No Breading is a great choice for those who want a healthier and quicker alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders. They are juicy, flavorful, and come together in no time. By using an air fryer, you get all the crispy goodness without the excessive oil and calories. It’s a perfect dish for both kids and adults, making it a family favorite!
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – No Breading
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1/2 tbsp lemon pepper
- 1.5 tbsp garlic powder
- 1.5 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 1.5 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt (Optional if lemon pepper spice isn’t salted)
Directions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
- Pat dry the chicken tenders, especially if they are defrosted from frozen. Toss them with avocado oil in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine the seasonings: lemon pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, smoked paprika, and salt.
- Toss the chicken tenders with half of the seasonings. Then, as you transfer each piece to the air fryer, rub it with the remaining seasonings.
- Make sure to leave space between the chicken tenders in the air fryer. You might need to cook them in batches. For 2 lbs of chicken, I had to cook three batches.
- Cook at 375°F for 10-16 minutes, flipping the tenders at the 6-minute mark. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Repeat with the remaining chicken tenders.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – No Breading
Serve your air fryer chicken tenders hot with a side of fresh salad, dipping sauces, or your favorite veggies. They are perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a snack. You can also pair them with mashed potatoes or rice for a heartier meal.
How to Store Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – No Breading
If you have leftovers, store the chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for about 3-4 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispiness.
Tips to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – No Breading
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry well to ensure a crispy texture.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste. Feel free to add more spices if you like.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket for even cooking.
Variation
You can easily change the flavors by adjusting the spices. Try using buffalo seasoning for a spicy kick or Italian herbs for a different taste. You can also use boneless chicken breasts cut into strips if you don’t have tenders.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly, and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
2. What dipping sauces can I serve with chicken tenders?
Some popular options include ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or ketchup.
3. Can I make chicken tenders without oil?
While oil helps to achieve crispiness, you can try skipping it. Just remember that the texture might be less crispy.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – No Breading
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
Seasonings
- 1/2 tbsp lemon pepper Optional if not salted
- 1.5 tbsp garlic powder
- 1.5 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 1.5 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt Optional if lemon pepper spice isn't salted
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
- Pat dry the chicken tenders, especially if they are defrosted from frozen.
- Toss the tenders with avocado oil in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine the seasonings: lemon pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, smoked paprika, and salt.
- Toss the chicken tenders with half of the seasonings.
- As you transfer each piece to the air fryer, rub it with the remaining seasonings.
Cooking
- Ensure there's space between the chicken tenders in the air fryer; you may need to cook them in batches.
- Cook at 375°F for 10-16 minutes, flipping the tenders at the 6-minute mark.
- The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Repeat with the remaining chicken tenders.
