Air Fryer Seasoned Chicken Tenders
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 20–22 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds (680 g) chicken tenders
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Optional Dipping Sauces
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard
- Barbecue sauce
- Buffalo sauce
- Garlic aioli
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Add the chicken tenders and toss until evenly coated.
- Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until the chicken is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- French fries or sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw
- Macaroni and cheese
- Steamed vegetables
- Garden salad
- Corn on the cob
Tips
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for the crispiest results.
- For extra-crispy tenders, lightly spray the chicken with cooking oil before air frying.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese to the seasoning blend for a savory twist.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes to maintain their crisp texture.