Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are coated with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic, onion, herbs, and cayenne for juicy chicken with a lightly crisp seasoned edge. They work well for a fast weeknight dinner, meal prep protein, salads, wraps, or a simple chicken plate.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Tongs
- Instant-read thermometer
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2-1 teaspoon cayenne pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Instructions
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels so the oil and seasonings cling well.
- Stir together the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, salt, black pepper, cayenne, oregano, and basil.
- Toss the chicken tenders with olive oil, then coat evenly with the seasoning blend.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 2-3 minutes.
- Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, cooking in batches if needed.
- Air fry at 400°F for 9-11 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check that the thickest tender reaches 165°F, then rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Notes
Storage: Store cooled chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, flipping once, until hot and lightly crisp.
Air Fryer Tips: Preheat briefly, keep the basket in a single layer, and start checking early because tender size and air fryer strength can vary.
Extra Crispy Tips: Pat the chicken dry, use enough oil to coat the spices, and avoid crowding so the seasoned outside browns instead of steaming.
Variations: Use less cayenne for mild tenders, add lemon after cooking, or finish with Parmesan while the chicken is hot.