These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are perfectly crispy and golden on the outside, juicy on the inside, and so easy to make! A delicious weeknight dinner loved by all ages.

Large white plate with crispy air fryer chicken tenders, a small white bowl filled with honey mustard sauce, and mixed greens.

Crispy Homemade Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer

Chicken tenders remind me of Harbor House Cafe in Dana Point, California. I spent my prime pre-teen years eating there at least once a week and remember their chicken tenders being especially delicious – especially when dipped in their sweet and creamy honey mustard sauce.

Many years later and I still love chicken tenders (aka chicken strips or chicken fingers). And even though it’s been nearly two decades since I’ve eaten at Harbor House Cafe, their chicken tenders have never faded from my memories.

Today I’m sharing how to make chicken tenders in the air fryer. Super easy to make and so much healthier than traditional fried chicken tenders, these are just as crispy and delicious. No utensils are required these homemade air fryer chicken tenders are perfect for dipping into all of your favorite sauces (you’ll find a honey dijon dipping sauce recipe in the recipe card below).

Of course, if chicken tenders aren’t your thing (or maybe your toddlers), you can try these easy air fryer chicken nuggets, instead.

Ingredients to make easy chicken tenders in the air fryer.

How to Cook Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer

Pat your chicken tenders dry to remove any excess moisture. Season all over with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Whisk together the eggs and the milk in a medium shallow bowl. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to season. In a separate large, shallow bowl or plate combine the breadcrumbs.
One at a time coat the chicken tenders first in the egg mixture and then in the breadcrumb mixture. Gently press the chicken into the breadcrumbs to help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees f for 5 minutes. Open the air fryer basket and spray with a light coating of olive oil cooking spray. Add the chicken tenders in a single, non-overlapping or touching layer.
Cook the chicken tenders for approximately 7-10 minutes, flipping once halfway through cooking.
Repeat until all of the chicken tenders have been cooked.

How long to cook chicken tenders in the air fryer?

It will take about 8-10 minutes to fully cook chicken tenders in an air fryer that’s been preheated to 400 degrees f. Factors that may influence how long it will take for your chicken tenders to cook include the size of your tenders and the brand/model of air fryer you are using.

Six images showing chicken tenders being seasoned and coated in breading before cooking.

Cooking chicken tenders in an air fryer.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Transfer the breaded raw chicken tenders to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper until you’re ready to cook the next batch.
To keep your first batch of chicken tenders warm as the second (or third) batch cooks, place them in a regular oven preheated to 250 degrees f.
Add optional seasonings to your breadcrumb mixture. Some suggestions include four tablespoons parmesan cheese, half teaspoon Italian seasoning, half teaspoon garlic powder, or half teaspoon onion powder.
To make gluten-free air-fried chicken tenders, replace the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs and panko breadcrumbs.

Storage and Reheating

Keep leftovers stored in an airtight container and in the refrigerator until ready to reheat. Reheating is easy. Simply preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees f and spray the inside basket with a light coat of olive oil cooking spray. Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes, or until crispy and heated through!

White plate with honey mustard sauce and sliced air fryer chicken tenders.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

First and foremost, serve these delicious tenders with all of your favorite dipping sauces! Honey mustard is my favorite but creamy ranch dressing, ketchup, BBQ sauce, or chipotle mayo are all yummy. In addition to the dipping sauce, chicken tenders love a good salad like this simple arugula salad or fresh tomato salad, and, of course, a side of fries!

More Air Fryer Recipes to Try Next,

Small white plate with three golden chicken tenders garnished with parsley.

Have you tried making Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer?

Tell me about it in the comments below! I always love to hear your thoughts. And tag me #theforkedspoon on Instagram if you’ve made any of my recipes, I always love to see what you’re cooking in the kitchen.