0 from 9 votes
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (No Breading)
These healthy air fryer chicken tenders are made without breading in under 15 minutes. Coat them in BBQ or buffalo sauce for an easy weeknight meal everyone will love. They are juicy, flavorful, keto, and gluten-free!
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 231 kcal
Course:
Lunch
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders (8 - 10 pieces) or 3 chicken breasts cut into tenders
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- OPTIONAL SAUCES: BBQ Sauce, Buffalo sauce, teriyaki, or honey sriracha sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F.
- Trim off all fat and tendons from chicken tenders. Or, if using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut them into 1-inch thick strips.
- Add chicken tenders to a large mixing bowl with the olive oil and all the seasonings. Toss to coat.
- Place the seasoned (breadless) chicken tenders into the preheated air fryer basket and lightly spray them with olive oil or avocado oil spray.
- Air fry at 380°F for 8 - 11 minutes, flipping once halfway through. They should be golden, with crispy edges, and the internal temperature of the chicken is 165°F.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce and a squeeze of lemon, and sprinkle of fresh parsley. Enjoy!
- OPTIONAL SAUCES: heat ½ cup of bbq, buffalo sauce, or honey sriracha sauce in a microwave-safe bowl for 20 - 40 seconds. Once the chicken is done, add it to a clean mixing and toss it with the sauce.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Use chicken breast or chicken tenderloins. I love that you can use pre-cut chicken tenderloins or cut-up whole chicken breasts. Both work perfectly.
- Adding sauce. I love adding sauce after the tenders are done cooking to mix things up. I make this recipe at least once a week, so it is great adding some variety. Try BBQ, buffalo, teriyaki, garlic ginger, or honest siracha.
- Bake Them: You can also bake these healthy chicken tenders in the oven. Simply preheat your oven to 425°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the seasoned chicken tenders onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10 – 14 minutes, until the edges are slightly crispy and the internal temperature of the chicken is 165°F.
- Make Ahead: These air fryer chicken tenders are excellent for meal prep, lunch, and dinner. Let them cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or the air fryer at 250°F for 5 – 10 minutes.
- Storing: For best results, store leftover air fryer chicken tenders without breading in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 30 – 60 seconds until warm or in the air fryer at 250°F for 5 – 7 minutes (or until warm).
Nutrition Information
Calories
231kcal
(12%)
Carbohydrates
1g
(0%)
Protein
36g
(72%)
Fat
8g
(12%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
4g
Trans Fat
0.02g
Cholesterol
109mg
(36%)
Sodium
780mg
(33%)
Potassium
658mg
(19%)
Fiber
0.4g
(2%)
Sugar
0.1g
(0%)
Vitamin A
299IU
(6%)
Vitamin C
2mg
(2%)
Calcium
14mg
(1%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 231
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 231kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 36g | 72% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 0.02g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 109mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 780mg | 33% |
| Potassium | 658mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 0.4g | 2% |
| Sugar | 0.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 299IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 14mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.