Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Extra Crispy!)

5 from 89 votes

These super crispy, juicy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are so flavorful and taste so much better when homemade. You will taste the difference!

Prep Time5

Cook Time12

Brining Time30

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Mix water with kosher salt and sugar in a large bowl until they are dissolved. Submerge the chicken tenders in the solution and brine for 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
In a small bowl mix salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
In a separate large bowl, add flour, eggs, and 1 teaspoon of the seasoning mix. Mix well until the batter is slightly looser than pancake batter. If too thick, add 1 tablespoon of water at a time and mix until you reach the consistency shown in the video.
On a large plate or pan, mix the panko breadcrumbs and the remaining seasoning mix.
Remove the chicken tenders from the brining solution and pat them dry with a paper towel. Dip the chicken tenders in the egg & flour mixture then let the excess liquid drip off. Place the tenders in the panko breadcrumbs and pack the breading in well, pressing tightly with your hands. Lay them onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet or plate.
Spray the top side of the chicken tenders with the neutral oil spray. Place the sprayed side face down in the air fryer basket and spray the other side of the chicken tenders. Air fry the chicken tenders at 400F for 8 minutes. Flip and air fry the chicken tenders again at 400F for another 4-6 minutes until the panko is golden and crispy.

Storage Tips

In the Refrigerator: Store the cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat at 375°F for 4-5 minutes until warmed through and the exterior is crispy.
In the Freezer: Freeze the uncooked chicken tenders in a single layer in the freezer until frozen solid. Place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To cook, follow the same cooking instructions but add 2-4 minutes of extra cooking time after the first flip.

Top Cooking Tips for Crispy Chicken Tenders

Brine your chicken - this adds moisture to the meat and keeps it extra juicy during the air frying process. You'll be able to air fry the exterior for longer and at a higher temperature, ensuring an extra crispy exterior while keeping the chicken moist.
If you are short on time or don't want to deal with brining, at a minimum I suggest sprinkling the chicken with a 2:1 ratio of salt and sugar and letting that absorb into the chicken while you prepare the other ingredients. It will make a difference!
Ensure that you are patting the chicken dry after brining and using enough oil spray to cover all parts of the breading before air frying! These are my two key tips for preventing soggy chicken tenders.
Do not be gentle when breading the chicken tenders in the panko. Use your hands to really press the panko breadcrumbs into the chicken, then shake off any excess. You should not see any bald or damp spots on the chicken tenders after the breading is added. This will ensure the breading does not fall off in the air fryer!
Cooking Times: Because air fryers vary by model and power, cooking times may vary. 8 minutes at 400°F should be your initial base line in the initial air fry. The 2nd air fry is where you can adjust the cooking time to get the chicken strips as crispy as you like!