Wednesday, June 8, 2022
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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (No Breading)


Tender and juicy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders With No Breading are a fast and tasty recipe that is ready in only 20 minutes (including prep!). Enjoy this delicious air fryer chicken recipe with your favorite side dishes for a fast weeknight meal.

a plate of air fryer chicken tenders without breading topped with parsley.

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These chicken tenders in the air fryer are so tender and juicy, and they’re ready in a flash. Seriously! They bake in just 7 minutes and only need a few minutes of prep time.

That means you can grill the chicken and top a plate of Lemon Garlic Pasta in under 20 minutes. Dinner is saved and you’re about to be a hero. That cape looks nice on you.

3 photos showing how to make unbreaded chicken tenders in the air fryer

Meal Prep Tips

You can slice and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours before cooking. Keep it in an air-tight container in the fridge.

Double the recipe and cook half and freeze the other half uncooked for future fast meals. It’s a classic Prep Once Cook Twice hack.

To freeze cooked chicken, allow it to fully cool. We like to freeze some tenders whole on a rimmed baking sheet and then transfer to freezer storage. This prevents the chicken from freezing together in one clump.

I’m a fan of dicing up some of the cooked chicken to freeze so later I can throw it on top of a Kale Chopped Salad, in a Cold Soba Noodle Salad, or to make a quick Dill Chicken Salad.

You can also use it in place of the raw chicken for our Chicken Pasta Broccoli Bake.

Budget hack: Precut chicken tenders are usually more expensive than boneless skinless chicken breasts. You’ll save money by purchasing chicken breasts (we get ours from Butcher Box) and cutting them into tenders yourself.

Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Variations

This recipe uses a very simple seasoning of olive oil, smoked paprika, and Montreal steak seasoning. You’re welcome to use your favorite seasoning, rub, or even a sauce. Use my recipe as a baseline and then go make it your own!

Top your finished chicken with Cilantro Chimichurri, Chipotle Sauce, or Sugar-Free Barbeque Sauce.

Pro Tips/Recipe Notes

  • For best results, marinate the chicken with olive oil and seasoning for at least 30 minutes.
  • Do not skip the step of preheating the air fryer. A hot air fryer means the chicken starts cooking right away and fully cooks in less time. Shorter cooking time = juicier chicken.
  • This is a great recipe to use air fryer parchment if you have any hanging around. No parchment? Liberally brush olive oil on the basket prior to adding the chicken.
  • All air fryers will be slightly different for cooking time. Test your chicken at the 5-minute mark.
  • Use an instant-read meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is fully cooked to 165F.
  • Cover the chicken and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes prior to serving. This keeps it extra juicy!

More Delicious Chicken Recipes

unbreaded chicken strips on a grey plate topped with parsley

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (No Breading)

Prep Time5 mins

Cook Time7 mins

Marinating time (optional)30 mins

Total Time12 mins

Tender and juicy air fryer chicken tenders without breading is a fast and tasty recipe that is ready in only 20 minutes (including prep!). Enjoy this delicious air fryer chicken recipe with your favorite side dishes for a fast weeknight meal.

  • Slice chicken breasts into tenders/strips.

  • Combine with olive oil, Montreal steak seasoning, and smoked paprika. (optional) : cover and marinate for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

  • Preheat air fryer for 3 minutes at 370F.

  • Brush olive oil in the preheated air fryer basket or use air fryer parchment. Position chicken tenders in the basket so that they aren’t touching.

  • Cook at 370F for 5 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes (some models may need more or less time).

  • Test chicken with an instant-read thermometer. Chicken must be cooked to 165F.

  • Cover the chicken and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes prior to serving. This keeps it extra juicy!

  1. For best results, marinate the chicken with olive oil and seasoning for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Do not skip the step of preheating the air fryer. A hot air fryer means the chicken starts cooking right away and fully cooks in less time. Shorter cooking time = juicier chicken.
  3. All air fryers will be slightly different for cooking time. Test your chicken at the 5-minute mark.
  4. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is fully cooked to 165F.
  5. Reheat at 350F for 2-3 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (No Breading)

Amount Per Serving (4 oz)

Calories 144
Calories from Fat 36

% Daily Value*

Fat 4g6%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 2g

Cholesterol 73mg24%

Sodium 132mg6%

Potassium 424mg12%

Carbohydrates 1g0%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 24g48%

Vitamin A 78IU2%

Vitamin C 1mg1%

Calcium 11mg1%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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