My Grandson’s Favorite Dinner
My grandson Leo calls these his “magic strips.” He loves how crispy they get. The secret is patting the chicken very dry first. I still laugh at that. He used to skip that step and wonder why they steamed.
This is a perfect kid friendly air fryer meal. It’s also a quick air fryer recipe for busy nights. You just toss, season, and cook. Why does this matter? Knowing one reliable recipe takes the stress out of dinner. Everyone gets fed with a smile.
Why Skip the Breading?
You might miss the crunchy coating. I did at first. But these crispy chicken tenders no breading surprised me. The spices stick right to the chicken. They make a delicious crust all on their own.
This makes them wonderful gluten free chicken tenders. They are also great keto chicken tenders. *Fun fact:* The air fryer works like a tiny, super-hot oven. It crisps food using air, not a lot of oil. Isn’t that clever?
The Simple Seasoning Shake
Let’s talk about the spice mix. It’s just garlic, onion, paprika, and Italian herbs. I keep a jar of it mixed up. It makes everything taste like home. Doesn’t that smell amazing when it hits the warm chicken?
Using air fryer chicken tenderloins is key. They cook so fast and evenly. This method turns them into a high protein chicken recipe. What’s your family’s favorite spice? Mine is always paprika.
Cooking Them Just Right
Here is my big tip. Do not crowd the basket. Give each tender some space. This lets the hot air move all around. That is how you get the perfect golden color. I learned this the hard way with a batch of soggy fries!
Flip them halfway. It only takes 8 to 10 minutes total. You will have healthy chicken tenders ready in a flash. Why does this matter? Good food does not have to take all day. An easy weeknight dinner keeps everyone happy.
More Than Just Strips
These strips are very versatile. Leo loves them with carrot sticks. My daughter slices them over a salad. I even chop them up for a quick chicken soup, like my classic chicken noodle soup.
They remind me that simple is best. Do you have a different way to serve them? Maybe in a wrap or with pasta? For a fancier chicken night, you might try my chicken cacciatore. But for a regular Tuesday, these strips are my hero.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken tenderloins | 1.5 pounds | |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | |
| Garlic powder | 2 teaspoons | |
| Onion powder | 1 1/2 teaspoons | |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon | |
| Italian seasoning | 1 1/2 teaspoons | |
| Sea salt | 1 teaspoon | |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Parsley | For garnish | Optional |
Instructions
Step 1: First, pat your chicken tenderloins very dry. This helps our healthy chicken tenders get wonderfully crispy. I use a clean kitchen towel. It feels like tucking them in for a nap!
Step 2: Next, drizzle on the oil and toss. In another bowl, mix all your spices. Smell that? It’s magic. Sprinkle it all over the chicken. (Mix your spices in the bowl first for an even coat every time).
Step 3: Now, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Give the basket a quick spray. Lay the air fryer chicken tenders in one layer. Don’t crowd them, dear. This is the secret for crispy chicken tenders no breading.
Step 4: Cook for about 8-10 minutes. Flip them halfway through. They’ll be golden and perfect. What’s the best tool for flipping? A pair of tongs or a fork? Share below! This is one of my favorite quick air fryer recipes.
Creative Twists
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne to the spice mix. Cheesy Crust: Sprinkle with grated parmesan right before cooking. Lemon Herb: Use lemon pepper instead of Italian seasoning. Which one would you try first? Comment below!Serving & Pairing Ideas
These gluten free chicken tenders are so versatile. For a high protein chicken recipe, serve them on a big salad. They also make a kid friendly air fryer meal with carrot sticks and dip. My grandson loves them with a side of my classic chicken noodle soup. It’s the perfect easy weeknight dinner. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Chicken Tenders Perfect for Later
Let’s talk about storing these crispy chicken tenders. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer in a container. You can keep them in the fridge for three days.
For the freezer, wrap each tenderloin in parchment paper. Pop them all into a freezer bag. They will stay good for two months. This makes for a fantastic quick air fryer recipes option on busy nights.
I remember my first batch. I put them in a bowl while warm. The next day, they were soggy! Now I always let them cool on the rack. Reheat them in your air fryer at 380°F for three minutes. This brings back the crunch.
Batch cooking these healthy chicken tenders matters. It turns a hectic Wednesday into a calm one. You already have a high protein chicken recipe ready to go. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Kitchen Hiccups
We all face little problems in the kitchen. Here are three easy fixes. First, chicken sticking to the basket? Always give it a light spray with oil first. This creates a non-stick surface.
Second, seasoning not sticking? Pat your air fryer chicken tenderloins very dry first. Moisture is the enemy of flavor. I once forgot this step. My spices all slid right off into the basket!
Third, crowded food that won’t get crispy? Never overlap. Cook in batches for the best results. This gives hot air room to circulate around each piece. It makes all the difference for crispy chicken tenders no breading.
Fixing these issues matters. It builds your cooking confidence. You feel like a pro! It also guarantees better flavor in every bite. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
How do you make chicken tenders crispy in the air fryer?
The secret is dryness and space. Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels. This removes moisture that causes steaming. Then, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the tenders in one layer without touching. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway. This method guarantees perfect keto chicken tenders and gluten free chicken tenders every single time.
How to get your chicken crispy in the air fryer?
High heat and oil are key. A light coat of olive oil helps the skin crisp beautifully. The hot, circulating air of the fryer then does its magic. Remember, do not overcrowd the basket. This is one of the best kid friendly air fryer meals because it’s so reliably crunchy and delicious.
What is the secret to crispy tenders?
The number one secret is to avoid steam. Starting with very dry chicken is crucial. Also, ensure your air fryer is fully preheated. A hot start sears the outside fast. This locks in juices and creates that golden, crispy exterior we all love for an easy weeknight dinner.
How long should I Air Fry a chicken strip?
For standard tenders, cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. Always flip them halfway through the cooking time. The best test is a meat thermometer. The inside should reach 165°F. This timing makes them a perfect quick air fryer recipes star. They are much faster than heating the big oven!
How do you make crispy chicken tenders in an air fryer?
Use a simple spice rub for flavor and crunch. Combine garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss dried chicken with oil, then coat with spices. The spices form a delicious crust. This creates the best air fryer chicken tenders without any breading. It’s a healthier choice the whole family will enjoy.
How do I make my chicken more crispy in an air fryer?
For extra crunch, let the chicken rest after seasoning. Five minutes helps the coating set. You can also spritz the coated tenders lightly with oil before cooking. This promotes even browning. *Fun fact: The air fryer works like a mini convection oven, blowing hot air all around the food.* Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love these crispy tenders as much as my grandkids do. They are a true favorite in my home. They prove that healthy chicken tenders can be incredibly tasty too.
For another cozy family meal, try this slow cooker honey garlic chicken. Or, for a special Sunday dinner, my chicken cacciatore is always a hit. Cooking should be simple and full of joy.
Now, I’d love to hear from you. Have you tried this recipe? Tell me all about it in the comments. Share your stories and your own little tips. Happy cooking!
—Elowen Thorn
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Strips
Description
Crispy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked chicken strips made easily in the air fryer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Place the chicken tenders in a large bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the tenders and toss to coat evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken tenders, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the seasoned chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; you may need to cook in batches.
- Cook the chicken tenders for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Serve.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray the seasoned chicken with cooking spray before air frying. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.