Air Fryer Naked Chicken Tenders
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These Air Fryer Naked Chicken Tenders are incredibly easy to make but also a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders. They are so convenient and delicious I have long since stopped buying over priced frozen chicken tenders from the grocery store.
Air Fryer Naked Chicken Tenders make an excellent addition to your weekly meal prep. They are so easy and versatile that I prep up a bunch and incorporate them into various meals throughout the week.
Serving Tips:
Salads – Slice the chicken tenders and add them as a protein-packed topping for salads.
Wraps – Create a delicious wrap and add your favored fresh veggies and sauce. These are a great substitution to use in my Grilled Chicken Buffalo Wrap recipe in place of the grilled chicken.
Snack Time – Pair them with a dipping sauce of your choice and enjoy them on their own for quick snack.
How to Cook Air Frying Naked Chicken Tenders
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F.
Remove the chicken tenderloins from the packaging and pat dry with a paper towel.
In a small bowl, ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick. You can add more or less cayenne for your taste.
In a medium-sized bowl, toss the chicken tenderloins in a bit of olive oil until coated. Add the spice mix and toss again to ensure an even coating.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the chicken tenderloins in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray. This step helps the air fryer work it’s magic and creates that golden crispyness.
Place the tray into your preheated air fryer and cook for 12-15 minutes. Halfway through flip the tenders over and lightly spray with more cooking spray. Continue cooking while carefully watching for that golden brown look. They cook fast and you don’t want to burn them.
When done remove from the air fryer and check the temperature with an instant-read thermometer. They should have an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce, add to a healthy salad, or create a delicious wrap!
Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigeration: Allow the chicken tenders to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Place them in an airtight container or sealable plastic bag. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: If you want to store them for a longer period, consider freezing the chicken tenders. Follow these steps:
- Allow the tenders to cool completely.
- Once frozen, transfer the tenders to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
- Frozen chicken tenders can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: Whether refrigerated or frozen, reheating the chicken tenders in the air fryer is a great way to maintain their crispy texture. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and reheat for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are thoroughly reheated.
Air Fryer Naked Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 12 chicken tenderloins
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
- Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F.
- Take the chicken tenderloins out of the packaging and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- In a small bowl, mix ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- In a medium-sized bowl, toss the chicken tenderloins in a bit of olive oil until coated. Add the spice mix and toss again to ensure an even coating.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place the chicken tenderloins in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Ensure they are not overcrowded to allow for proper air circulation.
- Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray. This step contributes to the tenders' golden crispyness.
- Cook in the preheated air fryer for 12-15 minutes, flipping hallway through. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken again with cooking spray.
- Once they look golden brown check the temperature with an instant read thermometer. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F.
- Once they tenders are crispy and cooked through, remove them a let rest for a moment.
- A simple, delicious, and healthier alternative chicken tender meal is ready!
Notes
- Allow the tenders to cool completely.
- Once frozen, transfer the tenders to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
- Frozen chicken tenders can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
