Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with no breading is something for the whole family! Kiddos will enjoy juicy, perfectly spiced chicken, while parents can enjoy an easy, under 30 minute dinner, with your air fryer. Best of both worlds and super tasty too!
These air fryer naked chicken tenders couldn’t be easier. We simply season them with our seasonings (salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and onion powder) and set them in the air fryer and forgot it!
I love this seasoning combo and I use it all of the time in my recipes. You will find it on my Crispy chicken thighs, my air fryer whole chicken, and my bacon wrapped chicken thighs.
If you are not a fan of smoked paprika, you can simply leave it out or use regular paprika instead. I love the smoked, though, as it adds so much flavor!
Tips for the best air fryer chicken tenders with no breading:
- Pre-heat your air fryer for consistent results
- Spray the air fryer basket after it is pre-heated so the cooking spray doesn’t burn (or use avocado oil spray that has a higher smoke point)
- There is non need to use cooking spray on the chicken tenders since they are skinless. In fact, cooking spray may make the outer flesh crispy, dry, and leathery.
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken tenders?
Yes! I actually prefer to use chicken breast because they do not have the tough tendon to mess with! Cut 2 chicken breast in 3 strips each to make 6 chicken tenders.
The air fryer I love is linked down below in the recipe card. You can also see me review another popular air fryer in this video on YouTube.
My family uses the air fryer daily and we love making air fryer steak bites and mushrooms, air fryer avocado fries, and air fryer bacon!
Air Fryer Naked Chicken Tenders - No breading
INGREDIENTS
- 6 Chicken tenders
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
EQUIPMENT
INSTRUCTIONS
- Start by preheating your air fryer at 380F for 5 minutes.
- While your air fryer is preheating, place the chicken tenders in a zip lock bag of bowl. Then add all your spices to your bag or bowl and toss to coat.
- Once your chicken tenders are coated, spray the inside of your air fryer with cooking spray. Place the chicken tenders in your basket and cook for 13 minutes. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to assure they are 165F.
- Let cool and enjoy!
JENNIFER'S TIPS
- Chicken breast instead of tenders: Cut 2 chicken breast in 3 strips each to make 6 chicken tenders. I actually prefer to use chicken breast because they do not have the tough tendon to mess with!
Shanda Lynn Singletary says
I prefer chicken breast without the breading!! Nothing more that I love than a delicious, juicy, flavorful chicken breast! I took your advice and used 3 chicken breast and cut them into tenders as I do not like the tendon either!! I added a few more seasonings I had like a cilantro lime by Badia, and a cajun mix and oh this was so yummy!! I loved it, my kids loved it and this will become a staple in our home!!
Dana Gentry says
Finally, a non-breaded chicken tenders recipe where someone gave me the exact measurements for the spices! Some of us are challenged!! Thanks so much!!
Cindy says
What is you use frozen tenders? Sounds like a great recipe excited to try!!
Mark says
I use Mrs Dash and sprinkle some onion powder and garlic powder in the bag . This stuff makes an awesome meat for a salad as a meal . It also is delicious mixed with Ziti noodles .
Allison says
I made the chicken tenders tonight. I cooked them in olive oil in a skillet.. Good stuff. I made a white wine gravy. We are not keto, I could not find a good chicken recipe for my family. Next time I will use strips from chicken breasts to thighs. 4*
Margaret says
I was really only looking for a cooking temperature and time for my chicken tenders but the way she makes her in this blog are similar to what I did. So even though I did not make it exactly the same, the preparation was very very close. That’s why she gets five stars!
Becky says
I love this recipe! I usually mess up chicken dinner. This recipe is perfect! Tender, juicy strips that the whole family will love!!! Thanks!
Cecelia LaForge says
OMG…made these tonight. So delicious!!
Barb says
Delicious and so quick and easy. I use boneless skinless thighs as we prefer dark meat.
Terryce R Gilchrist says
Maybe it’s my small air fryer, but these were very dry, almost burned with the given instructions. The seasonings were nice, except I would cut the salt in half. Even tried cooking the last batch at 360 degrees for 12 minutes. Would have to cut it down at least 2 minutes.
Annie says
Delicious! I only used 1/2 the oregano because I’m not a fan of the herb flavor and will use 1/2 the salt next time, but I know these will be a weekly make for me to keep in the fridge and pull out a strip of chicken when I need a filling snack or a light dinner! So excited to find this recipe!
Cathy O says
Super easy and delicious!!! Mixed it with cauliflower rice and fresh vegetables. Will definitely be doing this again!!!
Mesha K says
These were super juicy and delicious!!! So easy to make!
Anna B says
These are amazing! My husband and I have been living a Whole30 lifestyle for about 2 years now and we have a very picky 8 year old. All 3 of us love them and I love that they are super easy to make!
Jennifer Griffin says
Exactly what I was looking for! Tasty chicken tenders without any breading. So delicious and easy. Thanks!
McKenna says
These were great, we didn’t miss the breading at all!
CHERIE ALSTON says
Made them for dinner tonight and they taste delicious!