These Air Fryer Naked Chicken Tenders with no breading recipe is perfect for the whole family! Kids will enjoy juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken, while parents can enjoy an easy recipe with simple ingredients and all in under 30 minutes. This air fryer recipe is gluten free, Paleo, keto, and low carb friendly.
Healthy air fryer chicken tenders
These air fryer naked chicken tenders couldn't be easier. We simply season them with our dry rub (salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and onion powder) and set them in the air fryer and forgot it!
I love this seasoning blend 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!
Cooking chicken tenderloins in the air fryer means less oil, without sacrificing flavor.
Tips for the best air fryer naked chicken tenders with no breading:
- Pre-heat your air fryer for consistent results
- Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you have a smaller air fryer, you will want to cook these unbranded chicken tenders in batches or cut the recipe in half.
- 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.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to determine when you naked chicken tenders are done cooking. Air fryers tend to cook differently and the size of chicken tenders vary. Periodically check the tenders to see if they are done by inserting the probe of the meat thermometer halfway through the thickest portion of the chicken meat. You want to cook them until they are 165F.
Pro tip:
- For best results, remove the tough tendon that runs through the center of each chicken tenderloin before cooking.
- The tendon is usually hanging out of one end of the chicken tenderloin. Grab the tendon firmly with a small piece of a paper towel and place the tendon between the tines of a fork. In one motion, pull the tendon up with one hand and push the fork down with the other hand. This will pull the tendon right out.
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken tenders?
Yes! I actually prefer to use whole chicken breast because they do not have the tough tendon to mess with! Cut 2 chicken breast in 3 strips each, lengthwise, to make 6 chicken tenders.
How long do you cook raw tenders in the air fryer?
Raw chicken tenders need about 10-12 minutes at 380F. The cooking time will also depend on the size of your chicken tenders and your model of air fryer. The best way to make sure chicken tenders are perfectly cooked is to use a meat thermometer and make sure they are 165F.
Dipping sauces for air fryer chicken tenderloins
- Buffalo sauce
- Honey Mustard - This is my favorite dipping sauce!
- BBQ sauce - I like to use a sugar free, keto friendly BBQ sauce
- This Healthy Ranch Dressing Recipe is only 24 calories per serving!
Storage and meal prep
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Pair with a side like Cauliflower Mac and cheese for a complete meal.
- Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes! To use frozen chicken tenders, you will simply need to add additional minutes to the cook time so they cook all of the way through. This will result in a browned outside and juicy inside pieces of chicken!
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.
More air fryer recipes
My family uses the air fryer for simple weeknight dinners and we love making air fryer steak bites and mushrooms, air fryer avocado fries, and air fryer bacon!
Easy Air Fryer Naked Chicken Tenders - No breading
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Ingredients
- 8 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 or bowl. Then add all your spices to your bag or large 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 in a single layer and cook for 10-12 minutes. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to assure they are 165F.
- Let cool and enjoy!
Notes
- 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!
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition per serving
Nutrition is provided as a courtesy only. Please re-calculate on your own with the ingredients and amounts you used for the most accurate data.
Anna B says
This recipe has been a family favorite since the first time we tried it. I've made it several times a month for YEARS now. Sometimes I make it with boneless thighs cut in half. Excellent!!!
Shawna says
I am cooking this receipe in my airfryer at this VERY moment and let me tell you, the aroma that is flowing from my kitchen is absolutely divine!! I can not WAIT to bite into these amazing tenderloins that I am using, So excited for dinner tonight!!
Cara Price says
Absolutely delicious and so east!
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!