Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Crispy, juicy chicken tenders made effortlessly in an air fryer, seasoned to perfection for delicious comfort food.
Ingredients
Chicken and Oil
- 1 pound chicken tenders Tender, juicy pieces of chicken.
- 1.5 tablespoons olive oil Adds moisture and flavor.
Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika Infuses a warm, smoky depth.
- 2 teaspoons onion powder Brings a sweet and savory aroma.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder Adds robust flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme Balances the spices.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt Essential for flavor enhancement.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper Provides a hint of heat.
- 0.5-1 teaspoon cayenne pepper Add to taste for spiciness.
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano Imparts an herby note.
- 0.5 teaspoon dried basil Adds freshness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
- Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and toss to coat.
Seasoning
- In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, oregano, and basil.
- Sprinkle the seasoning blend over the chicken and massage it into the tenders.
Cooking
- Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the chicken in oil and spices for 30 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure crispiness. Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.