Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Without Breading

These air fryer chicken tenders, made without breading, are a delicious and versatile option for a quick, gluten free meal. They're perfect for meal prep, as they can be stored in the fridge for several days. Pair them with a healthy salad for an easy and quick dinner, or use them in wraps or sandwiches for a different meal option.

Preparing a quick meal is my top priority when feeding my family. With our busy lives, I always aim to have something ready within 45 minutes.

Meal Prep Chicken Tenders and Why You'll Love Preparing Them in an Air Fryer

If you own an air fryer, you can prepare meals quickly. I postponed getting one for a long time (I'm not sure why), but now I'm so glad I finally did.

I used to struggle cooking chicken breasts on the stove or in the oven because they often turned out dry. Most of the time, I would have to pair them with a sauce to compensate for the dryness.

Surprisingly, the chicken tenderloins I prepare in an air fryer are tasty and moist, and this became my favorite way to cook chicken. 

The best part is that you can prepare a batch on Sunday, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and use it in various meal combinations throughout the week. 

Some options include making sandwiches, Chicken Caesar Salad, Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, Chicken Noodle Soup, Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, or Lemon Butter Chicken Risotto. 

You can also serve them with sweet potato fries and your favorite dipping sauce. 

How long do you cook chicken tenders in the air fryer?

The key is to shake the basket frequently, fry at 375°F, and start checking for doneness after about 8 minutes. I use a Ninja 4 QT Air Fryer, and it usually takes about 10 minutes to cook them perfectly.

Tips and Tricks to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders without Breading

Ingredients to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast tenderloins-I always use fresh tenderloins and don't have tips for air-frying frozen chicken tenders. If I have frozen tenders, I usually thaw them in the fridge overnight.
• 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning (adjust the seasoning to taste)
• 2 tablespoon olive oil (this amount works well, and I recommend not using less than specified)

How to Cook Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Combine the chicken tenderloins with salt, paprika, and Italian seasoning in a large bowl.
• Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and toss to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning and oil.
• Arrange the seasoned chicken tenderloins in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket to allow for even cooking.
• Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• Start checking for doneness after 8 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink in the center.
• Remove the chicken tenderloins from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Pair them with sweet potato fries and your favorite dipping sauce, or use them in various dishes like salads, soups, and pasta.

Final Thoughts

Air fryer chicken tenderloins without breading are a quick, healthy, and delicious meal option for the whole family. 

Using simple ingredients and cooking at 375°F for about 10 minutes ensures tender, flavorful chicken. Perfect for meal prep, they can be stored in the fridge and used in various weekly dishes. 

So, gather your ingredients, and let's cook these delicious Air Fryer Chicken Tenders without breading together. Don't forget to check out the video for step-by-step instructions!

📖 Recipe