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Enjoy juicy, flavorful, and healthy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders in less than 15 minutes! With the bold flavors of smoked paprika, garlic, and a hint of cayenne, these tenders are perfectly tender thanks to a drizzle of olive oil.
No Breading Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal, these no-breading chicken tenders in the air fryer are a guaranteed hit. The combination of smoked paprika, fresh garlic, and a touch of cayenne delivers a bold kick, while the air fryer ensures they cook to juicy perfection in just 8 minutes. Without breading, they remain light yet achieve a delightful golden crust, making them ideal for busy weeknights or any time you want a hassle-free meal.
What I appreciate most is their versatility. A squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of parsley can add a refreshing touch, or you can serve them with your favorite dipping sauce. They work wonderfully as a main dish, tossed into salads, or packed for lunch. If you’re after an easy, flavorful meal with minimal effort, these air fryer chicken tenders are a must-try! Be sure to check out my video guide and tips below to ensure you achieve perfect, juicy chicken tenders every time!
Why This Recipe Belongs In Your Weekly Lineup
Here’s why these chicken tenders deserve a place in your weekly meal rotation:
- Quick and flavorful: These tenders are ready in under 15 minutes and never lack excitement. Each bite is infused with smoky paprika, fresh garlic, and just the right amount of heat to keep you coming back for more.
- No breading, no fuss — just juicy chicken: Ditch the breading. The air fryer delivers tender, juicy chicken with a beautiful golden exterior. It’s simple, lighter, and all about the flavor.
- Versatile serving options: Add lemon and parsley, toss them into a salad like my Zucchini Noodle Salad, wrap them up, or meal-prep for the week. They taste just as great the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken tenders – Alternatively, you can use chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into strips.
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Smoked paprika
- Cayenne pepper
- Salt
- Lemon juice
- Parsley – Dried parsley works well (a little goes a long way), or swap it for fresh cilantro if you prefer.
- Lemon wedges
Refer to the recipe card below for detailed ingredient measurements.
How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Begin by placing the chicken, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice into a bowl. Mix well to ensure every piece of chicken is evenly coated with flavor.
Arrange the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer to avoid overcrowding. Spoon any remaining marinade over the top. If you’re not keen on burnt garlic bits, feel free to omit the minced garlic. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 8 minutes, and you’re done!
Once cooked, garnish with parsley and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken — it really brightens the dish. Now, dig in!
Secrets To Juicy Chicken Tenders In The Air Fryer
- Always pat the chicken dry to ensure the seasoning adheres well and the exterior caramelizes beautifully. Excess moisture can lead to steaming, which prevents that desired golden crust.
- If you have an extra 10–15 minutes, allow the chicken to marinate in the seasoning. This step enhances flavor absorption, but don’t let it sit too long, as the lemon juice can make the chicken mushy.
- I like to pour any leftover marinade over the chicken before air frying. If burnt garlic isn’t your thing, just discard the minced garlic beforehand.
- Ensure the chicken is spread out in a single layer for optimal cooking. This helps achieve juicy chicken with those crispy edges we all love.
Frequently Asked Questions
I don’t recommend using frozen chicken straight from the freezer for this recipe. The chicken won’t soak up the seasoning properly, resulting in a lack of flavor. I suggest thawing it in the fridge overnight for the best results.
Absolutely! Just increase the amount of cayenne for extra heat. You can also serve them with a spicy condiment on the side, such as sriracha mayo or hot sauce, for an added kick.
Yes, you can easily scale this recipe up. Just remember to cook in batches to prevent overcrowding in the air fryer, which can lead to uneven cooking.
Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), arrange the chicken tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes — they’ll warm up beautifully and remain juicy.
This recipe contains approximately 250 calories per serving.
What To Serve With This Recipe
For a simple and wholesome weeknight dinner, consider pairing these chicken tenders with the following recipes:
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on social media for new updates.
