Healthy Chicken Tenders- an Air Fryer Recipe

The unbreaded chicken tenders are easy to make and very healthy too. They are gluten-free, vegan and low carb. They can be easily made by anyone with lowest level of cooking skills.

These chicken tenders are crispy on outside but still juicy from inside. They make amazing food to have at any time of the day or enjoy with a big group anytime.

This “chicken tenders ” is a recipe that requires the use of an air fryer. The chicken is coated with herbs and then cooked in the air fryer.

chicken tenders air fryer recipe

Unbreaded Chicken Tenders- Air fryer recipe

Prep. Time: 10Min. Cooking Time: 20Min. Servings: 5

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 pound raw chicken tenders
  • 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ – 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degree F for 5 minutes.
  2. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Then, add them to a bowl and drizzle with olive oil.
  3. Combine the spices in a small bowl and stir until mixed. Sprinkle over the top of the chicken tenders.
  4. Toss the chicken tenders with the oil and spice blend until completely covered.
  5. Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Work in batches if need be.
  6. Air fry at 380F for 9-10 mins, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 170°F.

Serve with lemon wedges and dipping sauce like Honey Sriracha sauce on the side.

Nutritional Value: 165kcal.

chicken tenders

Tips

  1. These naked chicken tenders are super versatile and delicious with just about any side dishes. You can make sandwiches or wraps with it. Also, you can cut them in smaller pieces and add them to salads.
  2. Make sure that all chicken tenders are placed in a single layer on the air fryer basket so that hot air can circulate around each one properly.
  3. Always let the air fryer preheat before adding the chicken tenders. This helps the outside of the chicken get as crispy as possible.
  4. To reheat your chicken, just place the tenders in preheated air fryer for 5-7 minutes.
  5. The spice blend for this chicken is so delicious, but if you’re looking for something a bit simpler, you can just use salt and ground black pepper for a basic recipe. Change around the spices to your liking

These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders without breading are much healthier than other breaded and fried chicken for a number of reasons. This recipe is low carb, keto, whole30 approved, gluten free, and dairy free. This recipe can absolutely be part of a healthy diet or meal plan.

Storing The Leftovers

Leftover air fryer tenders can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can enjoy them cold in salads or sandwiches, or reheat in a 350°F air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through.

Reference: Chicken Air Fryer Recipe