Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
These are amazingly juicy, delicious, and easy to prepare Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. This adaptable chicken recipe will make you forget all about the breading! This tasty main meal from the air fryer is great for sandwiches, salads, and more!
Recipe By: Danielle
What components are included in these chicken tenders that are air-fried?
The following ingredients go into this simple recipe for air-fried chicken:
- Skinless, boneless chicken breast: I used the boneless, skinless chicken breasts I always have in the freezer for this recipe. You may also use pre-cut chicken tenders or chicken thighs (just add a few minutes to the cooking time). Utilise whatever suits you best!
- avocado oil: Because avocado oil has a high smoke point, I like to use it as the base for marinades. You can also use olive oil.
- white vinegar – This ingredient is super important because it’s going to tenderize the chicken during the quick marination period. Vinegar is an acid which helps break down the meat fibers.
- Italian seasoning – I love Italian seasoning for a classic, versatile chicken flavoring, but you can switch it out for a different flavor! Ideas are listed below.
- garlic powder – I love garlic. It adds wonderful flavor to the chicken, no matter what other seasonings you choose.
- fine sea salt & fresh ground black pepper – Salt also helps tenderize and flavor the chicken. I love fresh ground black pepper for flavor as well.
Recipe Card
Ingredients:
- One pound of raw chicken breasts (or tenderloins), skinless and without bones
- Two tsp of avocado oil
- One-half tablespoon of white vinegar
- One tsp of Italian spice
- one tsp powdered garlic
- One tsp of high-quality sea salt
- half a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
- Get the chicken ready by: On a chopping board, arrange one pound of raw, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Slice the chicken breast into even, one-inch-thick strips using a sharp chef’s knife. Depending on size and thickness, four to six strips should come from each chicken breast.
- To marinate chicken, place the sliced chicken strips, two tablespoons of oil, half a tablespoon of white vinegar, one teaspoon each of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a large basin. Gently toss the chicken to coat it with the spices and oil. For 30 to 2 hours, marinate, covered, in the refrigerator. This step helps tenderise the chicken, so don’t omit it. If the chicken is marinated for longer than 12 hours, it may get overly tender and become mushy.
- Cook the chicken: If at all possible, arrange the chicken strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer without touching. For 9–11 minutes, air fried at 380°F, turning halfway through. When the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F and its edges and sides start to turn golden brown, it is done. You might have to work in batches if your air fryer is smaller.
- Serve and store: Serve the chicken tenders right away with fries or tater tots, atop a salad, or in a grain bowl. Remaining food can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four days if it is sealed tightly.