Air Fryer Chicken Tenders No Breading

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How To Reheat These Chicken Tenders:

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders — No Breading

From the fridge: Place cold tenders in the air fryer and cook at 350 for 5-7 minutes or until the tenders are hot. These tenders would also reheat well in a HotLogic Portable Oven link to my review.

From the freezer: Place frozen cooked tenders in the air fryer and cook at 350F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Did you make this? I want to see how it turned out! Tag me in your social media post @projectmealplan and use #projectmealplan when you share!

Tips For Making The Best Chicken Tenders In The Air Fryer With No Breading

  • For keto air fryer chicken tenders, make sure you serve them with low-carb dipping sauces. Or you can always enjoy them plain!

How Long To Cook Chicken Tenders In The Air Fryer

When cooking chicken breast using the air fryer, it is important to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked before serving it. Bake your chicken tenders in the air fryer for about 8-1 minutes. You will know they are done when the inside temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit- you can check this using a meat thermometer.

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Free Guide Get 14 Recipes You Can Make From Your Pantry

Tender and juicy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders With No Breading are a fast and tasty recipe that is ready in only 20 minutes . Enjoy this delicious air fryer chicken recipe with your favorite side dishes for a fast weeknight meal.

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These chicken tenders in the air fryer are so tender and juicy, and theyre ready in a flash. Seriously! They bake in just 7 minutes and only need a few minutes of prep time.

That means you can grill the chicken and top a plate of Lemon Garlic Pasta in under 20 minutes. Dinner is saved and youre about to be a hero. That cape looks nice on you.

More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders No Breading

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Why Youll Love These Tenders

  • Quick and Easy It is made with simple pantry ingredients and the no breading recipe makes the process less complicated.
  • Kid and Adult friendly A great recipe that is delicious paired with any Italian dishes for dinner. Kids love them since they are perfect to hold in their little hands and with simple kid friendly flavors.
  • Meal Prep It is good for meal prepping, since the leftovers are great diced over salads, made into sandwiches or served with pasta.
  • No breading These are naked which means that they are not battered or breaded so you dont need to worry about that extra step.
  • Low carb and Gluten free Because there are no breadcrumbs, flour or eggs in this recipe, these unbreaded tenderloins are low carb and gluten free.
  • How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

    STEP 1. Season the chicken

    In a gallon Ziploc bag, combine the olive oil, kosher salt, herbes de provence, black pepper and chicken tenderloins .

    Seal the bag, squeezing out most of the air before sealing. From the outside of the bag massage the seasonings into the chicken to coat .

    STEP 2. Air Fry

    Place chicken tenders in the basket of the air fryer in a single layer, leaving some space in between .

    Cook at 390 degrees for 10 minutes .

    The internal temperature of the air fryer chicken tenderloins should register 165 degrees in the thickest part of the chicken .

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    Using Chicken Breast Vs Chicken Tenderloins

    I always have boneless skinless chicken breasts on hand from my Butcherbox meat delivery service, so thats what I prefer to use. Using high quality chicken will give you a more juicy and flavorful result after cooking.

    You can also use pre-cut chicken tenderloins if you want to. I prefer to cut my own chicken and I hate dealing with the giant tendon in the middle of each store-cut tenderloins.

    Why You Will Love This Recipe

    Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – No Breading!

    You know those nights that you want something simple for dinner that tastes great, but donât want to put in a TON of effort? At the end of a long day, quick and easy comfort food is so tempting, and thatâs why I created todayâs recipe for you! If youâre a fan of low carb keto paleo baked chicken nuggets in the air fryer and crispy air fryer breaded chicken breast, then you are going to OBSESS over these chicken tenders air fryer no breading. You heard right- these chicken tenders have NO breading, making them gluten and dairy free and even easier to whip up for your crew in a flash!

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    Why This Recipe Works

    • No breading means you can enjoy these chicken tenders even if you have dietary restrictions, the healthy air fryer naked chicken tenders recipe is low carb, gluten-free, dairy-free, and keto-friendly too.
    • Air fryer chicken tenders pack a powerhouse of flavor and the crunch you expect from traditional breaded tenders.
    • With a cook time of just 9 minutes, your air fryer chicken tenders keto is ready faster than you can order take out and much faster than cooking in the oven.
    • The whole recipe needs just 3 ingredients!

    Jump to:

    What To Serve With Chicken Tenders

    There are so many side dish options to serve with these chicken tenders plus all your favorite dipping sauces! Here are few of my favorite sides:. Here are a few options:

    Potato Salad best, old fashioned Potato Salad with tender potatoes, hard boiled eggs and crispy bacon, blended with creamy mayonnaise.

    Baked Potatoperfect crispy skin with fluffy soft potato inside. Steakhouse style baked potato cooked in the air fryer!

    Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad cheese tortellini + all the antipasto favorites: salami, pepperoni, cheese, peppers, olives and onions dressed in a simple homemade vinaigrette.

    Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes crispy smashed potatoes with tender insides and loaded with delicious garlic butter flavor.

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    What Are The Ingredients In These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

    Here are the ingredients in this easy air fryer chicken recipe:

    • boneless skinless chicken breast I always have boneless skinless chicken breasts in the freezer so thats what I used for this recipe. You can also use chicken tenders already cut, or chicken thighs . Use whichever you want!
    • avocado oil I prefer to use avocado oil as the marinade base because of the high smoke point. You can also use olive oil.
    • white vinegar This ingredient is super important because its 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.

    How To Make Chicken Tenders In The Air Fryer With No Breading

    Air Fryer Chicken Tenders No Breading

    A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

    STEP ONE: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F for 5 minutes.

    STEP TWO: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels, then place them in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat completely.

    STEP THREE: Mix the seasonings together in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the chicken tenders.

    STEP FOUR: Air fry the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping once halfway through the cooking time, until they are cooked through and golden on the outside and hit an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

    I recommend using an Instant-Read Thermometer so you can pull the chicken tenders out as soon as they reach the right temperature so they stay juicy and tender.

    STEP FIVE: Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce, if desired.

    I love dipping these in my homemade buffalo sauce, honey sriracha sauce, and homemade BBQ sauce recipes!

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    Frozen Chicken Tenderloins In The Air Fryer:

    Nothing beats the convenience of having frozen chicken tenderloins in the freezer. I always keep a bag of them in my freezer for those busy nights when I have no idea what to cook for dinner and need something done fast. I love how you dont have to thaw the chicken tenderloins before cooking them. No matter how hard I try, I can never remember to take them out to thaw!

    Can You Freeze Air Fryer Chicken Tenders After Cooking

    Yes, but ensure the tenders are entirely cool. Then place them in an air-tight bag or container and freeze for up to 6 months. When you want a quick snack or meal, you can simply throw the frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer at 360°F for 8-10 minutes. If the chicken tenders are thawed first, you can heat them up at 370°F for 3-5 minutes.

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    Why You’re Going To Love This Recipe

    • Chicken tenders without breading and with no breadcrumbs work for so many dietary plans. This healthy recipe is naturally gluten free, made with no egg, low carb, keto, dairy free, paleo and Whole30 compliant. It has less calories than the crispy breaded tenders made with flour.
    • It’s a great base recipe that is full of flavor. These air fried chicken tenderloins can be used in a ton of different options like a salad, wrap, or even as a main dish or appetizer.
    • Great for meal prep and meal planning – Can be made ahead, frozen and cooked straight from the freezer.
    • No breading, no problem! Delicious as is or marinated, sprinkled with parmesan or tossed in a buffalo wing sauce. Try the bbq ranch buffalo sauce from my Ninja Foodi wings recipe – it works perfect for these unbreaded tenders.
    • Works in any model you have – Cosori, Power XL, Ninja Foodi, Ultrean and more.
    • Quick and easy to make – just a few spices from your pantry and some meat and this recipe is on the table in under 20 minutes.
    • Kid friendly and versatile! Kids will love dunking these in ketchup, ranch, bbq or your favorite dipping sauce.

    Cook The Chicken Tenders In Batches If You Have A Small Air Fryer

    Chicken Tenders Baked or Air Fryer (No breading, keto friendly recipe)

    You may need to adjust cooking times. Smaller air fryers may cook quicker, but it depends on your make and model. Check for clear juices when cut open or an internal temperature of 160°F to 165°F. Since there isnt any breading on these chicken tenders, you will have no worries about them sticking together in your air fryer, but you should still space them out so they can cook evenly.

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    How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders:

    NOTE: for the best flavor marinate the chicken in buttermilk 15 minutes up to 2 hours. It makes the chicken tender and juicy and helps the breading stick for the ultimate crispy chicken tenders.

    If youre using chicken breasts, slice them into about 1 1/2 wide strips.

    Blend the marinade ingredients in a medium size bowl.

    Add the chicken to the marinade then cover and refrigerate 15 minutes up to 2 hours.

    Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper for easy cleanup then set aside.

    Add the flour, baking powder, salt, pepper and paprika to a shallow bowl then whisk to combine.

    Remove the tenders from the marinade one at a time shaking off any excess liquid then add them to the breading, pressing firmly to coat each one.

    Transfer the breaded tender to the prepared baking sheet then repeat until all the chicken is breaded.

    Can I Make Regular Chicken Tenders And Coat Them With Buffalo Sauce Instead

    Absolutely! Just keep in mind that if you smother them with sauce afterward, it will start to make the breading soggy. When you coat the chicken with sauce before cooking, it ensures your breading stays crispy the entire time youre eating them.

    If you would rather make plain chicken and dip them in the sauce later, try my Air Fryer Chicken Tenders! Theyre easy to make for a delicious dinner the whole family will love.

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    Why Use Vinegar Will The Chicken Taste Like Vinegar

    The vinegar is important to the marinade because it helps tenderize the chicken tenders so theyre the perfect consistency to bite right into.

    Vinegar is an acid, so adding even a small amount helps begin to break down the fibers of the chicken.

    The air fryer chicken tenders will not taste like vinegar. There is such a little amount of vinegar that the spices added cover up the vinegar completely.

    A Few Tips For Cooking In An Air Fryer

    Air Fryer Naked Chicken Tenders (No Breading)

    First, dont crowd the meat inside the cooking basket. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food to create an even crispness. If the chicken is crowded and overlapping, then the air cannot circulate evenly, resulting in uneven cooking. Of course, we have a smaller 3 qt air fryer, if you have a larger air fryer that has trays you can slide in and out, it may not be a problem for you.

    The second tip for cooking chicken tenderloins or other meat in an air fryer is to make sure to use a liquid or oil to keep the seasonings in place. Like I mentioned before, hot air will be circulating around the meat, which could result in the seasonings blowing around and not sticking to the chicken. This could cause problems with your air fryer working properly.

    Giving the chicken a soak in some liquid first not only helps keep the chicken fingers moist and tender, but it gives the seasonings something to stick to. This will give you that nice crispy, but juicy and flavorful, naked chicken tender youre searching for.

    The last tip for cooking in an air fryer doesnt only apply to chicken or meat, but applies to everything. Buy an oil mister, dont use regular cooking spray. Generally those spray oils have a preservative in them that can cause the non-stick surface of the air fryer to start peeling over time. You dont want that happening believe me! I use a Misto Oil Sprayer that you just put plain oil in and pump air into to create a spray.

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    Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Simple Ingredients

    Chicken tenderloins– For chicken, I always prefer to use Organic Free Range Chicken when possible. I find the chicken tastes better and doesn’t have that preservative aftertaste to it.

    Olive Oil– I like to use extra virgin olive oil in general. That is what I usually have on hand ready to use.

    Cooking Oil Spray– I always use avocado oil spray on hand, so that’s my go to cooking spray.

    Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders

    Say goodbye to soggy breading thanks to these air fryer buffalo chicken tenders! The buffalo sauce is cooked right into the chicken itself so your breading can stay dry and crispy.

    This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, please read my disclaimer.

    While I love dipping chicken tenders in sauces, I dont like when they make the breading soggy before Im done eating. Thats what gave me the idea to try these air fryer buffalo chicken tenders with the sauce cooked right into the chicken!

    And if you love buffalo sauce, you need to try our buffalo chicken thighs, buffalo chicken cheese steak, and buffalo chicken dip recipes!

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    Are Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Keto

    Unlike store-bought, pre-cooked chicken tenders, this recipe is! Without adding any breading we did not add any carbs to the air fryer chicken tenders. To keep air fryer chicken tenders keto and low carb, we recommend staying away from packaged chicken and cook it from fresh with seasoning of your choice. However, watch any sauces you may choose to use as they do tend to have hidden sugars and carbs in them.

    How To Make Frozen Chicken Tenders In The Air Fryer

    Juicy Air Fryer Naked Chicken Tenders – LowCarbSpark

    A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

    STEP ONE: Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees.

    STEP TWO: Lay your frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer basket. Allow them enough room so the air can circulate them, but they can touch slightly.

    STEP THREE: Cook the chicken for about 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking.

    STEP FOUR: Remove them from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dipping sauce!

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