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GET IT NOWThese air fryer chicken tenders have been my family’s favorite air fryer recipe lately because we’ve really gone overboard on the air fryer chicken leg quarters and air fryer whole chickens one too many times. 😉 While I love me some crispy skin, this recipe has this irresistible savory-sweet flavor that hits different in the best possible way. And what I love even more is that I can throw these chicken tenderloins in the air fryer and have a meal ready in minutes. Make them with me when you want a fast dinner and a way to change up your chicken at the same time!
Why You Need My Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Super juicy and golden – My favorite part of this recipe is the juicy inside, thanks to the super quick marinade and the perfect air fryer timing, but the outside is also a lovely golden brown.
- Sweet and savory flavor – The honey adds this incredible pop of sweetness, and even though I only use a few spices, they are super flavorful.
- 6 simple ingredients, and no breading – You probably think of air fryer chicken tenders as a breaded dish, but unlike most recipes, mine is not. The simple seasonings here add so much flavor that you don’t need breadcrumbs, so they’re naturally gluten-free.
- Quick & easy to make – The prep is just a few minutes and they cook up so fast! The longest part is all of 15 minutes to marinate, but you can easily do this the day before — or even skip this step if you want. It’s the ultimate healthy dinner for busy weeknights.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my air fryer chicken tenders recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
- Chicken Tenderloins – I like using tenderloins because they’re, well, tender (lol) and also conveniently pre-cut from the store. You can totally use boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs, and cut them into strips.
- Olive Oil – Keeps the chicken juicy. Avocado oil works, too.
- Honey – Although you can skip it if you don’t like a sweet flavor, I highly recommend it! Not only does it add flavor, it makes for nicer browning. I use my natural Wholesome Yum Zero Sugar Honey, but regular honey works fine.
- Lemon Juice – Helps tenderize the chicken and balances the sweetness from the honey. Lime juice is fine to substitute, or you can try apple cider vinegar for a similar effect.
- Spices – Garlic powder, paprika (or use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor), sea salt, and black pepper. Feel free to switch it up with other spices you like on chicken, such as Italian seasonings, onion powder, chili powder, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
How To Cook Chicken Tenderloins In The Air Fryer
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
- Mix up the marinade. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate briefly. Pour the mixture over the chicken strips in a large bowl, and toss until they’re evenly coated. Let them soak up the flavors for at least 15 minutes.
- Air fry until golden. Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket, in a single layer. (You can discard any extra marinade.) Air fry chicken tenderloins, flipping once, until they’re cooked through, juicy, and golden brown. I like to garnish with parsley for a pop of color.
My Recipe Tips
- Can you skip the marinating time? Yep, you can! And I totally have when I’m in a rush.
- Can you marinate for longer? Also yes! I’ve been making these air fryer chicken tenders as a last-minute dinner and usually just do 15 minutes, but they taste even better when I let them sit in the marinade in the fridge overnight. Just don’t go over 24 hours, or your chicken will be mushy.
- Can you use frozen chicken tenders? Yes, and I have a trick to thaw them in the air fryer. Just air fry (without any seasonings) for about 5 minutes at 350 degrees F to thaw, then marinate and proceed with the recipe as written. I don’t recommend air frying from frozen, as the seasoning flavors won’t penetrate the chicken well.
- Don’t crowd the basket. I can usually fit a pound of chicken tenderloins in my air fryer (I love the roomy basket), but if it doesn’t fit in yours, cook in batches. You want a little space between the pieces for them to cook evenly.
- Do you have to flip? No, but I recommend it for more even browning.
- Cooking time can vary a bit. It depends on the size of your chicken tenderloins. I usually check on them after 7 minutes and add another minute only if needed. If you’ve got a few very small pieces, you may want to pull them out a couple minutes earlier than the rest. I love using my probe thermometer because it beeps when it hits the right temp (I set it to 163 degrees F and the chicken reaches 165 from the residual heat after cooking), but a regular instant-read one works just as well.
- Variation: Wrap them in bacon before air frying! The slightly sweet honey marinade in this air fryer chicken tenders recipe goes perfectly with bacon. It’s like a faster upgrade to my bacon wrapped chicken tenders!
Serving Ideas
These air fryer chicken tenderloins make an easy, no-fuss meal, so I like to serve them with sides that are just as simple. Don’t forget your favorite dipping sauces!
- Dipping Sauce – Sugar-free honey mustard (pictured above) is my fave to dip these air fryer chicken tenders, but feel free to use ranch or BBQ sauce.
- Vegetables – Cook my quick roasted green beans or sauteed zucchini while you’ve got the chicken tenders in the air fryer, or you can air fry cauliflower right before.
- Potatoes – I usually cook air fryer french fries, air fryer sweet potatoes, or diced air fryer potatoes before air frying the chicken, then just toss them back in the basket for a minute to crisp up after the chicken is done. You can also make my garlic parmesan fries or roast potatoes in the oven if you want them cooking in parallel.
- Salad – The air fried chicken tenders are really good right over my fall salad, spring salad, summery mango salad, or wintery kale salad for a one-dish meal depending on the season. My fave for lunch!
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Easy, No Breading)
My juicy air fryer chicken tenders have a fast, sweet and savory honey herb marinade, with no breading. Cook these tenderloins in minutes!
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Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
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Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
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Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Pour the mixture over the chicken and mix to coat evenly. Let the tenders sit in the marinade for 15 minutes if you have time.
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Arrange the chicken tenderloins in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving any extra marinade behind in the bowl. Air fry for 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 2-3 chicken tenderloins, or 1/4 of the entire recipe
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get evenly cooked, juicy chicken with a golden outside. I’ve also got notes about the marinating time (longer than written or none at all), a shortcut to use frozen chicken, a tasty variation, and more.
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Meal prep: Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead, then just pop it in the air fryer when you’re ready.
- Reheat: Toss the chicken tenders in the air fryer again, this time at 350 degrees F, for about 2 minutes. I use a lower temp for reheating, to prevent them getting too dark.
- Freeze: After cooling, store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating if you can.
- Note on nutrition info: The numbers below are based on my natural Wholesome Yum Zero Sugar Honey. You can use regular, but the sugar content will be higher.
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy.
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Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins
Gratitude Moment
I first made these air fryer chicken tenders last summer in Minnesota while we were visiting and enjoyed them on the deck. I didn’t have most of my kitchen tools I have here in Florida with me, but the air fryer is one that I had to have. Many of you know it’s my favorite appliance, and it has saved me on so many occasions!
Now that it’s winter, many of the recipes I’ve making have shifted with the seasons, but this recipe has been a constant that I’m still making on repeat. Some meals are just wonderful all year, and this is one of them.
What are your favorite dishes that you make year round? Let me know in the comments below!
22 Comments
Ed
0Very easy to make and tasty.
Wholesome Yum D
0I’m glad you liked it, Ed! Easy and tasty is always a win.
Karon Wright
0My question: Can I bake these in a conventional oven instead of an air fryer? If so, how long? Thank you!!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Karon, Yes, you can! I would estimate approximately double the time, around 15 minutes, but I would check on them starting at 12 minutes. Please let me know how they turn out!
Laila
0Hi. I’ve been searching your buttermilk fried tenders recipe which I can’t find anymore. It was a buttermilk infused chicken tenders which were crumbed and fried. Can you please help me out? Thanks
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Laila, I’m sorry, I don’t have a recipe like that. I hope you get a chance to try this version!
Fago
0Good evening Maya, I saw one of your many amazing recipes that I can’t seem to find again, it the Chicken Pestooooo cooked with the spaghetti, one pot I believe. Can you point me in the right direction please as to where to find it?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Fago, Sorry, I don’t have a recipe like that. Or maybe it was my pesto chicken?
Nancy
0Do you think I could replace WY honey with WY Maple syrup?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Hi Nancy, Yes, absolutely! I’ve used both in marinades like this. Please let me know what you think.
Laura
0Making this a second time and love the ease and quickness of this recipe. Perfect for my low carb diet.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0I’m so happy you liked them so much to make them twice, Laura! Enjoy!
Janet
0These chicken tenders were so juicy and flavorful! I used approximately 1.5 lb of fresh tenders and had plenty of seasoning and butter. I will be making these again!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0I’m so glad you liked them, Janet! Thank you.
Janet
0My fiancé still doesn’t believe that I used your Zero Sugar Honey. He cannot tell the difference.
The chicken is tender and juicy and the marinade is very flavorful!
I’ll be making these again!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Awww, thank you so much, Janet! I’m so glad you and your fiance liked these so much. Congratulations on your engagement!
Rosie Perez
0These came out Great! I used your Jalapeño honey… gives it a tiny little kick!
Charlene Eboli
0It was easy to make. Not a lot of ingredients. Came out very good.
Laurie
0So easy to prepare. Instead of using an air fryer I cooked them in my convection oven, I had about 16 tenders and wanted to cook them all together. Drizzled with Grey Poupon mustard, no sugar maple syrup, and light cream mixture. Deliciousness!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Thank you so much, Laurie! Yes, you can totally use the same marinade and bake them in the oven. That dip sounds delicious.
Barbara
0Very easy to prepare, just a few ingredients. I only had 5 tenders, but they were a nice size, for my hubby and I.
Turned out great, moist and flavorful.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Thank you, Barbara! I’m glad you and your husband enjoyed these.