When I’m in need of a quick and easy dinner for my picky kids, these air fryer panko chicken tenders are one tasty bite! I coat juicy chicken tenders in crispy Panko breadcrumbs and air fry them to perfection. The best part about these chicken tenders is how simple they are. I only need 5 ingredients to make them super crispy and flavorful, and the whole recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish.
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When my kids were at their pickiest, I probably made these air fryer chicken tenders at least once a week. In fact, we still make these pretty regularly even though the boys have gotten a little more adventurous in their eating. These taste just like my favorite deep-fried chicken tenders, but I love that they’re a healthier option for my kiddos. Pat and I love them, too!
What’s in This Air Fryer Panko Chicken Tenders Recipe?
- Chicken: The easiest cut to use for this recipe is chicken tenders. They’re already the perfect shape, so there’s no prep required. But when tenders aren’t available, I like to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips.
- Butter: Unsalted butter helps the breading stick to the chicken and adds tons of flavor.
- Breadcrumbs: I prefer to use Panko breadcrumbs for the crispiest tenders. You can use classic breadcrumbs or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for a different flavor.
- Cheese: Shredded Parmesan adds a salty and umami flavor to the breading. Try swapping for asiago or pecorino for a different flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory flavor of these tenders.
Tips for Success
- Pat the tenders dry before coating to help the breading stick.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket and cook the chicken tenders in batches. They should be placed in a single layer otherwise they won’t get crispy all over.
- I’ve made these both ways – flipping the tenders halfway through and not flipping them halfway through. The tricky thing about flipping them is it can cause some of the panko breading to come off. I really didn’t find much of a difference in even browning/crispiness when I didn’t flip, so that’s my preferred method.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover air fryer panko chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a 375°F air fryer for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Serving Suggestions
My kids love these air fryer chicken tenders dipped in Chick-fil-A sauce, ranch, or BBQ. For sides, I like to serve them with Shoestring Fries, BBQ Baked Beans, Garlic Parmesan Fries, or Potato Salad.
5-Star Review
“Best chicken ever!! I am not exaggerating!” -Jill
Air Fryer Panko Chicken Tenders Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted (¾ stick)
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Add the melted butter to a shallow bowl.6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- In a second shallow bowl, mix together the Panko, parmesan, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.1 cup Panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Dredge the chicken tenders. First, dip a tender in the melted butter then dredge in the Panko breading. Set aside on a plate or sheet pan and repeat with all tenders.1½ pounds chicken tenders
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Transfer breaded tenders to the air fryer in a single layer (cooking in batches, if needed). Air fry at 400°F for 11-13 minutes. The tenders are done when they are fully cooked (165°F) and golden brown. Repeat with remaining tenders.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Video
Becky’s Tips
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Step by Step
Prep the Butter: Add 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter to a shallow bowl.
Make the Breading: In a second shallow bowl, mix together 1 cup of Panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup of finely shredded Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.
Dredge the Tenders: Dredge 1½ pounds of chicken tenders. First, dip a tender in the melted butter then dredge in the Panko breading. Set aside on a plate or sheet pan and repeat with all tenders.
Air Fry the Tenders: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Transfer breaded tenders to the air fryer in a single layer (cooking in batches, if needed). Air fry at 400°F for 11-13 minutes. The tenders are done when they are fully cooked (165°F) and golden brown. Repeat with remaining tenders. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Best chicken ever!! I am not exaggerating!
Thank you!!
Can you use frozen tenders? If so, what would the adjustments for time and temperature?
We would try 360°F for about 15 minutes, or until 165°F internally.
So easy to make and delicious as well. The whole family loved them!
That’s awesome!!
Perfection
Thanks for sharing!
This recipe is a keeper! I made this recipe last night for dinner and it was a huge hit with the whole family! Instead of using butter, though, I lightly coated the chicken strips with lowfat mayo, then dredged in the panko mixture. As the author suggested, I cooked the chicken strips without turning. They cooked perfectly, and turned out not just delicious, but BEAUTIFUL too!
Thank you for sharing, Sue!
These came out so good, both my kids enjoyed them so that’s a win for me. For some reason my Air Fryer (Panasonic 4 in 1) doesn’t allow you to choose a temperature when using the air fryer option. I did cook a bit longer because mine didn’t seem done and flipped them over the last 4 minutes. Super easy delicious recipe
Looks amazing, Jaime!
I really wanted to like these more than I did. Anything with 6 tablespoons of butter gets a nod from me! ;) That said, the coating wasn’t as crispy and didn’t stick as well as others I’ve tried. I’m still an air fryer newbie so I may give these another go, with adjustments. Thanks for the recipe!
I am sorry this didn’t quite work out!
So tasty and easy to make. I added some Italian seasoning and a dash of cayenne pepper, plus cut the salt in half. They turned out perfectly and will become a regular on the rotation.
They look amazing!
This recipe was extremely easy! It was a quick meal solution! 12 minutes in my air fryer- crispy golden brown and juicy in the middle!!
The only thing I will do different next time is omit the salt, I used way less than it called for and it was still not needed. Parmesan cheese takes away the need for salt. Aside from that ~ I will definitely make these again!! Kids will love them!
Looks delicious, Christine!
This recipe was so easy, and made my house smell amazing! Dredging in butter is genius!
Thanks for stopping by, Jenna!