Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

5 from 1 vote

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Juicy, flavorful, and healthy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders in under 15 minutes! Smoked paprika, garlic, and a hint of cayenne add bold, smoky flavor, while a drizzle of olive oil keeps them perfectly tender.

Prep Time5

Cook Time8

Total Time13

Course: Chicken

Cuisine: American Recipes

Keyword: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Servings: people

Author: Bee Yinn Low

Ingredients

250 g chicken tenders
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
3 dashes cayenne pepper or more to taste
1/4 teaspoon salt or more to taste
1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
chopped parsley for garnishing
lemon wedges for serving

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

In a bowl, add the chicken, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and lemon juice. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the seasoning.
Transfer the chicken to the air fryer basket in a single layer, then spoon the leftover marinade over the chicken. Discard the minced garlic if you don’t like burnt garlic. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes.
Garnish with parsley and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving.

Video

Notes

I always make sure to pat the chicken dry so the seasoning sticks and the outside caramelizes beautifully. If it’s too wet, it just steams — and I want that gorgeous golden crust.
If you have an extra 10–15 minutes, let the chicken sit in the seasoning. It’s not a must, but it really helps the flavors soak in. Just don’t go too long — the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken and make it mushy.
I like to pour any leftover marinade over the chicken before air frying. If you don’t like burnt garlic, just make sure they are discarded before air frying.
I spread the chicken out in a single layer so the hot air can do its job. That’s how I get juicy chicken with those crispy edges I love.

Nutrition