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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.
No Breading Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
When I need something quick, healthy, and full of flavor, these no breading chicken tenders in the air fryer are always my go-to. Smoked paprika, fresh garlic, and a touch of cayenne give them a bold kick, and the air fryer cooks them to juicy perfection in just 8 minutes. No breading means they’re lighter, but they still get that nice, golden exterior. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever I need a fuss-free meal.
What I love most is how versatile they are. A squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of parsley add a fresh touch, or you can pair them with your favorite dipping sauce. Serve them as a main dish, toss them into salads, or pack them for lunch. If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful meal with minimal effort, these chicken tenders in the air fryer are a must-try! Be sure to check out my video guide and tips below to help you get perfect, juicy chicken tenders every time!
Why This Recipe Belongs In Your Weekly Lineup
Here’s why they deserve a spot in your weekly lineup:
- Quick, but full of flavor. These chicken tenders are ready in under 15 minutes, but they never feel boring. Every bite has that smoky paprika, fresh garlic, and just enough heat to keep you coming back for more.
- No breading, no fuss — just juicy chicken. Forget the breading. The air fryer gives you tender, juicy chicken with a gorgeous golden exterior. It’s simple, lighter, and all about the flavor.
- Easy to serve any way you like. Add lemon and parsley, toss them into a salad like my Zucchini Noodle Salad, wrap them up, or meal-prep for the week. They’re just as good the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken tenders – You can also use chicken breast or thighs — just slice them into strips.
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Smoked paprika
- Cayenne pepper
- Salt
- Lemon juice
- Parsley – You can use dried parsley (just a little goes a long way), or swap it for fresh cilantro if you prefer.
- Lemon wedges
Check out the recipe card below for all the details on ingredients and measurements.
Secrets To Juicy Chicken Tenders In The Air Fryer
- 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, but I skip the garlic pieces. They’ll burn and turn bitter, and that’s not the flavor I’m going for.
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
I don’t recommend using frozen chicken straight from the freezer for this recipe. The chicken won’t really soak up the seasoning, and you’ll miss out on all that flavor. I like to thaw mine in the fridge overnight — that way, the marinade sticks and the chicken cooks evenly.
Yes. Just add more cayenne if you want extra heat. You can also serve them with something spicy on the side — sriracha mayo, hot sauce, or whatever you love for that extra kick.
Yes, you can totally scale this recipe up. Just make sure to cook in batches so you don’t overcrowd the air fryer. If the basket’s too full, the chicken won’t cook evenly.
Yes. Just preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), lay the chicken tenders out on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for about 15–20 minutes. Flip them halfway so both sides get that nice golden color.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, just pop them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes — they’ll warm up nicely and stay juicy.
This recipe is 250 calories per serving.
What To Serve With This Recipe
For an easy and wholesome weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes:
I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.
Other Air Fryer Recipes You Might Like
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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.
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Transfer the chicken to the air fryer basket in a single layer, then spoon the leftover marinade over the chicken. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes.
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Garnish with parsley and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving.
- 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, but I skip the garlic pieces. They’ll burn and turn bitter, and that’s not the flavor I’m going for.
- 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.
Serving: 2people, Calories: 250kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Protein: 27g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 9g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 80mg, Sodium: 438mg, Potassium: 538mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 0.4g, Vitamin A: 1155IU, Vitamin C: 6mg, Calcium: 19mg, Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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