Air Fryer Grilled Chicken Tenders are a fantastic and healthier way to enjoy juicy, flavorful chicken with minimal effort. The air fryer gives them a crispy, grilled texture without all the extra oil. Here’s a simple recipe for you to try:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders (about 8-10 pieces)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (for a smoky flavor)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for some heat)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for freshness)
For the Dipping Sauce (optional):
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- A pinch of salt and pepper
Directions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the seasoning stick and ensures they cook up crispy in the air fryer.
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken tenders with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Make sure the chicken is evenly coated. If you want to add a bit of tang, drizzle some lemon juice over the tenders and toss again.
- Air Fry the Chicken Tenders:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook the chicken for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and have an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Make the Dipping Sauce (Optional):
- While the chicken is cooking, mix together the Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust to taste. This sauce complements the chicken perfectly with a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Serve:
- Once the chicken tenders are done, serve them immediately with the dipping sauce on the side. You can pair them with a fresh salad, some veggies, or your favorite dipping sides.
Tips:
- You can marinate the chicken tenders for 30 minutes to a few hours in the fridge to let the flavors soak in, but it’s not necessary if you’re in a hurry.
- Feel free to swap out the seasonings based on your preference—add more herbs or spices you love, like thyme, basil, or cumin.
- To make them extra crispy, you can lightly spray the chicken tenders with cooking spray before air frying.
These chicken tenders are crispy, tender, and flavorful—great for a quick dinner, meal prep, or as a snack! Would you like to try any different flavors or adjust the seasoning for a specific taste?