Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

Yes! You can use raw frozen chicken tenders—just increase your air frying time to 15–17 minutes at 380°F , flipping halfway through. Be sure to season them well after a quick rinse and pat-dry to help the spices stick.

How do I keep them from drying out?

The key is not overcooking them. Use a meat thermometer and remove the tenders once they hit 165°F internally. Also, coating with olive oil before seasoning helps seal in moisture while crisping the edges.

Are these tenders keto-friendly and gluten-free?

Definitely. Since there’s no breading involved, these chicken tenders are naturally gluten-free , low-carb , and keto-approved . Just double-check that your spice blends or sauces don’t contain hidden sugars or gluten-based fillers.

Can I freeze these after cooking?

Yes—and they reheat wonderfully. Freeze cooked tenders in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the air fryer at 380°F for 8–10 minutes. They’ll taste just as juicy and flavorful as day one.

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders No Breading

Name: Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders No Breading
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenderloins (or boneless skinless breast strips); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

Description

Juicy, crisp-edged, and made with simple pantry seasonings—these easy air fryer chicken tenders no breading are perfect for keto, gluten-free, or low-carb meals.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb chicken tenderloins (or boneless skinless breast strips)

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.

2. Pat chicken tenders dry with a paper towel.

3. Add chicken to a bowl and toss with olive oil to coat.

4. Sprinkle in garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

5. Toss until evenly coated.

6. Place tenders in a single layer in air fryer basket.

7. Cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

8. Check that internal temp reaches 165°F. Remove and serve.

Notes

Use fresh or frozen chicken tenders (adjust time if frozen).

Add cayenne for heat, or swap spices to customize.

Pairs well with salads, roasted veggies, or dipping sauces.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dinner, Lunch
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2–3 tenders
Calories: 180
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 23g
Cholesterol: 75mg