If you're looking for an easy and kid-friendly 15 minute meal, these breaded air fryer chicken nuggets are a must-try! I served them the other night alongside cacio e pepe and a creamy cucumber salad, and my family couldn't stop raving about the combination.

Air fryer recipes are a favorite around here, and this one is no exception. If you love crispy chicken dishes, don't miss my chicken wraps, chicken parm and buffalo wraps.

Make Them Your Own!

Feel free to customize the seasoning in the breading mixture to your taste.
Add smoked paprika for a smoky kick or Italian herbs for a Mediterranean flair.
For an extra crispy texture, sprinkle some cornmeal into the breadcrumb mixture.
For lightly breaded chicken, reduce the breadcrumbs in half!

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Ingredients

Chicken - I love using chicken tenders because they are super tender and cook quickly. However, if you prefer using chicken breasts, just slice them into strips.
Mayonnaise - It's a secret ingredient for keeping the chicken extra juicy! It helps the breading stick and adds a subtle richness. If you're not a mayo fan, you can swap it for Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.
Mustard - The Dijon adds a little tang and depth of flavor to the marinade. It's a simple way to make the chicken taste more complex without being overwhelming.
Panko breadcrumbs - Panko breadcrumbs are the key to getting that crisp, crunchy exterior without the need for deep frying. I like to mix them with regular breadcrumbs to add some texture, but you can totally use just panko if you want that extra crunch.
Parmesan - Adds a savory, umami flavor to the breading that takes the tenders to the next level. You could also use Pecorino Romano if you want a sharper taste.
Salt and pepper - Always taste your breading mixture! A little salt and pepper go a long way in enhancing the flavors.

📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders from Scratch

Making breaded chicken tenders from scratch is a breeze!

Here's how to do it:

Marinate the chicken: Combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Toss the chicken strips in the mixture, ensuring they're well-coated. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes while you prep the breading.
Prepare the breading: In a shallow dish, mix panko, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.

Bread the chicken: Roll each marinated chicken tender in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
Air fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. Spray the tops with cooking spray and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

This is my all time favorite air fryer.

Want something similar but without crumbs? Try my fried chicken thighs or air fryer tenders next!

Homemade Dipping Sauces

Why stick with store-bought sauces when you can whip up your own? Here are some of my go-to options:

Honey mustard - which also pairs great with these crispy chicken sandwiches!
BBQ sauce
Buffalo sauce
Marinara or salsa
Classic ranch or blue cheese dressing

Tips

Press the breading. Press the chicken into the breadcrumbs to get an even coating that sticks well. You can also do a double coating if you like.
Don't overcrowd. Leave some space around each piece for even cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
Preheat the air fryer. Just like with an oven, I like to preheat my air fryer, it helps with even cooking and crispiness.
Spray the tops before cooking and again after flipping for that perfect golden crust!

What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These tenders pair beautifully with a variety of sides:

Salads: A simple Caesar salad or pasta salad makes a refreshing side.

Veggies: Try roasted cauliflower or cabbage steaks, or green beans.

Potatoes: Serve with air fryer fries, mashed potatoes, or steak fries.

Freezing And Storing Instructions

To Store. Let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
To Freeze. Follow the same steps as above and store in a ziplock bag for up to 1 month.
To Reheat. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

If you use your air fryer often, you can also browse my Amazon storefront with my favorite air fryer tools and kitchen gadgets here, where I've collected many of the accessories I personally use.

More Air Fryer Recipes

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Julia