Print

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Without Breading Easy Low-Carb Recipe

crispy air fryer chicken tenders - featured image
Print Recipe

This recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken tenders without any breading, perfect for a quick, low-carb meal using an air fryer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 grams) chicken tenders, fresh and trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil (or avocado oil as an alternative)
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5 grams) smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt (preferably kosher salt)
  • ½ teaspoon (1 gram) dried Italian herbs (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons (15 grams) finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels for better crisping (about 2 minutes).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, dried Italian herbs, and Parmesan cheese if using. Toss the chicken tenders in this mixture until well coated (about 5 minutes).
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  4. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
  5. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through cooking for even browning.
  6. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and has a crispy exterior. If needed, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  7. Let the tenders rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Pat chicken dry to ensure crispiness. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to avoid steaming. Flip tenders halfway through cooking for even browning. For extra crispiness, lightly spray oil before the last 2 minutes of cooking. Parmesan cheese is optional; substitute with nutritional yeast for dairy-free. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (74°C).

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, low-carb chicken recipe, keto chicken tenders, paleo chicken tenders, no breading chicken, healthy chicken tenders

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-tenders-without-breading-easy-low-carb-recipe/