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Air Fry Chicken Tenders (No Breading)

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Air Fry Chicken Tenders (No Breading) are the easiest and most delicious recipe for chicken tenderloins in an air fryer around. Chicken tenders are tossed with olive oil and dry ranch dressing for a simple and flavor-packed lunch or dinner everyone will love!

Air Fry Chicken Tenders on a plate with ketchup.

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins 

We have created many chicken recipes over the years that are reader favorites. This air fryer chicken recipe will quickly make its way to the top of the list! It can be served as is, with a dipping sauce or paired with any desired side dish.  

I love cooking and serving chicken tenderloins because not only are they juicy and delicious, but they are also high in protein.

The air fryer puts a whole new twist on cooking with chicken. It crisps the outside without compromising the juiciness on the inside. What more could you ask for?! Air-fried chicken is a healthy alternative to fried chicken without excess fat or calories. 

🩷 xoxo, Ana

A plate of Air Fry Chicken Tenders with grapes and a knife.

How To Make Air Fry Chicken Tenders

To get started, gather the ingredients:

  • Chicken tenders 
  • Dry ranch dressing & extra virgin olive oil

**A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.**

A person mixing a sauce with a whisk.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the dry ranch dressing and the olive oil.

Chicken tenderloins in a bowl with seasoning.

Add the chicken tenders and toss to combine.

Six chicken tender on a metal tray.

Using tongs, place chicken tenders in a single layer on the air fry pan or tray.

Just make sure not to over crowd them.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (205°C)

Once preheated, place the baking tray into the air fryer and bake for 8 minutes or until the internal temperature is 165°F.

chicken tenders going into an air fryer

Serve

Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, on a salad, or chopped in a favorite recipe.

Air Fry Chicken Tenders on a plate with ketchup.
Air Fry Chicken Tenders on a plate with ketchup.

Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders (No Breading)

Air Fry Chicken Tenders (No Breading) are quick, juicy, and seasoned with olive oil and ranch dressing—perfect for a fast and flavorful meal.
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Serves: 4 servings
Author: Ana Frias

Equipment

  • air fryer

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound chicken tenders
  • 1 ounce packet dry ranch dressing
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  • Mix the sauce. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the dry ranch dressing and the olive oil. Add the chicken tenders and toss to combine.
  • Place chicken tenders onto the air fry pan. Using tongs, place chicken tenders in a single layer on the air fry pan.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (205°C). Once preheated, place the baking tray into the air fryer and bake for 8 minutes or until the internal temperature is 165°F.
  • Serve. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, on a salad, or chopped in a favorite recipe.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs or chicken breasts instead of tenderloins by adjusting the cooking time until the internal temperature of the chicken is 165°F. The thickness of the chicken will determine the total cooking time. We recommend starting with 12 minutes and adjusting as needed.
  • Increase the cooking time to 12-15 minutes if cooking from frozen then check the internal temperature of the chicken is 165°F before serving.
  • Arrange the tenders on the air fryer tray in a single layer
  • Do not overcrowd the tray with tenderloins
  • Always let the air fryer preheat before inserting the chicken

Private Notes

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 663mg | Potassium: 420mg | Vitamin A: 34IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.4mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts or chicken thighs instead?

Sure can! You will need to adjust the cooking time until the internal temperature of the chicken is 165°F. The thickness of the chicken will determine the total cooking time. We recommend starting with 12 minutes and then adjusting as needed.

Can I cook frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer?

Yes! Increase the cooking time to 12-15 minutes if cooking from frozen then check the internal temperature of the chicken is 165°F before serving. 

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5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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3 Comments

  1. Hi does it help to let the chicken marinate for some time before cooking? Say an hour or two ( or more)?

    1. If you have the time then yes, the chicken can be marinated for 1-2 hours for extra tenderness. I hope you enjoy!

  2. Thank you for stopping by! I hope you like this recipe as much as I do! Please leave me a comment or question and I’ll get back to you asap. Stay strong! 🩷 xoxo, Ana