Name: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (no breading)
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 12 min
Ingredients: 1 lb. chicken tenderloins; 1/2 lemon (juiced); 4 garlic cloves (minced); 1 tbsp. soy sauce; 1 tbsp. oil; 1/2 tbsp. spice blend of choice (such as italian seasoning, lemon pepper, etc. ); 1/2 tsp. paprika; 1/2 tsp. salt

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A simple way to cook chicken, these air fryer chicken tenders (no breading) only take a few minutes and come out juicy and perfectly seasoned. A great way to enjoy naked chicken tenders that are gluten free, dairy free, and low carb. Perfect for use on salads, wraps, or with your favorite dipping sauce.

air fryer chicken tenderloins seasoned and on a plate.

The Ninja Foodi strikes again. Just like with air fryer turkey tenderloins, these air fryer chicken tenderloins come out perfectly done without a lot of fuss.

This recipe is very allergy friendly and safe for someone with almost any dietary needs to enjoy.

Pair these chicken tenders with broccoli crunch pasta salad or cauliflower mac and cheese for a full meal that everyone will love!

For more air fryer chicken recipes, try ninja foodi whole chicken (it uses the air fryer and pressure cooker), air fryer frozen chicken wings or air fryer chicken thighs.

up close of finished chicken tenderloins.

Why you'll love this recipe:

They are low carb. Unlike breaded chicken tenders, these chicken tenders are flavored with spices and totally low carb. That doesn't mean they sacrifice on flavor, though! These air fryer chicken tenders have a crispy golden crust and a juicy interior.
It's easy. Recipes truly don't get much easier than this one. With prep time of about a minute, you can have your protein cooking for dinner in no time. This recipe works great for meal prepping as well!
It's versatile. Depending on the spices you use, the final product can be used anywhere you enjoy chicken, such as wraps, salads, or as a snack.

Ingredients

Chicken tenderloins: Juicy and perfectly sized, and as a bonus the require no trimming.
Lemon juice: Chicken tenderloins don't really need tenderizing, but the lemon juice helps the marinade to penetrate the meat.
Garlic: You can also substitute ½ tsp. of garlic powder.
Soy sauce: This adds some saltiness as well as deepens the flavor of the chicken.
Oil: I suggest a neutral oil such as avocado oil that can handle the heat of the air fryer.
Spice Blend: This is where you can get creative. Use your favorite blend, such italian seasoning, lemon pepper, etc.
Paprika: Paprika adds a bit of color and mild flavor.
Salt: Add this to taste. It may not be necessary depending on your preferences.

How to make unbreaded chicken tenders in the air fryer

Step 1. In a prep bowl, combine chicken tenderloins, oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and spice blend.

Step 2. Mix together with your hands to ensure chicken is evenly coated.

Step 3. Place into the air fryer basket and set temp to 390 degrees F.

Cooked chicken tenderloins in air fryer basket.

Step 4. Cook chicken tenders for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Allow to cool for a few minutes and enjoy.

Recipe Tips

This recipe is for cooking raw chicken, if using frozen chicken tenderloins, add 2-3 minutes to the overall cook time.
It is not necessary to preheat air fryer first, but if you do, the overall cook time will be a few minutes less.
You can use this same recipe for regular chicken breast. Cut into strips to mimic chicken tenderloins OR thin cut chicken breasts (slice in half widthwise).
Coat chicken tenders in breading, like panko bread crumbs, for crunchier chicken tenders. I like to coat them in the spice blend I am using first, then coat with crumbs, then give them a spray of oil for ensure crispness.
You can really change up the flavor here depending on the spice blend you use. You can use something as simple as garlic or onion powder, or go with blends like italian seasoning, cajun seasoning, or taco seasoning. I like using this southwest seasoning from my copycat Red Robin Ensenada Chicken Platter to coat the chicken tenders!

finished seasoned chicken tenders on a white plate.

How to serve air fryer chicken tenderloins

Dip them in ranch (Like this Homemade Buttermilk Ranch or Copycat Wingstop Ranch)
Cut up and use in lemon tarragon chicken salad
Add then to a Pesto Chicken Wrap
Shred chicken for Gyros Salad or on a Greek Flatbread

Can you put raw chicken in the air fryer

You sure can! Air fryers are notorious for cooking frozen foods. We love using it for things like air fryer mozzarella sticks, air fryer hash browns, and air fryer frozen burgers.

But you can certainly use air fryers for raw foods like chicken, steak, turkey, pork, etc. I love making lobster tails in the air fryer! Air fryers cook foods evenly and quickly.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Enjoy cold or reheat in the microwave or air fryer.

Did you enjoy this Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (No Breading) recipe? I would love for you to let me know by leaving a comment and star rating. I can't wait to hear from you!