Why You’ll Love These Air-Fried Chicken Tenders
Succulent, juicy chicken tenders with a golden, grain-free crust—air-fried to crispy perfection without the greasy mess. These chicken tenders are a hit with kids and adults alike, and they pair perfectly with your favorite clean dipping sauce (we love honey mustard or avocado oil ranch!).
Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, meal prep, or party snack, this is the kind of recipe that makes clean eating feel effortless and crave-worthy.
Reasons to Love This Recipe:
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✅ Paleo + Gluten-Free + Dairy-Free
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✅ Crispy without deep frying
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✅ Simple ingredients you probably already have
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✅ Kid-approved
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✅ Minimal cleanup thanks to the air fryer
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✅ Ready in under 30 minutes
What Are Chicken Tenders, Anyway?
Chicken tenders are the thin strips of meat located underneath the chicken breast—sometimes called the tenderloin. They’re naturally juicy and cook up beautifully when lightly breaded and air-fried. You can gently pull them from a whole chicken breast or buy them pre-cut at most grocery stores or butchers.
Do You Really Need an Air Fryer?
If you’re still on the fence, let me say this: My air fryer was a game-changer. After receiving it as a Christmas gift, I now use it 2–3 times a week without fail. Here’s why it’s worth the countertop space:
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🌟 Crispy results with little to no oil
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🌟 Shorter cook times compared to the oven
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🌟 Much less mess than stovetop frying
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🌟 Perfect for quick, healthy meals
And best of all? It makes clean recipes like this one taste indulgent without the compromise.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
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Chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breast)
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1 egg (beaten)
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Almond flour
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Nutritional yeast
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Paprika
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Garlic salt
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Optional: arrowroot or cassava flour for extra crisp
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Avocado oil spray (optional, for extra crunch)
How to Make Crispy Paleo Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer:
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Set up your dredging stations:
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Bowl 1: Optional flour (like arrowroot or cassava)
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Bowl 2: Beaten egg
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Bowl 3: Almond flour, nutritional yeast, paprika, and garlic salt
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Coat the chicken:
Dip each tender in egg, then in the optional flour, and finally into the almond flour mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks. -
Air fry:
Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with avocado oil if desired. Air fry at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F. -
Serve & enjoy:
Let them cool for a minute and serve with your favorite dipping sauce!
Serving Ideas:
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With sweet potato fries and a side salad
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Chopped over a grain-free bowl or salad
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In lettuce wraps with avocado and slaw
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Paired with your favorite dipping sauces for a game-day snack
Make It Your Own:
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Add cayenne or chipotle powder for a spicy version
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Swap almond flour for coconut flour if nut-free (just reduce the amount)
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Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a herby twist
Final Thoughts:
Healthy doesn’t have to be bland or boring. These air-fried chicken tenders prove that nourishing your family can also mean serving up food they actually look forward to eating. Simple, satisfying, and packed with clean ingredients—it’s a win all around.
Air-Fried Chicken Tenders
Equipment
- Chefman Turbofry Air-Fryer
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds Chicken Tenders
- 1 cup Almond Flour
- 1/2 Tbsp. Paprika
- 1/2 Tbsp. Garlic Salt
- 1 Tbsp. Nutritional yeast
- Pinch of salt
- 2 Eggs
Instructions
- Prep the Dredging Stations:Set up three shallow bowls:In the first bowl, add the flour of choice (such as arrowroot or cassava flour).In the second bowl, beat the egg until smooth.In the third bowl, combine the almond flour, nutritional yeast, paprika, and garlic salt.
- Coat the Chicken:Working with one piece at a time, dip each chicken tender first into the egg mixture, then coat it lightly in the initial flour, and finally press it into the almond flour mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
- Air Fry the Tenders:Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with avocado oil if desired for extra crispiness.
- Cook:Air fry at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the outside is golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F.
- Serve:Let rest for a minute or two before serving. Enjoy with your favorite clean dipping sauce or over a fresh salad!