Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside, juicy in the center, and packed with flavor. Using crushed cornflakes for crunch and a simple seasoning mix, they’re perfect for dipping, stacking on a salad, or enjoying solo—with 18g of protein per tender.

Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, and they pair perfectly with a homemade dipping sauce like my healthier Cane’s sauce.

Why You’ll Love These Chicken Tenders

  • Packed with Protein: 18g of protein per tender to help keep you full and satisfied

  • Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with just a few simple ingredients

  • Crispy & Flavorful: Golden cornflake crust with seasoned chicken for extra flavor

  • Meal Prep Friendly: Great for leftovers and easy to reheat in the air fryer

Ingredients (Makes About 10-12 Tenders)

  • 1.5 lb chicken tenderloins

  • 40g all-purpose flour

  • 10g cornstarch

  • 2 eggs, beaten

  • 60g crushed cornflakes

  • Cooking spray

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp chicken bouillon

How to Make Them

1. Season the Chicken
Combine chicken with all seasonings and let it marinate for 15 minutes (or longer if you have time).

2. Bread the Tenders
Dredge each tender in a mix of flour and corn starch (add a pinch of seasoned salt if desired), dip into beaten eggs, then coat in crushed cornflakes (you can season this layer lightly too).

3. Air Fry
Spray both sides lightly with cooking spray and air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. Serve and Enjoy
Let them rest, then dip into your favorite sauce (like a healthier Cane’s-style sauce) or serve with a side.

Macros (Per Tender)

  • Calories: 120 kcal

  • Protein: 18g

  • Carbs: 9g

  • Fat: 1g

These tenders are perfect for when you want something crunchy and satisfying without a ton of fat or complicated prep. Great for weeknights, meal prep, or anytime you’re craving a clean comfort food fix.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Yield: 10-12
Author: Brandon Hu

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb chicken tenderloins
  • 40g all-purpose flour
  • 10g cornstarch
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 60g crushed cornflakes
  • Cooking spray
Seasonings for Chicken
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp chicken bouillon

Instructions

  1. Combine chicken with all seasonings and let it marinate for 15 minutes (or longer if you have time).
  2. Dredge each piece in flour, dip in egg, then coat in crushed cornflakes.
  3. Spray both sides lightly with cooking spray and air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  4. Let them rest, then dip into your favorite sauce or serve with a side.

Notes

Each tender is approximately 120 calories, 18g protein

Nutrition Facts

Calories

120

Fat

1 g

Carbs

9 g

Protein

18 g

Hi! I’m Brandon!

Welcome to my food blog! I make recipes that are simple, macro-friendly, and delicious. I believe that a healthy diet doesn’t have to be boring! On my food blog, you’ll discover a huge variety of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack recipes that are nutritious, delicious, and perfect for meal prep! I’m so glad you are here!

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Healthier Cane’s Sauce

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Healthier Chipotle Sauce