By Becky Hardin
Updated Sep 16, 2025
When I’m in need of a quick and easy dinner for my picky kids, these air fryer panko chicken tenders are one tasty bite! I coat juicy chicken tenders in crispy Panko breadcrumbs and air fry them to perfection. The best part is how simple they are. I only need five ingredients to make them super crispy and flavorful, and the whole recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish.
When my kids were at their pickiest, I probably made these air fryer chicken tenders at least once a week. In fact, we still make these pretty regularly even though the boys have gotten a little more adventurous in their eating. These taste just like my favorite deep-fried chicken tenders , but I love that they’re a healthier option for my kiddos. Pat and I love them, too!
5-Star Review
“Best chicken ever!! I am not exaggerating!” -Jill
Tips for Success
- Pat dry. Pat the tenders dry before coating to help the breading stick.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket . Cook the chicken tenders in batches. They should be placed in a single layer otherwise they won’t get crispy all over.
- I’ve made these both ways . Flipping them halfway through and not flipping them halfway through. The tricky thing about flipping them is it can cause some of the panko breading to come off. I really didn’t find much of a difference in even browning/crispiness when I didn’t flip, so that’s my preferred method.
Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ 1½ lbs chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
- ▢ 6 tbsp unsalted butter melted (¾ stick)
- ▢ 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ▢ ½ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- ▢ 1 tsp kosher salt
- ▢ ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ▢ ½ tsp garlic powder
Video
Instructions
- Add the melted butter to a shallow bowl. 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- In a second shallow bowl, mix together the Panko, parmesan, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp ground black pepper, ½ tsp garlic powder
- Dredge the chicken tenders. First, dip a tender in the melted butter then dredge in the Panko breading. Set aside on a plate or sheet pan and repeat with all tenders. 1½ lbs chicken tenders
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Transfer breaded tenders to the air fryer in a single layer (cooking in batches, if needed). Air fry at 400°F for 11-13 minutes. The tenders are done when they are fully cooked (165°F) and golden brown. Repeat with remaining tenders.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Becky’s Tips
- The easiest cut to use for this recipe is chicken tenders. They’re already the perfect shape, so there’s no prep required. But when tenders aren’t available, I like to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips.
- I prefer to use Panko breadcrumbs for the crispiest tenders. You can use classic breadcrumbs or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for a different flavor.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Step-by-Step
Prep the Butter: Add 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter to a shallow bowl.
Make the Breading: In a second shallow bowl, mix together 1 cup of Panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup of finely shredded Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.
Dredge the Tenders: Dredge 1½ pounds of chicken tenders. First, dip a tender in the melted butter then dredge in the Panko breading. Set aside on a plate or sheet pan and repeat with all tenders.
Air Fry the Tenders: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Transfer breaded tenders to the air fryer in a single layer (cooking in batches, if needed). Air fry at 400°F for 11-13 minutes.
The tenders are done when they are fully cooked (165°F) and golden brown. Repeat with remaining tenders. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a 375°F air fryer for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Serving Suggestions
My kids love these tenders dipped in Chick-fil-A sauce or this BBQ-Sauce , that I originally developed for brisket. For sides, I like to serve them with Shoestring Fries , delicious BBQ Baked Beans , or a classic Potato Salad made with russet potatoes.
More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes to Try!
Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken
Air Fryer Taquitos
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
Air Fryer Panko Chicken Tenders Recipe
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter melted (¾ stick)
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Add the melted butter to a shallow bowl. 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- In a second shallow bowl, mix together the Panko, parmesan, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp kosher salt, ½ tsp ground black pepper, ½ tsp garlic powder
- Dredge the chicken tenders. First, dip a tender in the melted butter then dredge in the Panko breading. Set aside on a plate or sheet pan and repeat with all tenders. 1½ lbs chicken tenders
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Transfer breaded tenders to the air fryer in a single layer (cooking in batches, if needed). Air fry at 400°F for 11-13 minutes. The tenders are done when they are fully cooked (165°F) and golden brown. Repeat with remaining tenders.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- The easiest cut to use for this recipe is chicken tenders. They’re already the perfect shape, so there’s no prep required. But when tenders aren’t available, I like to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips.
- I prefer to use Panko breadcrumbs for the crispiest tenders. You can use classic breadcrumbs or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for a different flavor.
Nutrition
By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017
This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.
Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!
Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On
Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)
Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen
Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen
Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use
26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them
What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?
Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)
How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)
Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
