AIR FRYER NAKED CHICKEN TENDERS

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins No Breading

Have you hopped on the air fryer bandwagon yet? We purchased an air fryer a little over a year ago, and I am just now sharing our first recipe. Now, that doesn’t mean this is my first time using our air fryer! In fact when we first got it I was using it all the time! I love cooking chicken wings in the air fryer, as well as quick roasting veggies.

However, the thing we cook most in our air fryer are these naked chicken tenderloins! This is a simple recipe that only requires some seasoning and lime juice. You could also use lemon juice if you don’t have lime. Simply coat the chicken tenders in lime juice and oil. Then season liberally! Please note that this recipe is full of spice. If you can’t handle the heat feel free to adjust the chili powder and pepper to your own preference.

AIR FRYER NAKED CHICKEN TENDERS

Print Recipe

Tender, juicy and full of flavor, these naked chicken tenders are air fried in no time. There’s no breading so these chicken fingers are low carb and fuss-free!

• Author: Julia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 chicken tenderloins
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 2 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 3 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Olive oil mister* as needed

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine all dry seasonings and set aside *
2. Add lime juice (or lemon juice) and 1 tbsp olive oil to a large ziploc bag. Toss chicken tenderloins in the liquid. Remove the chicken and discard bag.
3. Coat both sides of chicken tenderloins with seasoning mix.
4. Preheat air fryer to 375 for 3 minutes.
5. After preheated, spray inside tray of air fryer with olive oil mister.
6. Place chicken tenders in basket in a single layer. Do not crowd.
7. Cook for 12-15 minutes at 375, flipping chicken tenders half way through cook time. If tenders are on the smaller side cook for 12 minutes and check for doneness. If juices run clear they are done.
8. Serve warm with dipping sauce or your favorite side dish.

Notes

* This recipe is spicy. If spice isn’t your thing, adjust the chili powder and pepper to your own preference.

Using an oil mister over prepackaged spray oil is preferred for most air fryers. Some prepackaged spray oil contains a chemical/preservative that can cause damage to the non-stick surface of the air fryer.

A small air fryer will fit 4-5 chicken tenders at a time. Cook the first batch fully, set on a plate and cover in foil while the second batch cooks. Once the second batch is cooked, place the first batch back in the air fryer for an additional 1 minute to heat back up.