Air-Fried Chicken Tenders with Fresh Herb Seasoning

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy chicken tenders coated in a blend of dried and fresh herbs, cooked to perfection in an air fryer for a light, flavorful meal. This american-inspired air fryer ready in about 30 minutes pairs chicken breast, olive oil, dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, oregano) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried herbs, half teaspoon garlic powder, half teaspoon salt, and quarter teaspoon black pepper. Add 1 pound boneless chicken breast strips (cut into 1-inch pieces) and toss to coat evenly.
  2. Step 2: Arrange chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes at 375°F, flipping once halfway through, until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, mix 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Toss cooked chicken with herb mixture until fully coated and glossy.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Air-Fried Chicken Tenders with Fresh Herb Seasoning take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Air-Fried Chicken Tenders with Fresh Herb Seasoning?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Air-Fried Chicken Tenders with Fresh Herb Seasoning?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Air-Fried Chicken Tenders with Fresh Herb Seasoning for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Air-Fried Chicken Tenders with Fresh Herb Seasoning?

American air fryer like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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