Air-Fried Herb Chicken Tenders
Crispy chicken tenders coated in aromatic herbs and cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer. This american-inspired air fryer (gluten-free, high-protein) ready in about 25 minutes pairs chicken tenders, garlic powder, dried thyme 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz chicken tenders
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels, then toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Arrange tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Set air fryer to 390°F and cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.
- Step 3: Let rest for 2 minutes before serving to lock in juices.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Air-Fried Herb Chicken Tenders take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Herb Chicken Tenders?
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 tenders from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Air-Fried Herb Chicken Tenders?
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 Herb Chicken Tenders 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.
Is Air-Fried Herb Chicken Tenders gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free, high-protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made these for my husband’s game night; everyone asked for seconds. No oil needed!
- ★★★★★
Air-fried to perfection—juicy inside, golden outside. The herb blend was a game-changer.
- ★★★★★
My kids devoured these! So crispy and herby, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
