Go Back
–+ servings
Print
These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders feature a crispy coating of cornflake crumbs and parmesan cheese. Everyone will love these juicy tenders that are easy to make and packed with flavor, making them a crowd favorite! Dip them into your favorite ranch dressing or give them a drizzle of honey for the ultimate appetizer or family dinner!

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are the ultimate party appetizer, game day snack or dinner the whole family will love! Crunchy, juicy and delicious, these homemade chicken tenders are easy to make and feature cornflakes and parmesan cheese! No oil needed when you make these chicken tenders in the air fryer. Perfect for dunking in ranch dressing, honey mustard or bbq sauce!

Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Keyword air fryer, air fryer appetizer, air fryer chicken, air fryer recipe, chicken tenderloins, chicken tenders, corn flake, cornflake crumbs, cornflakes, easy appetizer, game day, holiday appetizer, Parmesan cheese, snack
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 303 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins (approximately 8-10 large tenders)
  • 2 cups cornflakes
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • ranch dressing (or your other favorite dipping sauces such as bbq sauce, honey mustard, buffalo sauce, blue cheese, sriracha, aioli, honey, etc.)

Instructions

  1. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F.

  2. Dry chicken tenderloins with paper towel, removing white tendon if necessary.*

  3. In a small bowl combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Sprinkle seasoning onto both sides and gently rub into chicken.

  4. In a shallow bowl, beat eggs. Set aside.

  5. Place corn flakes in a quart size ziploc bag and crush.

  6. In a second shallow bowl combine crushed cornflakes and Parmesan.

  7. Spray an air fryer safe cooking spray (or lightly brush a little oil) over the bottom of the air fryer basket. (I used olive oil spray.)

  8. Dip both sides of seasoned chicken tender in egg to coat . Then dip in corn flake mixture and coat generously, pressing mixture into chicken to help it stick. Place in air fryer basket.

  9. Repeat with additional chicken tenders until your air fryer basket is full in a single layer without overlapping. (You may need to cook in batches. )

  10. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip. Cook another 5 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) and tenders are golden brown. Repeat if necessary.

  11. Serve immediately with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce!

Recipe Notes

*To remove the tendon from a chicken tender, you can use a sharp knife to carefully cut along each side of the tendon and then pull it out. Removing the tendon helps make the chicken tender more tender and enjoyable to eat.

Be sure to really press your chicken into the corn flake mixture to help it stick, repeating a few times if needed so it is well coated. 

If preparing in batches, dip and coat your chicken right before placing them in the air fryer for best results.

Nutrition Facts
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Amount per Serving
Calories
303
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
8
g
12
%
Saturated Fat
 
3
g
19
%
Trans Fat
 
0.03
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
3
g
Cholesterol
 
195
mg
65
%
Sodium
 
722
mg
31
%
Potassium
 
702
mg
20
%
Carbohydrates
 
13
g
4
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
2
g
2
%
Protein
 
42
g
84
%
Vitamin A
 
509
IU
10
%
Vitamin C
 
7
mg
8
%
Calcium
 
98
mg
10
%
Iron
 
5
mg
28
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.