AIR FRYER NAKED CHICKEN TENDERS

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes
Difficulty: Easy | Servings: 4

Description

These Air Fryer Naked Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and completely breading-free! Perfect for a quick, healthy, and protein-packed meal. Made with simple seasonings and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, they’re great for meal prep, salads, wraps, or dipping in your favorite sauce.

---

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)

• 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp dried oregano (optional)

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

---

INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 1: PREPARE THE CHICKEN

1. Pat Dry: Use paper towels to pat the chicken tenders dry—this helps them crisp up better.

2. Season: In a bowl, mix olive oil and all the spices (garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, oregano, and cayenne if using).

3. Coat: Toss the chicken tenders in the spice mix until evenly coated.

STEP 2: AIR FRYING

1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.

2. Arrange Chicken: Place the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for even cooking.

3. Cook: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the outside is golden.

STEP 3: SERVING

• Let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

• Serve with dipping sauces (honey mustard, BBQ, ranch) or alongside salads, wraps, or roasted veggies.

---

NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING)

Notes:

• Gluten-Free & Low-Carb: Naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly.

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.

---

VARIATIONS & TIPS

✅ Extra Crispy? Lightly spray with oil before air frying.
✅ Spicy Version? Add ½ tsp chili powder or hot sauce to the marinade.
✅ Meal Prep? Double the batch for easy lunches!

---

FINAL THOUGHTS

These Air Fryer Naked Chicken Tenders are a quick, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy juicy chicken without breading. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a protein boost in salads and wraps.

Try them today and enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken in under 25 minutes!