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Three Chicken Tenders on a Black Plate with a Serving of Coleslaw

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

With this easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe, you can make the fried chicken of your dreams without the oil or the mess! This air fried chicken is supremely tender and juicy with a crispy, golden coating on the outside. Gluten-free, low carb, keto, paleo and Whole30-friendly.

Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Keyword air fryer chicken recipe, air fryer chicken tenders, fried chicken in air fryer, gluten free fried chicken, how to cook fried chicken, how to make chicken tenders, keto fried chicken
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
To Marinate 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 161 kcal
Author Kelly

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup full-fat canned coconut milk
  • 1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar OR lemon juice
  • 1/2-1 teaspoon your favorite hot sauce , plus more as desired
  • 1lb boneless skinless chicken tenders OR chicken breasts, cut into 3 even strips
  • 2/3 cup superfine blanched almond flour
  • 3 tablespoons crushed pork rinds
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder
  • 2/3 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

    Top view of chicken breast on a cutting board

  2. Whisk together the coconut milk, vinegar and hot sauce in a shallow, wide bowl. Add the chicken pieces, coating each piece well and marinate in the fridge for 1 hour or up to 24 hours.

    Ingredients to make air fryer chicken breading in a white bowl on a dark grey background

  3. In another shallow, wide bowl, mix together the almond flour, pork rinds, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, salt and black pepper together. 

    Seasonings to make air fryer chicken breading in a white bowl on a dark grey background

  4. Use your tongs to grab one piece of chicken and place into the almond flour ‘breading’, coating well on all sides. Shake off excess and place chicken pieces in the the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the top with olive oil spray or avocado spray.

    A Piece of Chicken Sitting in the Coconut Milk Marinade in a Bowl

Air Fryer Instructions

  1. Shake off excess breading and place about 3-4 chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer tray making sure the pieces do not touch. You will have to cook in batches.

    Top view of air fryer chicken in the air fryer

  2. Cook for 4 minutes, then carefully flip. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes.

  3. Remove chicken. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.

    A Square Plate Filled with Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Oven Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a pan with parchment paper.

  2. Shake off excess breading and place chicken on prepared pan in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and spray with cooking spray or oil.

    Top view of breaded chicken pieces in a baking dish with melted butter

  3. Bake 18-22 minutes or until cooked through.

Nutrition Facts
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Amount Per Serving (2 chicken tender)
Calories 161 Calories from Fat 117
% Daily Value*
Fat 13g20%
Carbohydrates 4g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 9g18%
* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.