Air Fryer Garlic Herb Chicken Tenders

🥩 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Chicken

• 1½ lbs (700g) chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breast strips)

• 1½ tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• ½ tsp chili powder (optional for mild heat)

• ½ tsp brown sugar (optional, helps caramelization)

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Marinade Upgrade (Highly Recommended)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp plain yogurt (for extra tenderness)

🥣 Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels (important for browning).

2. If using chicken breasts, slice into even strips (about 1 inch thick).

3. Remove any excess tendon from tenders if desired.

🌿 Step 2: Season or Marinate

Quick Seasoning Method (10 minutes)

1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil and all spices.

2. Toss chicken until fully coated.

3. Let rest for 10–15 minutes at room temperature.

Marinated Version (Best Flavor – 30 mins to 8 hrs)

1. Mix olive oil, spices, lemon juice, Dijon, and yogurt.

2. Coat chicken thoroughly.

3. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes (up to overnight).

4. Let sit at room temp 15 minutes before cooking.

🍳 Step 3: Preheat Air Fryer

• Preheat to 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes.

🔥 Step 4: Air Fry

1. Lightly spray basket with oil.

2. Arrange chicken in a single layer (do NOT overlap).

3. Cook at 380°F (193°C) for:

   • 9–12 minutes total

   • Flip halfway (around 5–6 minutes)

Internal Temperature:

• Must reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.

For extra browning:

• Increase to 400°F (200°C) for the final 1–2 minutes.

🌿 Step 5: Rest & Finish

1. Remove chicken and let rest 5 minutes (keeps it juicy).

2. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

3. Optional: squeeze fresh lemon over top.

🧄 Flavor Variations

🔥 Spicy Cajun

Add:

• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning

• ¼ tsp cayenne

🍯 Honey Garlic

Brush with:

• 1 tbsp honey + 1 tsp soy sauce during last 2 minutes

🧀 Parmesan Herb

After cooking, toss with:

• 2 tbsp grated parmesan

• Extra Italian seasoning

🥗 Serving Ideas

• Over garlic rice

• In wraps or tacos

• With roasted vegetables

• On top of Caesar salad

• With dipping sauces (ranch, honey mustard, garlic aioli)

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Store in fridge up to 4 days.

• Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.

• Freeze up to 2 months.