Crumbed Chicken Tenderloins (Air Fried) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- cup dry bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 8 chicken tenderloins
Directions
Step 1: Gather all ingredients.
Step 2: Preheat the air fryer to 350F (175C).
Step 3: Whisk the egg in a small bowl.
Step 4: In a second bowl, mix the bread crumbs and oil together until the mixture becomes loose and crumbly.
Step 5: Dip each chicken tenderloin into the bowl with the egg, shaking off any excess egg.
Step 6: Then, dip the chicken into the bread crumb mixture, making sure each piece is evenly coated.
Step 7: Lay the coated chicken tenderloins in the air fryer basket in a single, even layer.
Step 8: Air-fry the chicken for about 12 minutes or until the center is no longer pink. An instant-read thermometer should register at least 165F (74C) when inserted into the center of the chicken.
Step 9: Serve hot and enjoy!
Recipe Tip
You can substitute butter for the vegetable oil if desired.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Calories | 253 |
| Total Fat | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 109mg |
| Sodium | 171mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Total Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 26g |
| Calcium | 42mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
| Potassium | 231mg |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amounts are based on available data.


Description: These air-fried chicken tenderloins are easy to make with a simple egg wash and a crumb coating for crispy fried chicken that beats nuggets any day!
History of Origin
The tradition of breaded and fried chicken dates back centuries, with various cultures developing their own methods for preparing this delicious dish. Crumbed chicken, in particular, is a dish that traces its roots to the European culinary tradition, where breaded and fried meats were common. However, the advent of modern kitchen appliances like the air fryer has given this traditional recipe a healthier and quicker twist, making it a favorite for those seeking a lighter option without sacrificing taste. The use of an air fryer instead of deep-frying has made this dish popular in recent years, especially in households looking to reduce oil consumption.
Regional Variations
While this recipe uses simple ingredients like breadcrumbs, egg, and oil, the regional variations of crumbed chicken are endless. In the United States, it's commonly known as "fried chicken tenders," while in other parts of the world, such as Japan, breaded chicken is coated in panko breadcrumbs, creating a lighter and crunchier texture. Additionally, in Italy, a similar technique is used to make "cotoletta alla milanese," where veal or chicken is breaded and fried. In the southern United States, fried chicken is often seasoned with a mix of spices, reflecting the region's love for bold flavors. The recipe also accommodates various dietary preferences, with options for gluten-free breadcrumbs or dairy-free coatings.
What Sets It Apart from Similar Dishes
The key difference between air-fried crumbed chicken tenderloins and traditional deep-fried chicken lies in the cooking method. While both recipes call for breading, the air fryer uses hot circulating air to create a crispy texture without the need for excessive oil. This results in a healthier version of fried chicken, reducing fat and calories while still maintaining a satisfying crunch. Additionally, the air fryer significantly cuts down cooking time compared to oven baking or deep frying, making it an ideal option for a quick meal.
Where It Is Typically Served
Crumbed chicken tenderloins are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of settings. They are often served as a main course for a casual dinner or as part of a larger family meal. In fast-casual restaurants and diners, this dish is commonly paired with dipping sauces such as barbecue, ranch, or honey mustard, and served alongside sides like fries, coleslaw, or a garden salad. They are also popular in lunchboxes, making for an easy-to-prepare, protein-packed option that can be eaten on the go. Many people enjoy making this dish at home for weeknight dinners, as the air fryer simplifies the cooking process without compromising on taste.
Interesting Facts
- The air fryer was first introduced in 2010 by a company called Philips, and has since gained massive popularity due to its ability to create crispy foods with little to no oil.
- Chicken tenders are often referred to as "chicken fingers" or "chicken strips," but no matter the name, they all share the same basic concept of breaded chicken pieces.
- Air frying is considered a healthier cooking method compared to traditional deep frying, as it uses up to 75% less oil.
- Panko breadcrumbs, often used in crumbed chicken recipes, were first introduced in Japan and are known for their light, airy texture, which results in an extra-crunchy coating when fried or air-fried.
- Chicken tenderloins are one of the most tender parts of the chicken, making them perfect for a crispy coating and quick cooking methods like air frying.
FAQ about Crumbed Chicken Tenderloins (Air Fried) Recipe
Comments
Rebecca Young
12/25/2022 06:52:06 AM
Followed the recipe to a tee using Panko breadcrumbs and the result was absolutely flawless. Be sure to allow 20 minutes for your air fryer to preheat and avoid overcrowding the basket. For that perfect crispiness all around, ensure the chicken pieces do not touch each other.
Jerry Nelson
12/08/2024 01:19:28 AM
I haven't tried this specific recipe yet, but I have been cooking chicken in my air fryer for over a year - nuggets, strips, whole pieces, wings, you name it, with different coatings, sauces, or just plain. Today, I came across this recipe in a special chicken issue and saw a reviewer's tip to preheat the air fryer for 20 minutes. However, I recently got a copy of America's Test Kitchen's "Air Fryer Perfection" which tested the need for preheating. Air fryers heat up quickly within a minute or two, so both ATK and I agree that preheating is not necessary. It saves time and energy. Just remember to turn and rotate the food during cooking or shake the basket to ensure all sides get crispy. The reviewer was also correct about not overloading the basket.
Ryan Rivera
04/30/2024 04:08:28 AM
Here is the rewritten review: I always season every component - the chicken tenders, the egg, and the breadcrumbs. I added a sprinkle of salt, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, and Lawry's seasoned salt to each layer. The outcome was delicious! For those experiencing issues with sogginess or uneven cooking, ensure you preheat the air fryer, similar to preheating oil for deep frying. Flip the tenders halfway through cooking and I am confident you will be pleased with the outcome.
Virginia Scott
08/18/2024 05:38:00 AM
Rewritten review: Initially, I was unimpressed with the instructions as they were. However, after adjusting the sequence of dipping the chicken in egg, oil, and breadcrumbs, the outcome was quite pleasing. Mixing the egg and oil before coating the chicken in breadcrumbs solved the issue of the mixture not adhering properly. I followed a fellow reader's suggestion of seasoning the breadcrumbs with McCormick Montreal Chicken Seasoning, which enhanced the overall flavor.
Aaron Davis
08/19/2022 11:50:52 PM
This recipe is an absolute game changer! There are two main reasons why we loved it. Firstly, it was quick, easy, and incredibly delicious following the directions precisely. We had 1.16 lbs of tenders, which yielded 7 pieces. Secondly, mixing the oil with the breadcrumbs was a stroke of genius. No need for double dipping as the breadcrumbs adhered perfectly to the tenders. We will definitely be using this method going forward. We decided to customize the spices to suit our Southern taste buds for our next batch. We added 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of Spanish paprika to the breadcrumbs mixture, and opted for avocado oil instead of vegetable oil. Since our air fryer is small, we could only cook 3 tenders at a time. For the last tender, we lowered the temperature to 375°F and cooked it for 10 minutes on each side, which worked perfectly for us. We've heard that all air fryers are different, so we'll experiment with 1 1/2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper or try adding 1 1/2 teaspoons of Frank's RedHot to the egg mixture in our next batch. For dipping sauces, we enjoyed ranch and a mixture of Frank's RedHot and plain Greek yogurt. We served the tenders with grilled corn and a garden fresh salad seasoned with organic Herbs De Provence. Thank you, Launa, for sharing this amazing low-carb recipe with us. We truly appreciate it! Thanks again, Loves2Cook.
Katherine Jones
11/28/2022 01:35:05 AM
Here is the rewritten review: "I had great results making these chicken strips in the air fryer. I prepared them using pounded chicken breast cut into thin strips, seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before dipping them in egg and coating them with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Instead of mixing oil into the breadcrumbs, I opted to spray them with cooking spray. I cooked them at 350 degrees for 14 minutes, turning them over once during the process."
Julie Jones
12/25/2024 02:53:42 AM
Fantastic and simple recipe that turned out amazing! I made a double batch using a Costco bag of tenderloins for my family. We enjoy spicy food, so I added 1 tsp of Poultry Seasoning, 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1/4 tsp of Cayenne, 1/4 tsp of salt, and plenty of fresh ground pepper to the recipe. Just like others recommended, make sure not to overcrowd the basket and cook for 6 minutes before flipping. The result was incredibly tender, flavorful, and absolutely delicious!
Matthew Roberts
07/02/2024 06:40:17 AM
I was searching for a healthier chicken parm recipe and stumbled upon this gem. I decided to amp up the bread crumb and oil mixture by tripling it. I used 6 thinly sliced chicken breasts and cooked them in batches of two, reducing the cooking time to 9 minutes. After that, I transferred the cooked chicken to a baking dish, topped it with sauce and sliced mozzarella cheese, and baked it until everything was warm and the cheese was melted. This was hands down the best chicken parm I have ever made, and the best part was that there was no frying involved. I wish I could give this recipe 10 stars!
Sarah Davis
01/08/2023 11:04:41 AM
I cooked at 350°F for 10 minutes! I checked the internal temperature and it was around 168-171 degrees. I coated the chicken with plain panko crumbs mixed with cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder as suggested in a previous comment. I also seasoned the chicken with salt before breading. I used chicken tenderloins from Costco. I will definitely be making my chicken tenders like this with different spice variations in the future! For a low-carb option, crushing up 4505 Chicharrones would be a great substitute!
Robert Gonzalez
04/23/2025 07:42:38 PM
Here's the rewritten review: "I was pleasantly surprised by how well it turned out! I decided to enhance the flavor by incorporating some spices (1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp cayenne, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp salt) into the dry panko crumbs before adding the oil. I only prepared 5 chicken tenders this time, but if I were to make 8, I would double the recipe to achieve that extra crunchiness that I love! The texture of the chicken tenders was just right, and I followed the instructions without flipping them. My husband really enjoyed it too! I will definitely be making this recipe again."
Ruth Sanchez
08/04/2023 07:09:46 AM
Great recipe that is simple to prepare. Just a couple of spices are needed to enhance the flavor.
Michael Moore
04/21/2025 09:04:42 AM
The batter or bread crumbs won't adhere well if oil is added. Lack of seasoning is a significant drawback.
Rebecca Rivera
01/30/2023 04:46:50 AM
I substituted stove top stuffing for panko and it turned out to be delicious!! Very simple to make! Definitely making this dish again.
Ashley Clark
03/14/2025 04:47:41 PM
Delicious, fast, and simple... covers all the main recipe bases :-) Turned out crispy and the chicken breasts were perfectly cooked. I enjoyed mine with a dash of sriracha sauce. Another effortless meal to whip up!
Benjamin Nelson
10/04/2022 10:04:47 AM
Added some seasonings to the chicken (love my spices), it ended up being delicious and crispy :)
Angela Hill
11/11/2024 10:33:51 AM
Quick and easy dinner.
Joyce Johnson
08/28/2023 09:17:36 PM
So simple! The idea of adding oil to the breadcrumbs is brilliant.
Sarah Miller
03/06/2025 05:23:00 AM
Quick, effortless, and adaptable.
Kenneth Taylor
07/30/2024 04:35:04 AM
This recipe worked perfectly for me as a cooking enthusiast. I added a touch of garlic powder, onion powder, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, and broiled it for one minute at the end of cooking. I will definitely be making it again soon.