Air Fryer Keto Chicken Tenders with no breading are perfect for an easy and protein-rich lunch or dinner option. Serve the tender chicken pieces with vegetables or a salad. This recipe is made gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-carb.

A plate of seasoned chicken tenders cooked in air fryer

You won’t miss the breading on these flavorful low-carb Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. The chicken is juicy and flavorful and makes for a super easy meal that the whole family can enjoy.

These healthy air fryer chicken tenders are perfect if you want to meal prep a protein source for the week. Then, serve them whole with dipping sauce, chop them into a salad, or throw them in a wrap for an easy meal.

Contents hide
1 Recipe Benefits
2 Key Ingredients
3 Recipe Steps
4 Recipe Tips
5 Recipe FAQs
6 More Air Fryer Recipes You Might Like
7 What to Serve with Keto Chicken Tenders
8 Air Fryer Keto Chicken Tenders (No Breading)

Recipe Benefits

  • It’s a perfect weeknight dinner easy recipe. You likely have the olive oil and spices on hand, so all you have to remember to buy is the chicken. This is a perfect recipe when you’re unsure what to make!
  • Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with No Breading are low-carb, keto, gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, and Whole30 approved. It’s a simple recipe that works with a wide variety of diets and allergies.
  • These tenders are perfect for any meal! You can add them to a salad or make them into a lettuce wrap, top a cauliflower rice bowl or serve them with steamed veggies. They go with almost anything including your favorite dipping sauce like buffalo sauce or ranch dressing.

Key Ingredients

Ingredients for air fryer chicken tenders
  • Chicken tenders make this recipe super easy as they’re already cut and ready to be seasoned. You’ll need raw chicken tenders or chicken tenderloins. Sometimes these are called chicken strips or chicken fingers.
  • Olive oil helps the seasoning adhere to the chicken tenders. It also helps the chicken get crispy with no breading.
  • Spices give the chicken lots of flavor without the breading. I like using smoked paprika, but you could also use garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, chili powder, cayenne pepper, or whatever seasoning blend you like!

Please see the recipe card at the end of this post for the exact measurements and ingredients.

Recipe Steps

How to make chicken tenders in the air fryer

Step One

Place the chicken tenders on a plate and pat dry with a paper towel.

Please see the recipe card at the end of this post for the exact ingredients and measurements.

Step Two

Combine the olive oil and seasonings in a small bowl.

Brush both sides of the chicken tenders with the mixture.

Step Three

Transfer the chicken to the basket of your air fryer in a single layer. Set to 375 degrees and bake for 8 minutes cooking time.

Step Four

Use tongs to flip the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket and then cook another 7 minutes. You can always check the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure its reached an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

When the chicken is finished use clean tongs to transfer to a serving platter.

This is the absolute best way to easily cook chicken with simple ingredients. Make a whole batch and store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

cooked air fryer chicken tenders on a plate

Recipe Tips

  • Most air fryers do not need to be pre-heated before using. Check the instruction manual of your specific air fryer to see if it is recommended for your model.
  • You may need to cook the chicken tenders in batches depending on how big your air fryer is. You don’t want to overlap the chicken because that may inhibit the cooking process.
  • Store any leftover cooked chicken in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.
  • If you wanted a breaded version, check out my recipe for Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders.
A plate of chicken tenders served with broccoli

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?

Yes, simply trim the fat and then cut the breast lengthwise into 1/2 inch strips. That’s how simple it is to make your own chicken tenders.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes but you will need to do it in batches because you don’t want to overcrowd the air fryer. If you do the hot air will not be able to circulate well and the chicken tenders won’t be crispy.

What can I serve with air fryer chicken tenders?

Serve alongside Keto Mexican Rice, Easy Carrot Cucumber Salad, steamed or grilled vegetables, or mashed cauliflower for a low carb dinner.

More Air Fryer Recipes You Might Like

Or, see my entire index of Gluten-Free Air Fryer recipes.

What to Serve with Keto Chicken Tenders

Instant Pot Zucchini with Tomatoes

Keto Mexican Rice

Instant Pot Cauliflower Mash (Low-Carb)

8 Best Low Carb Potato Substitutes

I hope you make this recipe! If you do, please leave a comment and a starred review below.

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A plate of chicken with broccoli

Air Fryer Keto Chicken Tenders (No Breading)

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5 from 1 review

Print Recipe

Air Fryer Keto Chicken Tenders with no breading are perfect for an easy and protein-rich lunch or dinner option. Serve the tender chicken pieces with vegetables or a salad. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-carb.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound chicken tenders
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken tenders on a plate and pat each sides of the chicken dry with a paper towel.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the oil, paprika, ground garlic, salt, and pepper. Use a basting brush or the edge of a clean paper towel to spread the mixture on both side of the chicken tenders.
  3. Transfer the chicken to the basket of your air fryer.
  4. Set the temperature to 375°F and bake the chicken for 8 minutes. Use tongs to flip the chicken and cook for an additional 7 minutes.
  5. When the chicken tenders are done cooking, use clean tongs to transfer the chicken to a serving platter.
  6. Let the chicken cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  1. Most air fryer do not need to be pre-heated before using. Check the instruction manual of your specific air fryer to see if it is recommended for your model.
  2. You may need to cook the chicken tenders in batches depending on how big your air fryer is. You don’t want to overlap the chicken because that may inhibit the cooking process.
  3. Store any leftover cooked chicken in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 171
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 630.9 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 0.3 g
  • Fiber: 0.1 g
  • Protein: 22.1 g
  • Cholesterol: 54.9 mg

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About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition. She is a top wellness and food blogger with nearly 10 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send Carrie a message through her contact form.