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★★★★★16 Comments

Golden Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Paleo, Oven Option)

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by Lindsay Cotter Published: May 18, 2020

Dairy-FreeGluten-FreeGrain-FreeLow-CarbNightshade-FreeWhole30
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chicken tenders in a air fryer basket
chicken tenders in a air fryer basket

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. They’re kid friendly, Whole30, paleo, gluten and grain free. Make this recipe for healthy baked chicken strips in an air fryer or your oven. They have a beautiful golden color from turmeric, for an anti-inflammatory boost!

two hands holding white bowl full of crispy chicken strips

Disclosure – We are grateful to be partnering with Bob’s Red Mill on this air fryer chicken post. Thank you for supporting the brands that allow me to create gluten free and dairy free recipes 

Let’s recap! Remember, for the entire month of May, we’re focusing on KID FRIENDLY recipes with pantry staples. Easy for KIDS to make in 30 minutes! Recipes you can make with minimal ingredients and/or pantry staples. Which leads me to this very SIMPLE and quick kid friendly recipe. Ahhh almond crusted crispy chicken tenders! Aka my “Golden Nuggets.” Haha!

Thanks to the invention of the air fryer, our days of deep-fried foods are long gone, my friends. You can have the taste and texture of frying, without all of the oil and mess. It’s fantastic!

bag of Bob's Red Mill brand almond flour next to white serving bowl filled with air fryer chicken tenders.

Air frying chicken strips makes this recipe healthier. Plus, it’s easy for kids to help make, because NO frying is needed.

Ingredients for Air Fryer or Healthy Baked Chicken Strips

ingredients on sheet pan to make an air fryer chicken recipe

This is such a simple, healthy baked chicken strips recipe – it only requires 7 ingredients!

  • chicken tenderloins – If you can’t find chicken tenderloins, it’s not a problem. Just use a sharp knife to cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts lengthwise into 4 or 5 pieces.
  • Super fine almond flour – This is just an estimate – use more if you’re unsure. For a finer texture, I use Bob’s Red Mill super fine almond flour.
  • fine grain sea salt or seasoned salt blend of choice
  • pinch of ground turmeric 
  • garlic powder
  • onion powder
  • black pepper
  • 1 egg

ABOUT THE ALMOND FLOUR

Blanched almond flour is a wonderful option for those with gluten and/or grain intolerance. Plus, it’s low carb and paleo-friendly!

I like to use the Bob’s Red Mill brand because it’s made from whole, California-grown almonds. No fillers or other unwanted ingredients.

The super fine texture is perfect for air frying, but also for baking. I use it to make everything from air fried chicken tenders to my Chocolate Almond No Bake Protein Bars and even Almond Flour Cookies.

bag of Bob's Red Mill brand almond flour

How to make air fryer chicken tenders

Come on, what’s NOT to love about this recipe? The air fryer chicken tenders are gluten free, dairy free, low carb/keto, and Whole30 friendly – without even trying! Oh, and this healthy meal is ready to eat in 30 minutes, with no mess and no fuss!

No worries if you aren’t on the air fryer wagon yet because you can make these healthy baked chicken strips in an oven, too. I’ve got the instructions for you down below.

air fryer chicken tenders in an air fryer basket

Before you start making the recipe, you’ll want to create a breading station to make things easier.

First, the chicken tenders will get a coating of egg, so that will go into one dish. The other dish is where they’ll take a dip into the almond flour breading mixture.

Because the chicken strips are long and relatively thin,  I find that it’s easiest to use two rectangular baking dishes. Or, if you have wide bowls, they’ll do the job just as well.

Are you ready? Let’s make a winner, winner, anti-inflammatory chicken dinner!

1. PREHEAT THE AIR FRYER OR OVEN

If you’ll be making air fried chicken tenders, set your air fryer to 370 F. Or, if you’re making the healthy baked chicken strips in your oven, preheat the oven to 400 F.

2. MAKE THE BREADING and EGG WASH

  • In a wide bowl or a shallow dish, combine the almond flour, salt, turmeric, garlic powder, and black pepper. Use a fork to whisk it all together to combine the flavors, and then set it aside.
  • Next, whisk the egg in the other wide bowl or shallow dish, and set that aside.

3. COAT THE CHICKEN

Coat one chicken tender at a time in egg and then dredge in the turmeric almond flour mixture. Place in air fryer or, if you’re baking them in the oven, place them on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Repeat until all of the chicken tenders have a coating of almond flour mixture.

uncooked chicken tenders with breading on spread out on parchment covered baking sheet.
Overhead view parchment covered baking sheet with golden chicken tenders lined up.

4. BAKE or AIR FRY

If you’re air frying, it will take about 16 minutes. To bake them in the oven, 20 -22 minutes. Regardless of which method you use, be sure to flip the tenders over half way through the cooking time.

Remove once cooked and place on a warm plate to rest for a few minutes before serving.

close up of crispy air fried chicken fingers

Q&A

  • Can I make this recipe ahead?

The answer is, partially. You can definitely make the breading ahead, and if you aren’t using tenderloins, you cut the chicken breasts into strips ahead of time. Really, the only thing that you might want to wait to do until just before air frying is whisking the egg.

  • Can I freeze air fried chicken strips?

Absolutely, you can! Just be sure that they are completely cool before you wrap and freeze them. Otherwise, they may develop freezer burn more quickly. If they’re in an air tight container or Ziploc bag, you can keep them frozen for up to 3 months.

woman's fingers holding air fryer chicken tenders, dipping it into bbq sauce
  • What should I serve with this meal?

You can serve a variety of dipping sauces with the chicken tenders. Maybe some refined sugar free Homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce or Curry Dipping Sauce.

Need some delicious kid friendly side dish ideas? My suggestions are Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries or Stone Baked Tortilla Chips with Avocado Cranberry Salsa.

Oh, and since the air fryer is already out, finish off the meal with some Air Fried Sweet Potato Dessert Fries!

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Golden Air Fryer Chicken Tenders + Oven Recipe


★★★★★

5 from 5 reviews

  • Author: Lindsay Cotter
  • Total Time: 26 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

Golden Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are kid friendly, paleo, Whole30, gluten free and grain free. Make this recipe for healthy baked chicken strips in an air fryer or oven.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
  • 1 ½ – 2 cups blanched almond flour (an estimate – use more if not sure)
  • 1 teaspoon fine grain sea salt or seasoned salt blend of choice
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg, whisked

Instructions

  1. Preheat air fryer to 370 F or oven to 400 F.
  2. In a wide bowl or shallow dish, combine the almond flour, salt, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk together with fork to combine the flavors. Set aside.
  3. Whisk the egg in a wide bowl and set aside.
  4. Coat one chicken tender at a time in the whisked egg bowl, and then dredge in the turmeric almond flour mixture.
  5. Place chicken strips in air fryer basket or on lined baking sheet (if using oven). Repeat until all chicken strips are coated in the almond flour mixture.
  6. AIR FRY in preheated air fryer at 370 F for 15 -17 minutes, gently flipping halfway through cooking. (See notes)
  7. OVEN option – Place breaded chicken on lined baking sheet then cook in preheated oven at 400 F for 20 -22 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time.
  8. Remove when internal temperature reaches 163 F. and place on hot plate to rest for 5 minutes. The chicken will continue to cook to a safe internal temperature of 165 F.
  9. Serve or cool and store for later. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Notes

  • Depending on what  type of air fryer you have and the thickness of your chicken, you may need to adjust cooking times. I used Krups Air Fryer.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 16 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 309
  • Sugar: 1.1 g
  • Sodium: 650.6 mg
  • Fat: 15.2 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7.4 g
  • Fiber: 3.3 g
  • Protein: 33.1 g
  • Cholesterol: 128.6 mg

Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, healthy baked chicken strips, air fried chicken tenders, chicken breasts

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @cottercrunch on Instagram and hashtag it #cottercrunch

Alright my friends, hope you (and/or your kids, if you have them) are as excited as I was to try these “GOLDEN Nuggets.” I mean seriously, this takes me back to childhood! In the best possible way. Take pictures and tag us if you do!  😉

Cheers!

Keep up with the compassionate, fun-loving Bob’s Red Mill on social media. They are full of gluten free inspiration! 

LC

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Categories: Air Fryer, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Low-Carb, Main Dishes, Nightshade-Free, Oven, Quick Meals, Snacks and Appetizers, Whole30 Tags: Chicken, whole30

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chicken tenders in a air fryer basket
chicken tenders in a air fryer basket
Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

About Lindsay

Hi, y’all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten-Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

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  1. Tom

    10/13/2020 at 9:36 PM

    These had such a great taste, but were not as crispy as I wanted them. But then I found a way, after air frying them for 16 minutes, I froze them overnight. The next day, I put them in the air fryer for about 8 minutes. Super crispy and delish! I’ve tried a few chicken finger recipes from other blogs and didn’t like them, these are really good!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      10/14/2020 at 9:19 AM

      That’s a great idea! Curious, what brand of air fryer do you have?

      Reply
      • Tom

        10/20/2020 at 9:10 PM

        It’s the Instant brand, they’re the same company that makes the Instant Pots.

        ★★★★★

        Reply
  2. Matt Robinson

    06/14/2020 at 11:30 PM

    Of course my boys could live on chicken tenders if I allowed them. And these make them so guilt-free for me to make for them. Thanks Lindsay!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      06/17/2020 at 8:48 PM

      I know right?!! Glad to help Matt!

      Reply
  3. Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom

    05/27/2020 at 10:11 AM

    Totally going to make these!!! yum!!!

    Reply
  4. Leigh Ann

    05/21/2020 at 6:21 PM

    These look amazing! Love the turmeric in there too!

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      05/21/2020 at 6:46 PM

      Thank you! Yes, so good!

      Reply
  5. Genesis Ron

    05/20/2020 at 5:54 AM

    Good to know that works too! It was perfect the first time. I learn so much from you as well! Wow great post.

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      05/21/2020 at 6:51 PM

      Thank you!

      Reply
  6. Toni

    05/19/2020 at 9:36 AM

    I love that I can make it in my air fryer! So easy and delicious!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      05/21/2020 at 6:55 PM

      Yes, totally! Thanks, Toni!

      Reply
  7. wilhelmina

    05/18/2020 at 11:29 AM

    I am totally in love with my air fryer and trying very hard to stay low carb. These yummy tenders are a life saver! So easy and so tasty and the whole family enjoys them. No need to make a separate meal for the non low-carbers!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      05/18/2020 at 6:13 PM

      So glad you and your family enjoyed them!

      Reply
  8. Lauren Kelly

    05/18/2020 at 8:16 AM

    Yay! Another reason to love my air fryer! You have the best recipes.

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      05/18/2020 at 6:14 PM

      Thank you, Lauren!!

      Reply

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chicken tenders in a air fryer basket
chicken tenders in a air fryer basket
Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

About Lindsay

Hi, y’all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten-Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

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