If you’re craving air fryer chicken tenders with flour, this recipe will be your new go-to. The flour coating delivers a golden, crispy outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Unlike deep frying, the air fryer uses just a light oil spray, so you get a healthier version of a comfort food favorite. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, quick snack, or family-friendly meal, these tenders are simple to prepare and cook in under 15 minutes.
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Why Use Flour for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders?
Using flour for coating chicken tenders gives you that classic crispy outside, juicy inside texture without needing heavy breading. The air fryer locks in crunch with just a light oil spray, making it a healthier option than deep frying.
Air Fryer vs. Other Cooking Methods
- Oven baking: Works, but often takes twice as long and doesn’t crisp as evenly.
- Deep frying: Crispy, but adds excess oil and calories.
- Air frying: Golden, flavorful, and fast—ready in 12 minutes or less.
That balance of speed and crispiness is why air frying beats traditional methods for weeknight dinner recipes.
Healthier Benefits
Air frying with flour uses less oil than frying, saving calories while keeping flavor. If you need swaps, almond flour or gluten-free flour work well for low-carb or gluten-sensitive diets.
For even lighter options, try these chicken tenders in air fryer without breading. Or, if you’re cooking from frozen, check this step-by-step for frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making air fryer chicken tenders with flour doesn’t require much—just a few pantry staples and your favorite seasonings. Here’s the full list:
- Chicken tenderloins (or slice boneless chicken breasts into strips)
- All-purpose flour – creates that golden crisp. For alternatives, use almond flour for keto, or gluten-free flour if needed. Cornstarch also works for extra crunch.
- Eggs – essential for the egg wash, which helps flour stick. For a dairy-free option, use unsweetened almond or oat milk.
- Oil spray – olive or avocado oil spray helps crisp the coating without drenching it in fat.
- Seasonings – paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, or spice blends for variety.
Substitutions & Dietary Swaps
- Keto-friendly: replace flour with almond flour.
- Gluten-free: use a certified gluten-free flour.
- Dairy-free: replace egg wash with plant-based milk.
For extra crispy chicken inspiration, check out my recipe for air fryer popcorn chicken. And if you want a leaner option, these air fryer boneless chicken thighs use similar seasonings with less coating.
With these flexible ingredients, you can tailor the recipe to fit almost any dietary need while keeping it family-friendly.
Step-by-Step Instructions (with Flour Dredge Method)
Follow this simple method to get crispy air fryer chicken tenders with flour every time.
Step 1 – Prep the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season lightly with salt, pepper, or your favorite spice blend before dredging. This helps the flour stick and keeps the inside juicy.
Step 2 – Flour, Egg, Flour Coating
Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with seasoned flour. Dip chicken into flour, then egg wash, then flour again. This double-dredge method creates a thicker crunch, similar to fried chicken, but much lighter.
Step 3 – Air Fry the Tenders
- Arrange tenders in a single layer in the basket.
- Spray lightly with oil for golden color.
- Cook at 375–400°F (190–200°C) for 10–12 minutes.
- Flip halfway for even crisp.
- Confirm internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
For variations without breading, try my chicken tenders in air fryer without breading. And if you’d like a freezer-friendly option, check this guide to reheating chicken tenders in the air fryer for best storage and crispness results.
This simple dredge method keeps the coating crispy outside while locking in a juicy inside—ideal for busy weeknights.
Time & Temperature Guide
Getting air fryer chicken tenders with flour right depends on both the size of your chicken and your cooking method. Use this quick guide for reliable results.
Small vs. Large Tenders
- Small tenderloins: 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes
- Large strips: 400°F (204°C) for 12–14 minutes
Always flip halfway and check for an internal temp of 165°F (74°C).
Oven vs. Air Fryer
- Air fryer: 10–12 minutes for crisp, golden tenders
- Oven baking: 20–25 minutes, less crisp, requires more oil
- Deep frying: 8–10 minutes, very crispy but high in fat and calories
This is why the air fryer hits the sweet spot—crispy outside, juicy inside, and healthier than frying.
Freezing & Reheating Flour-Coated Tenders
To freeze: coat tenders with flour and lay flat on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen at 375°F for 12–14 minutes.
To reheat: warm cooked tenders at 350°F for 3–5 minutes until hot and crispy.
For more frozen tips, check my guide to frozen chicken tenders in air fryer. If you’ve already cooked a batch, here’s how to reheat chicken tenders in the air fryer without losing crispness.
With this guide, your tenders will turn out perfect no matter the size or method.
Serving Ideas Beyond Fries
While fries are the classic sidekick, air fryer chicken tenders with flour pair well with so much more. Here are a few family-friendly ideas to mix things up.
With Fresh Sides
Serve tenders over a crisp salad for a lighter meal. You can also pair them with air fryer roasted sweet potatoes or steamed veggies to balance the crispy coating.
In Wraps, Sandwiches & Sliders
Layer tenders in a wrap with lettuce, tomato, and ranch for a quick lunch. Or turn them into sliders with pickles and BBQ sauce for game day.
For Meal Prep Bowls
Slice tenders and add them to rice bowls, grain salads, or even pasta dishes. They’re easy to portion and reheat, making them ideal for meal prepping.
Kid-Friendly Lunchbox Option
Chicken tenders are a hit with kids. Pair them with fruit, carrot sticks, and a small container of dipping sauce for a fun, balanced lunch. Add some air fryer tater tots for an extra treat.
No matter how you serve them, these tenders turn into a versatile, family-friendly weeknight dinner that never gets boring.
Healthier Variations & Substitutions
One of the best things about making air fryer chicken tenders with flour is how easy it is to adapt the recipe for different diets. With a few simple swaps, you can enjoy the same crispy outside and juicy inside while meeting your health goals.
Gluten-Free Options
Swap all-purpose flour with a certified gluten-free blend. It delivers the same crunch without the gluten.
Keto-Friendly Almond Flour
Use almond flour instead of regular flour to make low-carb tenders. Pair them with a fresh salad or air fryer chicken bites for a protein-packed meal.
Cornstarch for Extra Crunch
For lighter tenders with a crisp shell, replace half the flour with cornstarch. It adds a shatter-like crunch without extra calories.
Dairy-Free Alternative
Skip the egg wash and dip the chicken in plant-based milk before flouring. Almond or oat milk works best for sticking power.
Looking for more family-friendly swaps? Try these air fryer chicken patties, which are easy to adapt with different binders and flours.
These simple changes make it easy to keep tenders family-friendly while fitting gluten-free, keto, or dairy-free lifestyles.
Tips & Hacks for Crispy Results
Want your air fryer chicken tenders with flour to come out just right every time? These quick tips guarantee a crisp outside and juicy inside.
- Pat chicken dry: Extra moisture makes flour clump and prevents crisping.
- Avoid overcrowding: Place tenders in a single layer so air circulates evenly.
- Spray lightly with oil: Too much oil can make the coating soggy; a fine mist is enough.
- Flip halfway: Ensures both sides cook evenly and develop golden color.
- Rest before serving: Let tenders sit for 2 minutes after cooking so the coating sets.
If you’ve struggled with soggy tenders, these are the same solutions I share in my air fryer boneless chicken thigh recipe. For an easy side dish that matches their crispiness, try air fryer frozen French fries.
These small adjustments take your tenders from good to diner-quality crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I put flour on my chicken before putting it in the air fryer?
Yes, adding a flour coating is what gives chicken tenders their golden crunch. Flour helps create a light crust that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer with just a little oil spray. Without it, the chicken won’t have the same classic texture you expect from fried tenders.
Can you use flour in an air fryer?
You can absolutely use flour in the air fryer, but it’s important to apply it correctly. Always pair flour with an egg wash or light liquid coating so it sticks to the chicken. Then spray the outside with oil to help it crisp instead of staying powdery.
How to get flour to stick to chicken tenders?
Pat the chicken dry first, season lightly, then dredge it in flour, dip it in an egg wash, and coat it in flour again. This “flour → egg → flour” method ensures a firm crust that doesn’t fall off during cooking. A gentle oil spray before air frying helps seal the coating in place.
How to make air fryer crispy chicken with flour?
To make crispy chicken with flour, use the double-dredge method, spray the coated chicken lightly with oil, and cook in a preheated air fryer at 375–400°F for 10–12 minutes. Flip halfway and let the chicken rest for 2 minutes before serving. This ensures a crunchy exterior and juicy interior every time.
Conclusion – The Best Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Flour
With just flour, a few pantry staples, and the magic of the air fryer, you can enjoy crispy air fryer chicken tenders with flour any night of the week.
They cook fast, use less oil than deep frying, and still deliver that classic golden crunch with a juicy inside. Plus, the recipe is family-friendly, easy to adapt with gluten-free or keto swaps, and versatile enough for wraps, salads, or lunchboxes.
Next time you’re craving comfort food, skip the fryer and make these tenders at home. Try out different flour variations, experiment with sauces, and share your favorite pairings—I’d love to hear how you make them your own.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Flour
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the chicken dry and lightly season with salt and pepper.
- Set up 3 bowls: plain flour, beaten eggs, and seasoned flour (with paprika, garlic powder, etc.).
- Dip each chicken piece in flour, then egg, then seasoned flour (double-dredge).
- Place in air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray lightly with oil.
- Cook at 390°F (199°C) for 11 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Let rest 2 minutes before serving. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Nutrition
Notes
- For extra crunch, double-dredge the chicken.
- Use almond or gluten-free flour for dietary needs.
- Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let tenders rest 2 minutes after cooking to set the coating.
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