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Crispy Paleo Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

November 12, 2019 by Mia Zarlengo 9 Comments

chicken tenders on parchment paper

Crispy simple paleo chicken tenders made in 12 minutes in the air fryer! One of my new favorite kitchen gadgets (the air fryer I have linked here) makes recipes like this so quick and easy!

We received this from our wedding registry at our shower back in October, and we have used it almost every day since! I love that it is both a toaster oven and an air fryer (we don’t have a toaster so this doubles as both for us!). We make perfectly roasted veggies in it, these amazing chicken tenders, and crispy potatoes (to name a few!).

chicken tenders in a bowl with bbq sauce and mustard

All you need for these easy chicken tenders:

  • chicken tenders (I always go for organic)
  • almond flour
  • seasonings (paprika, sea salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.)

That’s it! And they only take 11-12 minutes. So easy! A great gluten and grain free, low carb alternative to classic chicken tenders. Because yes I am 27 and still obsessed with chicken tenders?!

chicken tenders on parchment paper
chicken tenders in a bowl with bbq sauce and mustard

What should I serve these with?

  • For sauces: honey mustard, horseradish mustard, bbq sauce, or classic ketchup
  • Side dishes: any veggies! Make this a complete meal by serving it with some simple roasted veggies, and maybe some roasted potatoes or quinoa for a little something extra!

These are so great for a weeknight meal to change things up from boring regular chicken, ya know? Sometimes we just need to get a little creative to enjoy eating good, healthy food. Nothing wrong with that!

Linking the air fryer we have again here, as well as the link to see all my other kitchen essentials if you’re interested!

Enjoy! xx

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Crispy Paleo Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

★★★★★ 5 from 4 reviews
  • Author: Mia Zarlengo
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
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Description

Super simple crispy air fryer chicken tenders! 


Scale

Ingredients

  • 1.75–2 lb boneless, skinless chicken tenders
  • 2/3 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1.5 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/8 tsp onion powder
  • cayenne pepper, to taste (optional for a little kick)
  • Avocado or coconut oil spray

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix together the almond flour and all seasonings until well combined.
  2. Dip each chicken tender one by one in the almond flour mixture to coat, then lay flat in the air fryer basket. (If all of your chicken tenders don’t fit, you can bake in 2 batches).  
  3. Once chicken tenders are coated and laying flat in the basket, lightly spray with cooking oil spray. Turn each chicken tender over and lightly spray again. 
  4. Cook in air fryer at 375°F for 11-12 minutes, gently shaking the basket halfway through. Serve with your favorite sauces and enjoy!

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Filed Under: Lunch + Dinner, Recipes

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Stephanie

    February 14, 2020 at 6:10 pm

    These chicken tenders are a go-to quick dinner for me, particularly on lazy nights. Minimal prep and mess, the short cook time in the air fryer means they are done super fast, and the taste is wonderful. Crispy on the outside, without the extra oil. Amazing!

    Reply
  2. Rana

    March 2, 2020 at 8:38 pm

    My favorite chicken tender recipe! The chicken comes out super juicy and the outer coating stays crispy. My husband asks for this all the time – great weeknight dinner!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Mia Zarlengo

      March 4, 2020 at 4:37 pm

      So sweet to hear this! Thank you so much!

      Reply
  3. Amy Johnston

    June 1, 2020 at 10:40 pm

    This looks good! I only have tapioca and arrowroot flour, though… would either of those work?

    Reply
  4. Ellie O'Hara

    June 25, 2020 at 6:30 pm

    Could I possibly use chicken breasts with this recipe? Just slice them up to be chicken tender size?

    Reply
    • Mia Zarlengo

      June 28, 2020 at 7:08 pm

      Yes! just make sure they are cooked through all the way since they will be thicker!

      Reply
  5. Madison Asarnow

    July 27, 2020 at 10:11 pm

    Okay this recipe is so good, healthy and delicious!!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  6. Vivianne

    January 13, 2021 at 3:46 pm

    How many calories are in this recipe? I love it by the way!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  7. Chris Kick

    January 18, 2021 at 5:13 pm

    Great recipe, quick & easy. Kids love it!!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

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Welcome! I am so happy you chose to gather around my table. My name is Mia Zarlengo, and I am a registered dietitian with a passion for simple healthy recipes, women's hormonal health, and overall wellness! Read More…

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