Air-Fryer Cereal-Crusted Chicken Tenders: Crispy, Juicy & Easy to Make

Introduction

Craving crispy, golden chicken tenders without the excess oil? Air-Fryer Cereal-Crusted Chicken Tenders are the perfect alternative to deep-fried versions. In fact, this recipe delivers all the crunch and flavor while using just a fraction of the fat. Moreover, instead of traditional breadcrumbs, we’re using crushed cereal, such as cornflakes or Rice Krispies, for a unique, ultra-crispy texture.

In addition, air frying ensures that the chicken stays juicy inside while maintaining an irresistibly crispy crust. Not only that, but this recipe is incredibly kid-friendly, customizable, and excellent for meal prep. Above all, it’s a quick and easy option when you need a fast dinner or a protein-packed snack.

Love air-fried chicken? Try our Air-Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken for another crispy, flavorful dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Healthier Alternative – No deep frying, just crispy goodness with minimal oil!
✔️ Super Crunchy – Cereal gives an extra layer of crunch compared to breadcrumbs.
✔️ Fast & Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes with simple ingredients.
✔️ Kid-Friendly – A fun twist on classic chicken tenders.
✔️ Customizable – Use different cereals and seasonings to switch up the flavors.

In addition, this recipe works well with gluten-free substitutions, making it accessible to more people. Similarly, the versatility of this dish allows you to modify the flavors to suit any preference!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
2 cups cornflakes (or any unsweetened cereal, crushed)
½ cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for a gluten-free option)
2 eggs (beaten)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray (for extra crispiness)

Optional Variations & Substitutions

On the other hand, if you’re looking for different textures and flavors, try these variations:

Swap cornflakes for Rice Krispies, crushed pretzels, or Panko breadcrumbs.
Use buttermilk instead of eggs for a tangy flavor.
Add Parmesan cheese to the coating for extra savory depth.
Make it spicy by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg wash.

Because of this, you can enjoy a new take on this recipe every time you make it!

Step-by-Step Instructions

A dredging station with seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and crushed cereal, with a chicken tender being coated before air frying.

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Crush the cereal: Place the cornflakes in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until they have a coarse texture (not too fine).
Set up a dredging station:
- Bowl 1: Flour mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.
- Bowl 3: Crushed cereal.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Next, dredge each chicken tender in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
After that, dip the chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring even coating.
Finally, roll the tenders in crushed cereal, pressing gently so the coating sticks.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken

Freshly air-fried crispy chicken tenders in an air fryer basket, with a pair of tongs lifting one to show the crunchy coating.

First, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
In addition, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
After that, arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer (avoid overcrowding).
Next, lightly spray the tenders with olive oil spray for extra crispiness.
Finally, cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature: 165°F/75°C).

As a result, you get perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders with minimal effort!

Tips for the Crispiest Chicken Tenders

✔️ Don’t Overcrowd the Basket – Air needs to circulate for even crisping.
✔️ Press the Cereal Coating Firmly – Helps the crust stick better.
✔️ Use Cooking Spray Lightly – Enhances crunch without making it greasy.
✔️ Flip Halfway Through – Ensures even browning on both sides.
✔️ Preheat the Air Fryer – Helps achieve a crispy exterior from the start.

In contrast, skipping these steps can lead to soggy or unevenly cooked tenders. Therefore, following these simple tips will make all the difference!

Serving Suggestions

These cereal-crusted chicken tenders pair perfectly with:

👉 Dipping Sauces: Honey mustard, ranch, BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or garlic aioli.
👉 Side Dishes: Sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or roasted veggies.
👉 Toppings for Salads & Wraps: Slice and add to salads, sandwiches, or grain bowls.

For instance, if you’re looking for a gluten-free option to complement this dish, check out our Best Gluten-Free Bread Guide.

How to Make Air-Fryer Chicken Tenders Without Eggs

If you prefer egg-free crunchy air-fried chicken strips, there are great alternatives for binding the coating. For instance, use:

Buttermilk – Adds tangy flavor while keeping extra crispy air fryer chicken fillets moist.
Greek yogurt – Provides a thick base for sticking cereal to your air-fried golden chicken strips.
Dairy-free milk + mustard – A vegan option for making homemade crispy breaded chicken in the air fryer.

In short, swapping eggs ensures your healthier air-fryer chicken nuggets remain crispy and flavorful!

Can You Make Air-Fried Chicken Tenders Without Oil?

If you want oil-free crispy chicken tenders in the air fryer, it’s completely possible! However, adding a light mist of cooking spray helps develop a better crunch. In contrast, skipping oil altogether may make your air-fryer golden brown chicken fingers slightly drier.

For instance, to keep moisture locked in, marinate your juicy air-fried breaded chicken fillets in:

Yogurt or buttermilk
Pickle juice for extra tenderness
Coconut milk for a dairy-free version

As a result, you can enjoy crunchy homemade air-fryer chicken cutlets without added fats!

How to Make Spicy Air-Fryer Chicken Tenders

If you love heat, it’s easy to transform air-fried crispy golden chicken tenders into a spicy treat. For example, add:

Cayenne pepper or chili powder to your coating for an extra kick.
Hot sauce to the egg wash when making spicy air-fried chicken fillets.
Crushed spicy chips instead of cereal for a unique crust on your fiery crispy air-fryer chicken strips.

Moreover, serving them with cooling dips like ranch or yogurt balances the spice of your air-fryer crunchy chicken bites.

Best Air-Fryer Temperature for Crispy Chicken Tenders

Achieving the perfect crispiness in air-fried golden crunchy chicken fillets depends on temperature. For instance:

400°F (200°C): Best for ultra-crispy quick air-fryer chicken strips.
375°F (190°C): Works well for evenly cooked, extra crunchy air-fried chicken tenders.
350°F (175°C): A lower heat setting for reheating pre-cooked crispy chicken pieces in the air fryer.

Consequently, adjusting the temperature ensures the best texture for homemade crunchy air-fryer chicken nuggets.

How to Make Gluten-Free Air-Fryer Chicken Tenders

For those avoiding gluten, it’s easy to make gluten-free crispy chicken in the air fryer! For example, replace flour with:

Almond flour or coconut flour for a grain-free version.
Crushed gluten-free cereal to coat your golden gluten-free air-fryer chicken tenders.
Crushed corn chips or rice crackers for an extra crispy texture on your gluten-free crunchy air-fried chicken fillets.

Moreover, using gluten-free seasonings ensures your best gluten-free air-fried chicken recipe remains flavorful!

How to Keep Chicken Tenders Crispy for Meal Prep

If you want to prep make-ahead air-fryer crispy chicken strips, keeping them crunchy is key. For instance:

Let them cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess.
Use parchment paper between layers to maintain crispiness on your air-fried crunchy chicken fillets.
Reheat in the air fryer instead of the microwave for the best results.

As a result, your easy meal-prep crispy air-fryer chicken bites stay delicious all week!

How to Make Dairy-Free Air-Fryer Chicken Tenders

For a dairy-free version of golden crispy air-fryer chicken strips, simply swap out traditional ingredients. For instance:

Use plant-based milk instead of dairy buttermilk.
Try egg-free mayonnaise or mustard as a binder for your dairy-free crunchy air-fried chicken tenders.
Choose dairy-free dips like cashew-based ranch for your crispy homemade dairy-free chicken tenders.

Consequently, you can enjoy juicy dairy-free air-fryer chicken fillets without any milk-based ingredients!

Best Dips for Air-Fryer Chicken Tenders

Pairing air-fried golden brown chicken strips with the right dip enhances their flavor. For example, try:

Classic dips: Ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
Spicy options: Buffalo sauce or chipotle mayo for fiery crispy air-fryer chicken bites.
Unique choices: Avocado crema or garlic aioli for homemade gourmet air-fryer chicken fillets.

In conclusion, the perfect dip makes crispy homemade air-fryer chicken tenders even more irresistible!

Final Thoughts: The Best Crispy Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer

In conclusion, air frying offers a fantastic way to enjoy crispy, golden chicken tenders without deep frying. Not only that, but whether you use cornflakes, Rice Krispies, or Panko breadcrumbs, the result is a crunchy, flavorful bite that’s healthier, faster, and easy to make!

Try this recipe today and experiment with different seasonings and cereals. Let us know your favorite variation in the comments!

👉 For more crispy air fryer goodness, check out:

Enjoy your crispy, golden Air-Fryer Cereal-Crusted Chicken Tenders! 🍗✨