Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, Breasts, Wings and More

Chicken is one of the best lean meats out there. Not only is it delicious and versatile, but it’s a great way to get a nutritious portion of the protein you need for the day. However, we hope you don’t imagine dry, plain chicken when we say that. No, no, we’re talking about juicy, crispy chicken treats that go well with all kinds of side dishes. And to top it all off, with the air fryer everything is super easy, quick, there’s minimal clean up, and it’s much healthier. There are plenty of ways to makes sure that your meat doesn’t dry out, and it’s flavored just right. We created this list of amazing recipes to ensure you achieve the best results for your air fryer chicken tenders, breasts, wings and more! So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get cooking.

With the air fryer everything is super easy, quick, there’s minimal clean up

In this article

• Is Chicken In The Air Fryer Good?
• Is It Better to Air Fry or Bake Chicken?
  • Cooking Method
  • Time
  • Energy
  • Clean Up
  • Capacity
• Can You Air Fry Chicken Nuggets?
• Homemade Chicken Tenders
• Best Air Fryer Chicken Breast
• Air Fryer Chicken Wings
• Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Is Chicken In The Air Fryer Good?

Of course, it is! Depending on what you decide to make, you can either achieve astounding crispiness or mouthwatering juicy results for your air fryer chicken tenders, wings, nuggets, etc. Both the air fryer and chicken are super versatile, so there are endless possibilities to the delicious meals you can create with them. Cooking chicken is generally simple and easy. However, keep in mind that since chicken is white lean meat. That means it can dry out easier than other types of meat, especially in the air fryer. Even if it doesn’t come out as juicy as you would like it to the first time, don’t give up! It often takes some experimenting with the time and heat until they come out just the way you like them. This happens because every brand of air fryer is different. So, you will need to get to know your fryer in order to achieve amazing results every time.

Cooking chicken is generally simple and easy

Is It Better to Air Fry or Bake Chicken?

While similar in terms of mechanics, the air fryers and ovens have a lot of overall differences. While you can achieve a great result with all forms of chicken in both, they do have some other main things we can compare them.

The air fryers and ovens have a lot of overall differences

Cooking Method

Air fryers cook using a convection method. This means they distribute heated air throughout the whole device in order for the food to cook evenly and faster. However, many household ovens do not have a convection setting, which gives the air fryer an advantage.

Air fryers distribute heated air throughout the whole device

Time

When cooking with the oven, other than the standard cooking time, you need to also take into account the preheating time. With the air fryer this isn’t necessary. Once you have plugged it in, you just set it to the desired temperature, put the food and start the timer. Since it uses the convection method it heats up much faster and cooks faster.

While the oven may need preheating, air fryers rarely do

Energy

This one is another win for the air fryer. Compared to traditional ovens, fryers put out only a mere fraction of heat and contain it withing themselves. Consequently, this means they waste less of the valuable heat energy. They also don’t warm up the whole kitchen as regular ovens do.

Compared to traditional ovens, fryers put out only a mere fraction of heat

Clean Up

With the average oven you usually need to use a baking sheet, a pan and if food falls inside it becomes much more of a hassle and harder to clean. However, since the air fryer is just a container, all you need to do is pop the food in as it is. After that, you just take out the container and clean it thoroughly and that’s all. You put it in the sink, soak it if needed, wash it well, and you’ve cleaned the entire machine basically.

Just take out the air fryer container and clean it thoroughly

Capacity

This one is a win for the over. Well, it depends on what type you have at home, however most average ovens have much more capacity than an air fryer. You can put multiple pans inside, while with the air fryer you have limited space withing the container. But the upside of the air fryer is that it won’t take up that much space in your kitchen cabinet or countertop.

Most average ovens have much more capacity than an air fryer

Can You Air Fry Chicken Nuggets?

Of course, you can! Store-bought finger foods such as frozen french fries, pizza bites and chicken nuggets are perfect for cooking in the air fryer. Chicken nuggets in particular don’t need any additional oil, can be put straight from the freezer into the fryer and only take around ten to fifteen minutes. If you want to make sure they come out super crispy all over the outside, make sure to shake the batch halfway through cooking. Other than that just follow the instruction on the box. Every brand has different recommendation on how to cook the nuggets to perfection. Keep in mind to not overcrowd the air fryer basket, so everything can cook well. This goes for all store-bought, half-ready chicken and other products.

Chicken nuggets are perfect for cooking in the air fryer

Homemade Chicken Tenders

Okay, now we know all the air fryer basics, let’s see how to make the best, crispy, golden, chicken tenders. Perfect for a chill weeknight cooking. You can pop these in a salad, or add some air fryer fries to them for a fun meal.

Ingredients:

• 12 Chicken Tenders
• 2 Large Eggs
• 1 tsp Salt
• Black Pepper
• 1/2 cup Seasoned Breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup Seasoned Panko
• Olive Oil
• Lemon Wedges

Method: 

1. Season the tenders with some salt and pepper.
2. Take two shallow bowls. In one place the eggs and mix them. In the other put the breadcrumb and panko and mix them as well.
3. Dip the chicken into the egg, then into the breadcrumb mixture and shake off any excess. Place into a large dish or cutting board.
4. Spray both sides of the chicken with oil.
5. Heat the air fryer to 400 degrees F or 200 degrees C.
6. Cook the chicken in batches. From five to six minutes per side or until the chicken is cooked thorough and is crispy and golden on the outside.
7. Serve with lemon wedges.

Crispy, juicy, air fryer chicken tenders

Best Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Chicken breasts are just as easy to make as air fryer chicken tenders, take just some minutes to cook and are super flavorful and juicy. Whether you want a quick meal or are meal prepping, this recipe is great! It’s simple, yet affective. Serve with some delicious air fryer brussels sprouts for an amazing combination!

Ingredients:

• 4 Chicken Breasts (Skinless and Boneless)
• 1/4 tsp Salt  (Per Breast)
• 2 tsp Olive Oil
• 1/4 tsp Pepper (Per Breast)
• 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder (Per Breast)

Method: 

1. Brush the chicken with the olive oil.
2. On one side of the breast sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic.
3. Place the breast into the air fryer basket with the seasoned side down. Then season the other side.
4. Cook at 360 degrees F or 180 degrees C, for around nine minutes. Then flip the breast over and cook for an additional nine minutes. Keep in mind that the larger the breast the longer cook time it will need.
5. After cooking on both sides, open the fryer and with a thermometer take the thickest part of the breast temperature. It should be around 158 to 160 degrees F or around 70 degrees C. This temperature means it’s cooked thoroughly.
6. Place it on a plate and loosely cover it with foil. Let it rest for five minutes. This way it will continue to cook in the residual heat and the juices will go back into the meat.
7. After that, remove the foil and take the temperature again. It should be at least 165 degrees F or 73 degrees C.
8. Serve immediately or save for meal prep.

Brussels sprouts and chicken breasts go great togther 

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Who doesn’t love some good ol’chicken wings? This recipe will have you licking your fingers. Crispy, salty skin with hints of garlic and lemon pepper in every bite! Keep in mind that it is best to keep wings in a single layer in the fryer in order to achieve great results.

Ingredients: 

• 1 lb Chicken Wings (Split into Flats and Drummettes)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 tsp Garlic Salt
• 1 tsp Lemon Pepper

Method: 

1. Thoroughly pat dry the chicken wings with some paper towels.
2. Place the wings into a mixing bowl.
3. Coat them with the olive oil and sprinkle on the garlic salt and lemon pepper. Toss them well to make sure they are evenly coated with the seasoning.
4. Place the wings into the air fryer’s basket. Make sure to space them evenly and don’t overcrowd. Bake in batches if needed.
5. Heat the air fryer to 400 degrees F or 200 degrees C.
6. Cook the wings for eight minutes per side. This makes sixteen minutes overall or until the wings are crisp and golden brown on the outside.

You can also glaze the chicken wings 

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

If you love drumsticks, you should definitely try this recipe out! It’s super easy and the sticks become crunchy, juicy and bursting with flavor. Healthy fried chicken that everybody will love!

Ingredients:

• 8 Chicken Drumsticks
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• Salt
• Fresh Cracked Black Pepper
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1/2 tsp Cumin

Method: 

1. In a small bowl combine all the herbs and seasoning together. Set it aside.
2. Place the drumsticks in a bowl or into a plastic bag and drizzle them with the olive oil.
3. Toss to coat them well.
4. Sprinkle the sticks with the spices and toss to make sure they are coated all over.
5. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F or 200 degrees C.
6. Place the drumsticks in the air fryer basket and cook them for about ten minutes. Make sure they have enough room, and it’s not too crowded. Cook in batches if needed.
7. After that flip the drumsticks and cook for an additional ten minutes.
8. Take the chicken’s temperature. It needs to reach 165 degrees F or 75 degrees C to be cooked thoroughly. If not, cook for an additional five minutes or until it has reached that temperature.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Healthy fried chicken thats crunchy, juicy and bursting with flavor

We hoped you enjoyed these delicious air fryer chicken tenders, breasts, wings and more recipes! You now know all the secrets to ensure your air fryer chicken stays crispy, juicy, and tender for the ultimate yummy taste. The great thing about  this type of meat is that even if you have leftover chicken, you can easily adapt it into a new recipe and enjoy it once again!

If the fryer is big enough you can even cook a whole chicken in it