Name: Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders (No Breading)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken tenders; 1 ounce packet dry ranch dressing; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Air fryer ranch chicken tenders with no breading are the easiest and most delicious recipe for chicken tenderloins in an air fryer around. Chicken tenders are tossed with olive oil and dry ranch dressing for a simple and flavor-packed lunch or dinner kids love!

We have created many chicken recipes over the years that are reader favorites. This air fryer chicken recipe will quickly make its way to the top of the list! It can be served as is, with dipping sauce, added to a recipe, or paired with any desired side dish (find recipe inspiration below!).

If your family enjoys chicken as much as ours, you’ll have to incorporate Baked Chicken Ziti, Gluten Free Chicken Enchiladas, Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders, and Crockpot Santa Fe Chicken into your menu rotation soon!

Table of Contents

Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins

We love cooking and serving chicken tenderloins because not only are they juicy and delicious, but they are also kid-friendly. You can forget dried-out chicken when cooking with tenderloins. Looking for more recipes for chicken tenders? Check out Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Tenderloins, Gluten Free Chicken Strips and Chicken On A Stick.

The air fryer puts a whole new twist on cooking with chicken. It crisps the outside without compromising the juiciness on the inside. What more could you ask for?! Air-fried chicken is a healthy alternative to fried chicken without excess fat or calories.

To get started, gather the equipment and ingredients then follow the written instructions or check out the recipe card below.

Equipment

air fryer
medium-sized mixing bowl
measuring spoons
whisk
tongs
hot mitts
thermometer

Ingredients

1 pound chicken tenders
1 ounce packet dry ranch dressing
2 tablespoons olive oil

How To Make

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the dry ranch dressing and the olive oil. Add the chicken tenders and toss to combine.

oil and dry ranch dressing in a bowl being whisked

Place chicken tenders onto the air fry pan

Using tongs, place chicken tenders in a single layer on the air fry pan.

chicken tenders with oil and dry ranch dressing in a bowl

chicken tenders combined with oil and dry ranch dressing in a bowl

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Once preheated, place the baking tray into the air fryer and bake for 8 minutes or until the internal temperature is 165°F.

Serve

Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, on a salad, or chopped in a favorite recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts or chicken thighs instead?

Sure can! You will need to adjust the cooking time until the internal temperature of the chicken is 165°F. The thickness of the chicken will determine the total cooking time. We recommend starting with 12 minutes and then adjusting as needed.

Can I cook frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer?

Yes! Increase the cooking time to 12-15 minutes if cooking from frozen then check the internal temperature of the chicken is 165°F before serving.

Any tips for making the best chicken tenders recipe?

Arrange the tenders on the air fryer tray in a single layer, do not overcrowd the tray with tenderloins, always let the air fryer preheat before inserting the chicken, and last but not least, serve with a variety of delicious dipping sauces.

Use a thermometer to check the chicken is at 165°F before serving. You will want to insert the thermometer into the largest section of the tenderloin. If below, place back into the air fryer to cook.
Have a helper assist in preheating the air fryer and placing the tray into the air fryer. Always wear oven mitts when adding food or removing food from the air fryer.
Let the chicken rest on the air fryer tray for 5 minutes after cooking before serving.

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