Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, these Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders are bursting with bright lemon and bold pepper flavor. Ready in minutes, they're the most delicious way to enjoy fried tenders without the grease or mess.
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Jump to:
- ❤️ Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
- 🛒 Ingredients for Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders
- 🔪 How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer
- 💡 Tips for Making Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer
- ☑️ Storage Instructions
- 🍴 What to Serve with Lemon Pepper Tenders
- 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
- Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
- Can I Cook These Straight From Frozen?
- How Do I Know My Chicken is Done Without a Thermometer?
- Can I Double This Recipe?
- Can I Use Bone-in Chicken For This Recipe?
- 🍽️ More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes
❤️ Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Juicy chicken tenders
- Marinated and air fried
- Bold lemon pepper flavor
- Quick and easy to prep
- Family friendly
Golden, crispy, and packed with zesty lemon pepper seasoning, these air fryer chicken tenders are the perfect mix of tangy and savory. The air fryer locks in the juiciness while creating that amazing crunch, while fresh lemon juice adds just the right amount of citrusy zing.
You only need a handful of simple ingredients and then the air fryer does the rest of the work. No deep frying, no oily mess, just perfectly seasoned chicken tenders in minutes. Whether you're serving them with your favorite dip or piling them on a salad, these tenders are an easy and delicious way to enjoy this classic family favorite.
If your family loves the flavors in this recipe as much as I do, you should also try these Lemon Pepper Drumsticks.
🛒 Ingredients for Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders
- Chicken tenders
- Lemon
- Olive oil
- Lemon pepper seasoning
- Garlic
- Dried oregano
- Salt
*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
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🔪 How to Make Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer
Add the lemon juice, olive oil, grated garlic, oregano and salt to a small bowl and whisk to combine.
Add your chicken tenders to a large food storage bag. Pour the marinade over the tenders, seal the bag and massage the bag making sure the chicken is well coated in the marinade.
Allow to marinate in the fridge for 1 hour.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
Remove the tenders from the bag, allowing any excess marinade to drip off and place them on a plate or cutting board. Sprinkle both sides of the tenders with the lemon pepper seasoning.
Add the tenders into your air fryer basket, making sure they are spaced apart to allow air to circulate around them.
Air fry for 10 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F, when checked with a meat thermometer.
Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook them in batches.
Once cooked, they are ready to serve.
💡 Tips for Making Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer
- Don’t skip the marinade: It infuses the chicken with flavor and keeps it tender.
- Shake off excess marinade: Too much liquid can cause the chicken to steam instead of crisp.
- Preheat the air fryer: This ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior.
- Work in batches: Overcrowding the air fryer basket will prevent proper airflow and crisping. Cook in batches if needed.
- Use a meat thermometer: Check for 165°F to make sure your tenders are perfectly cooked.
- Let them rest: Let them sit for a couple of minutes after cooking helps lock in the juices.
☑️ Storage Instructions
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked tenders in a single layer before transferring to a bag or container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Air fry at 375°F for 3-5 minutes to crisp them back up. Or reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through, though they won’t be as crispy.
🍴 What to Serve with Lemon Pepper Tenders
These tenders are a simple and versatile main dish you can serve with almost any side. For healthy sides that are equally easy to prepare, you can serve them with Oven Roasted Broccoli, Chickpea Salad, Air Fryer Home Fries, or a simple green salad. Here are some other wholesome and tasty options:
- Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
- Glazed Carrots
- Garlic Potatoes and Green Beans
- Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- Asparagus Salad
🔄 Substitutions and Additions
- Spices: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning.
- Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well if you prefer dark meat.
- Breaded version: Dredge the tenders in almond flour, shaking off the excess before air frying, for extra crunch.
- Fresh herbs: Mix in fresh parsley or basil with the seasoning for a fresh twist.
- Parmesan crusted: Add grated Parmesan to the seasoning mix for a crispy, cheesy bite.
- Honey lemon glaze: Drizzle with a mixture of honey and fresh lemon juice for a sweet-savory contrast.
- Dipping sauce: Serve then with a side of Yum Yum Sauce, Tzatziki Sauce or Honey Mustard.
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Sure. The longer the marinade, the stronger the flavor. Just don’t go over 12 hours or the lemon juice may start to break down the chicken.
Can I Cook These Straight From Frozen?
You can, but they won’t absorb the marinade as well. Increase the cooking time to about 14-16 minutes, flipping halfway.
How Do I Know My Chicken is Done Without a Thermometer?
Cut into the thickest part of a tender and if the juices run clear and there’s no pink inside, it’s done.
Can I Double This Recipe?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook the tenders in batches so they crisp up properly in the air fryer.
Can I Use Bone-in Chicken For This Recipe?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Bone-in pieces take longer, so cook at 375°F for 18-22 minutes, depending on size.
🍽️ More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
- Air Fryer Bone-in Pork Chops
- Air Fryer Pesto Salmon
- Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp
- Air Fryer Roasted Garlic
Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken tenders
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Add the lemon juice, olive oil, grated garlic, oregano and salt to a small bowl and whisk to combine.
- Add your chicken tenders to a large food storage bag. Pour the marinade over the tenders, seal the bag and massage the bag making sure the chicken is well coated in the marinade
- Allow to marinate in the fridge for 1 hour.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
- Remove the tenders from the bag, allowing any excess marinade to drip off and place them on a plate or cutting board.
- Sprinkle both sides of the tenders with the lemon pepper seasoning.
- Add the tenders into your air fryer basket, making sure they are spaced apart to allow air to circulate around them.
- Air fry for 10 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F, when checked with a meat thermometer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook them in batches. Once cooked, they are ready to serve.
*Make sure to scroll up and read the post for substitutions, additions and helpful tips for making this recipe.
*Nutritional data is provided as a courtesy and is accurate to the best of my knowledge. You can verify it using the nutrition calculator of your choice. All data is based on net carbs, without sugar alcohol: Swerve, Erythritol, Monk Fruit or Allulose.
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