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Juicy, flavorful, and wholesome Air Fryer Hen Tenders in beneath quarter-hour! Smoked paprika, garlic, and a touch of cayenne add daring, smoky taste, whereas a drizzle of olive oil retains them completely tender.

No Breading Air Fryer Hen Tenders
Once I want one thing fast, wholesome, and stuffed with taste, these no breading hen tenders within the air fryer are all the time my go-to. Smoked paprika, contemporary garlic, and a contact of cayenne give them a daring kick, and the air fryer cooks them to juicy perfection in simply 8 minutes. No breading means they’re lighter, however they nonetheless get that good, golden exterior. Good for busy weeknights or each time I want a fuss-free meal.
What I really like most is how versatile they’re. A squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of parsley add a contemporary contact, or you’ll be able to pair them together with your favourite dipping sauce. Serve them as a principal dish, toss them into salads, or pack them for lunch. For those who’re in search of a simple, flavorful meal with minimal effort, these hen tenders within the air fryer are a must-try! You should definitely take a look at my video information and suggestions under that will help you get excellent, juicy hen tenders each time!
Why This Recipe Belongs In Your Weekly Lineup


Right here’s why they deserve a spot in your weekly lineup:
- Fast, however stuffed with taste. These hen tenders are prepared in beneath quarter-hour, however they by no means really feel boring. Each chew has that smoky paprika, contemporary garlic, and simply sufficient warmth to maintain you coming again for extra.
- No breading, no fuss — simply juicy hen. Neglect the breading. The air fryer provides you tender, juicy hen with a beautiful golden exterior. It’s easy, lighter, and all in regards to the taste.
- Simple to serve any method you want. Add lemon and parsley, toss them right into a salad like my Zucchini Noodle Salad, wrap them up, or meal-prep for the week. They’re simply nearly as good the following day.
Elements You’ll Want


- Hen tenders – It’s also possible to use hen breast or thighs — simply slice them into strips.
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Smoked paprika
- Cayenne pepper
- Salt
- Lemon juice
- Parsley – You should utilize dried parsley (just a bit goes a good distance), or swap it for contemporary cilantro should you choose.
- Lemon wedges
Try the recipe card under for all the main points on components and measurements.
Secrets and techniques To Juicy Hen Tenders In The Air Fryer
- I all the time ensure to pat the hen dry so the seasoning sticks and the surface caramelizes fantastically. If it’s too moist, it simply steams — and I need that beautiful golden crust.
- If in case you have an additional 10–quarter-hour, let the hen sit within the seasoning. It’s not a should, but it surely actually helps the flavors soak in. Simply don’t go too lengthy — the lemon juice can begin to break down the hen and make it mushy.
- I prefer to pour any leftover marinade over the hen earlier than air frying, however I skip the garlic items. They’ll burn and switch bitter, and that’s not the flavour I’m going for.
- I unfold the hen out in a single layer so the recent air can do its job. That’s how I get juicy hen with these crispy edges I really like.
Continuously Requested Questions
I don’t advocate utilizing frozen hen straight from the freezer for this recipe. The hen received’t actually take in the seasoning, and also you’ll miss out on all that taste. I prefer to thaw mine within the fridge in a single day — that method, the marinade sticks and the hen cooks evenly.
Sure. Simply add extra cayenne in order for you additional warmth. It’s also possible to serve them with one thing spicy on the aspect — sriracha mayo, sizzling sauce, or no matter you’re keen on for that additional kick.
Sure, you’ll be able to completely scale this recipe up. Simply ensure to cook dinner in batches so that you don’t overcrowd the air fryer. If the basket’s too full, the hen received’t cook dinner evenly.
Sure. Simply preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), lay the hen tenders out on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for about 15–20 minutes. Flip them midway so either side get that good golden coloration.
Retailer any leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3 days. If you’re able to reheat, simply pop them within the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes — they’ll heat up properly and keep juicy.
This recipe is 250 energy per serving.


What To Serve With This Recipe
For a simple and healthful weeknight dinner, I like to recommend the next recipes:
I hope you get pleasure from this put up as a lot as I do. For those who strive my recipe, please depart a remark and contemplate giving it a 5-star ranking. For simpler and scrumptious recipes, discover my Recipe Index, and keep up to date by subscribing to my publication and following me on Fb, Pinterest, and Instagram for brand spanking new updates.
Different Air Fryer Recipes You May Like


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In a bowl, add the hen, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and lemon juice. Stir properly to coat the hen evenly with the seasoning.
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Switch the hen to the air fryer basket in a single layer, then spoon the leftover marinade over the hen. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes.
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Garnish with parsley and squeeze contemporary lemon juice over the hen earlier than serving.
- I all the time ensure to pat the hen dry so the seasoning sticks and the surface caramelizes fantastically. If it’s too moist, it simply steams — and I need that beautiful golden crust.
- If in case you have an additional 10–quarter-hour, let the hen sit within the seasoning. It’s not a should, but it surely actually helps the flavors soak in. Simply don’t go too lengthy — the lemon juice can begin to break down the hen and make it mushy.
- I prefer to pour any leftover marinade over the hen earlier than air frying, however I skip the garlic items. They’ll burn and switch bitter, and that’s not the flavour I’m going for.
- I unfold the hen out in a single layer so the recent air can do its job. That’s how I get juicy hen with these crispy edges I really like.
Serving: 2individuals, Energy: 250kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Protein: 27g, Fats: 14g, Saturated Fats: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fats: 2g, Monounsaturated Fats: 9g, Trans Fats: 0.01g, Ldl cholesterol: 80mg, Sodium: 438mg, Potassium: 538mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 0.4g, Vitamin A: 1155IU, Vitamin C: 6mg, Calcium: 19mg, Iron: 1mg
Diet info is robotically calculated, so ought to solely be used as an approximation.