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Air fryer gluten free chicken tenders with a crispy golden coating, juicy tender chicken, fresh rosemary, parsley, lemon wedges, and a light drizzle of olive oil, served as an easy gluten free dinner.
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Air Fryer Gluten Free Chicken Tenders - Crispy, Juicy, and Easy

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds chicken tenders (or boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon water (for thinning the egg wash)
  • 1.5 cups gluten-free panko (or crushed gluten-free cornflakes or rice cereal)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Avocado or olive oil spray (high-heat preferred)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
  • Your favorite dipping sauce (honey mustard, ranch, BBQ, buffalo)

Instructions

  • Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. If using breast strips, aim for even thickness so they cook at the same rate.
  • Set up the coating station: In one shallow bowl, combine the gluten-free flour with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a pinch of pepper. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs with water. In a third bowl, mix the gluten-free panko with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano (if using), remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper.
  • Bread the chicken: Work one piece at a time. Dredge in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Dip in egg wash, letting extra drip off. Press into the panko mixture, coating all sides. Set on a plate or rack. Repeat with remaining pieces.
  • Rest the coated tenders: Let them sit for 5–10 minutes. This helps the coating adhere and crisp better in the air fryer.
  • Preheat the air fryer: Heat to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. A hot basket helps prevent sticking and promotes browning.
  • Load the basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange tenders in a single layer with slight space between them. Lightly spray the tops of the tenders, too. Cook in batches if needed.
  • Air fry: Cook at 400°F for 6 minutes. Flip, spray again lightly, and cook another 5–7 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F and the coating is golden and crisp.
  • Season and serve: Sprinkle with a pinch of salt while hot. Rest 2 minutes to set the crust. Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite dip.