There’s something about a quick, flavorful recipe that doesn’t require standing over a stove that just feels like a win, especially on busy weeknights. That’s exactly how I fell in love with these air fryer blackened chicken tenders. They’re bold, smoky, juicy inside, and have just the right amount of char on the outside—all thanks to a blend of spices and the magic of the air fryer. I used to think blackened seasoning was just for fish, but wow, was I missing out.
This recipe checks all the boxes: protein-packed, low on oil, big on taste, and surprisingly easy to pull off. Whether you’re tossing these in a salad, stuffing them in wraps, or serving them alongside a quick side, they never disappoint. Plus, they’re a hit with both kids and adults in my house, so it’s become one of those go-to meals I keep coming back to.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken tenders: These are boneless, skinless strips of chicken breast or thigh meat. They’re perfect for fast cooking and super tender when done right. Look for fresh tenders or slice your own from chicken breasts.
Smoked paprika: This adds a deep, smoky flavor that defines that “blackened” taste. It also gives the tenders a rich, reddish color.
Garlic powder: A pantry staple that brings savory warmth to the seasoning mix. It’s less intense than fresh garlic but ideal for dry rubs like this one.
Onion powder: Adds a slightly sweet, mellow depth to the spice mix. It complements the garlic powder and helps round out the flavor.
Dried thyme: A subtle herb that gives a slightly earthy, peppery touch—great for balancing the heat in the mix.
Dried oregano: Another herb that brings a little brightness and zing. It’s a classic in Cajun-inspired seasoning blends.
Cayenne pepper: For that bold heat. You can adjust the amount depending on how spicy you like it.
Salt and black pepper: These are essential for bringing all the other spices to life and giving your chicken that final flavor punch.
Olive oil: Helps the spice rub stick to the chicken and promotes browning in the air fryer without the need for extra oil.
Ingredients List
- 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ¾ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
How to Make Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Pat your chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and gives you better texture in the air fryer.
Step 2: Make the Spice Rub
In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken tenders, then sprinkle the spice rub evenly over them. Use your hands or tongs to massage the seasoning into the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3–5 minutes. Preheating ensures that your tenders cook evenly and get that nice crisp finish.
Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken
Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them—you may need to cook in batches. Air fry for 9–11 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has a blackened, slightly crispy exterior.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let the chicken rest for 2–3 minutes before serving. Pair with your favorite sides or slice them for wraps, salads, or bowls.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Preheat your air fryer: Just like an oven, a preheated air fryer gives better browning and even cooking.
- Don’t skip drying the chicken: Excess moisture can prevent the spice rub from sticking and will steam the chicken instead of crisping it.
- Adjust the cayenne: If you’re cooking for kids or prefer a milder flavor, cut the cayenne down or skip it entirely.
- Batch cook if needed: Crowding the basket leads to soggy tenders. Cook in batches for the best results.
- Use a meat thermometer: Make sure your chicken hits 165°F internally to keep it juicy and safe to eat.
- Let it rest: A short rest lets the juices redistribute inside the tenders, so you don’t lose moisture when slicing.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?
Yes! Just slice the chicken breast into even strips. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the thickness.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild to medium heat thanks to the cayenne. You can reduce or omit the cayenne if you’re sensitive to spice.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely. You can season the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 12 hours before air frying, or cook the tenders and reheat them later.
What should I serve with blackened chicken tenders?
They go great with a fresh salad, roasted veggies, or a simple rice dish. They’re also perfect for wraps, tacos, or grain bowls.
How do I store leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to keep them crispy.