Air Fryer Blackened Chicken Tenders
Servings: 2
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
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.