Crispy Thai Chili Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes • 🍳 Cook Time: 12 minutes

These crispy air fryer chicken tenders are a total crowd-pleaser. The panko crust gives them that irresistible crunch, and the sweet chili glaze adds the perfect sticky-sweet-spicy finish. They're easy enough for a weeknight, but honestly fun enough to serve for game night or a casual get-together.

Crispy golden chicken tenders served with sticky Thai sweet chili sauce.

The best part about this recipe? It feels like takeout, but you made it in your slippers with minimal oil and zero mess. The tenders get dipped in seasoned flour, egg, and panko for that triple-layer crunch, then air fried until gorgeously golden. Once they’re out, you toss or drizzle with sweet Thai chili sauce—it clings just right.

I like to serve these with a simple slaw or some jasmine rice and cucumber slices. But they’re also amazing solo, maybe with extra sauce for dunking. If you’ve got leftovers (unlikely), they reheat well in the air fryer. And yes, you can make them into sliders or wraps—highly recommend.

---

Ingredients

🍽️ Servings: 3–4 • 🔥 Calories/Serving: ~390

• 1 lb chicken tenders (or boneless breasts sliced into strips)

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• Olive oil spray

• ⅓ cup Thai sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• Optional: chopped green onions or sesame seeds for garnish

---

Steps

Step 1

Set up a breading station with three bowls: flour (with garlic powder, salt, and pepper), beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs.

Step 2

Pat chicken tenders dry, then dredge in flour, dip in egg, and coat with panko. Press gently to help it stick.

Step 3

Preheat air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 3 minutes.

Step 4

Place tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray both sides with olive oil spray.

Step 5

Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temp hits 165°F.

Step 6

Toss tenders in Thai sweet chili sauce or drizzle over the top. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if using, and serve hot!

---

Make it your own!

• 🌶️ Kick up the heat by mixing a little sriracha into the sweet chili sauce.

• 🧄 Add more depth with a pinch of ground ginger or five spice in the flour mix.

• 🥒 Serve with a quick cucumber salad or pickled veggies for a fresh contrast.

• 🍚 Make it a meal by pairing with jasmine rice or coconut rice.

• 🥪 Turn it into sliders with brioche buns, mayo, and crunchy slaw.

---

Try it with…

Did you make this recipe?

Did you add a unique twist? Did your family enjoy it? Share your thoughts and any customizations you made in the comments below.

Don't forget to tag me on Instagram @chompionsblog and use the hashtag #chompions