Crispy outside, juicy inside—these keto chicken tenders are everything you love about comfort food, without the carbs. Perfect for any meal or snack craving.
If you’re living that low-carb lifestyle or just looking for a high-protein snack that won’t weigh you down, these Airfryer Keto Chicken Tenders (No Breading) are a total win. They’re simple, fast, and flavorful—even without the usual breading. Whether you’re eating keto, gluten-free, or just cutting carbs, this recipe delivers the satisfying crunch and tenderness you crave, minus the guilt. The air fryer gets these tenders perfectly golden and crisp without needing oil-drenched frying or a carb-heavy coating. Trust me, you won’t miss the breading.
What sets this recipe apart is its versatility. These chicken tenders are tasty enough to enjoy on their own, but they also work great as a meal-prep staple. They’re seasoned simply but deliciously, which makes them a blank canvas for your favorite dips and sauces. Want to spice things up? Toss them in buffalo sauce. Prefer something creamy? Dip them in ranch or a keto-friendly honey mustard. The possibilities are endless.
Ingredients to make Air Fryer Keto Chicken Tenders
- Chicken tenderloins (chicken tenders)
- Olive oil
- Honey (I use my natural zero sugar honey)
- Lemon juice
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
How to make Air Fryer Keto Chicken Tenders
- Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken and mix to coat evenly. Let the tenders sit in the marinade for 15 minutes if you have time.
- Arrange the chicken tenderloins in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving any extra marinade behind in the bowl. Air fry for 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
How to store Air Fryer Keto Chicken Tenders
Now, let’s talk storage and freezing—because meal prep is life. Once your tenders have cooled completely, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They reheat well in the air fryer (about 3-4 minutes at 350°F) and still come out juicy with a nice crisp. If you’re thinking long-term, these chicken tenders freeze like a dream. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, just pop them in the air fryer for 8–10 minutes at 350°F—no thawing required!
What to serve with Air Fryer Keto Chicken Tenders
Wondering what to serve with Air Fryer Keto Chicken Tenders**? You’ve got options. For a low-carb plate, pair them with roasted veggies, a cauliflower mash, or a crisp green salad. Craving something classic? Try some keto coleslaw or zucchini fries on the side. If you’re feeling fancy, serve them with a garlic aioli or a tangy sugar-free BBQ sauce. And of course, they’re always amazing with just a simple side of avocado slices and cherry tomatoes.
Whether you’re prepping lunches for the week, feeding a hungry family, or just need a quick protein fix, these chicken tenders hit the spot every time. They’re healthy, easy, and surprisingly indulgent. And since there’s no breading involved, there’s no mess—just clean, crispy deliciousness every time.
Try this recipe, and let me know how you served them up! I’d love to hear your twists and dips. These keto-friendly tenders are about to become a regular in your air fryer rotation.
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Passive Time | 20 minutes |
| Servings |
people
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- 1 pound Chicken Tenderloins
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey natural zero sugar honey
- 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Sea Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
Ingredients
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- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken and mix to coat evenly. Let the tenders sit in the marinade for 15 minutes if you have time.
- Arrange the chicken tenderloins in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving any extra marinade behind in the bowl. Air fry for 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
