Go Back

Naked Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Clean Keto)

No coating at all: chicken tenders dry-brined, tossed with oil and a spice rub with a little baking powder, and air fried hot for a crisp exterior and juicy centre.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 260
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5-2 lb chicken tenders or sliced breasts
  • 1.5-2 tbsp avocado or light olive oil
  • 1.25-1.5 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp aluminium-free baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne or chipotle powder optional

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Wire rack
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken bone-dry, toss with the salt, and chill uncovered on a rack 30 to 60 minutes (even 10 minutes helps).
  2. Combine the pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, baking powder, and cayenne. Toss the chicken with the oil, then the spice mix.
  3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  4. Arrange in a single layer with gaps. Cook to size: small tenders 7 to 8 minutes, standard 8 to 10, thick breast strips 10 to 12, flipping halfway, to 165°F.

Notes

The dry brine and baking powder are what crisp the surface without any coating.
Hot basket for instant sizzle and a better exterior.
Finish with melted ghee and lemon zest for a lemon-pepper version.