If you’re craving a crunchy, flavorful snack or a satisfying meal that won’t weigh you down, these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Low-Carb and Gluten-Free are an absolute game-changer. Delicately coated in a savory almond flour mix and kissed by the crisping power of the air fryer, these tenders strike the perfect balance between juicy tenderness and irresistible crunch. Plus, with a spicy-sweet sauce to drizzle on top, they’re bursting with bold flavor without any gluten or carb overload. Trust me, these chicken tenders will become your new go-to for guilt-free comfort food!

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders - Low-Carb and Gluten-Free Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these deliciously crispy chicken tenders, you’ll only need a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing its unique part in flavor, texture, or color. These pantry staples work together effortlessly to keep the dish low-carb and gluten-free while packing maximum taste.

2 large eggs: Acts as the perfect binding agent to help the coating stick to the chicken tenders.
1 cup blanched almond flour: Provides a crunchy, golden coating while keeping things nutty and gluten-free.
1 tablespoon garlic powder: Infuses the tenders with a rich, savory aroma.
1 tablespoon dried parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the coating.
2 teaspoons smoked paprika: Brings a warm, smoky depth that elevates every bite.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and balances the seasoning.
12 chicken tenders (about 1.5 lbs): The star of the show; tender, juicy, and perfectly sized for snacking or meals.
Olive oil cooking spray: Helps crisp the almond flour coating in the air fryer without excess oil.
2 tablespoons butter: The base for the luscious spicy-sweet sauce.
1/4 cup hot sauce: Brings heat and tang to the sauce, making it irresistibly flavorful.
1 tablespoon honey: Balances the heat with a touch of natural sweetness.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Adds richness and depth to the sauce’s flavor complexity.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Seasoning the sauce for a perfectly balanced taste.
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Rounds out the sauce with a hint of spice.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Low-Carb and Gluten-Free

Step 1: Dredge the chicken

Start by cracking the eggs into a shallow bowl and seasoning them with salt and pepper. In another bowl, mix the almond flour with garlic powder, dried parsley, smoked paprika, along with some salt and pepper for vibrant seasoning. Dip each chicken tender first into the egg, letting any excess drip off, then coat it thoroughly in the almond flour mixture. Set each coated tender aside on a clean plate—it’s important to get a good coating all around for that crispy finish.

Step 2: Cook in the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit and spray the basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place some chicken tenders in an even layer in the basket, making sure they have space and aren’t overcrowded. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray to encourage golden crispiness. Cook for 7 minutes, then flip each tender, spray again, and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until they’re perfectly cooked through and beautifully crispy. Cooking in batches may be necessary for even results.

Step 3: Mix the sauce

While the tenders are cooking, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in hot sauce, honey, tomato paste, salt, and pepper until smooth. Let the sauce simmer gently on low heat for 2 to 3 minutes so all the flavors meld together into a velvety, spicy-sweet sauce that you’ll be excited to drizzle on your chicken.

Step 4: Top and serve

Once your air fryer chicken tenders are done, transfer them to a serving dish and pour or brush the homemade sauce over the top. Serve immediately, warm, and get ready for a mouthwatering bite of this perfectly crisp, tender, and flavorful dish.

How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Low-Carb and Gluten-Free

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can really elevate your tenders. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and freshness. A light squeeze of lemon juice over the sauced tenders adds brightness that complements the smoky, spicy flavors wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Keep it low-carb and balanced with sides like garlic roasted broccoli, creamy cauliflower mash, or a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. These sides not only add texture but also enhance the meal’s wholesomeness without overshadowing your star chicken tenders.

Creative Ways to Present

Use these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Low-Carb and Gluten-Free as the centerpiece of a casual dinner spread: stack them in a basket lined with parchment for a fun finger-food vibe, or slice them into bite-sized pieces for a party appetizer paired with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese. They’re as versatile as they are delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure they cool down to room temperature before covering to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

To freeze, lay the cooked chicken tenders on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen tenders keep well for up to 2 months and make a convenient ready-to-go snack or quick meal base.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 4-5 minutes to regain that crisp texture, or warm them gently in an oven or skillet if you prefer. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the coating crunchy.

FAQs

Can I use other flours instead of almond flour?

Absolutely! While almond flour is perfect for low-carb and gluten-free needs, you can experiment with coconut flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Just note that textures will vary slightly.

Is it possible to make these chicken tenders spicy?

Yes! You can add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the almond flour coating for an extra kick. Also, increasing the hot sauce in the sauce mix will boost the heat level.

Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Of course. Bake the coated chicken tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy but will still taste delicious.

What dipping sauces go well with these chicken tenders?

Besides the spicy-sweet sauce included, ranch, blue cheese, garlic aioli, or even a creamy avocado dip pair wonderfully for varied flavor experiences.

How do I know when the chicken tenders are fully cooked?

Chicken tenders should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit when cooked. They’ll also be opaque with no pink inside, and the coating should be golden crisp.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Low-Carb and Gluten-Free have quickly become a staple in my kitchen because they deliver all the crave-worthy textures and flavors without any of the guilt. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a party-favorite finger food, or just want to enjoy delicious chicken tenders that align with your dietary goals, this recipe checks all the boxes. Give it a try and get ready to fall in love with one of the crispiest, tastiest, and most satisfying low-carb meals you’ll find!

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Low-Carb and Gluten-Free Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: Hugo
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (3 tenders per serving) 1x
Diet: Low Carb

Print Recipe

Description

These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a delicious low-carb and gluten-free meal option, featuring crispy almond flour coating and a flavorful homemade hot sauce glaze. Perfect for a quick, healthy snack or dinner, they are easy to prepare and cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer.

Instructions

Dredge the chicken: Crack the eggs into a shallow bowl and season them with salt and pepper. In a separate shallow bowl, combine the almond flour with garlic powder, parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the almond flour mixture. Set the coated tenders aside on a clean plate.
Cook: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and spray the basket with olive oil cooking spray. Arrange a layer of chicken tenders evenly in the basket and spray the top of the chicken with more olive oil spray. Cook for 7 minutes, then flip each tender over, spray the other side with olive oil spray, and continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes until the tenders are golden, crispy, and cooked through. Cook any remaining chicken in additional batches as needed.
Mix up the sauce: In a small pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the hot sauce, honey, tomato paste, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Whisk the sauce ingredients together and let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes on low heat to meld the flavors. Remove from heat and set aside.
Top and serve: After all the chicken tenders have been cooked, transfer them to a serving platter or plate. Generously brush or drizzle the hot sauce mixture over the chicken tenders. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful, and healthy air fryer chicken tenders!

Notes

For a spicier kick, increase the amount of hot sauce in the sauce mixture.
Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer to retain crispness.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken tenders have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter in the sauce with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Course, Snack
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 3 tenders with sauce (approximately 180 grams)
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 620 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 130 mg

Keywords: Air fryer chicken tenders, low-carb chicken recipe, gluten-free chicken, healthy chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, easy chicken recipes