Air Fryer Potato Chip Chicken Tenders

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Potato Chip Chicken TendersRecipe

This recipe takes classic chicken tenders to the next level with an irresistibly crunchy potato chip coating. It’s quicker and less messy than traditional frying, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. With simple pantry ingredients and minimal prep, this crowd‑pleasing dish is both easy and satisfying.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup all‑purpose flour
2 tablespoons seasoned salt (such as Lawry’s)
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 (13‑ounce) bag kettle‑cooked potato chips
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders (about 12)
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
Nonstick cooking spray
(optional seasonings such as paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder)

Directions

1. In a shallow dish, stir together the flour, seasoned salt, and black pepper.

2. In a second shallow dish, add the beaten eggs.

3. Put the potato chips into a large zip‑top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until coarse crumbs form.

4. Season the chicken tenders all over with kosher salt. Dredge each tender in the flour mixture, then dip in the beaten eggs, letting excess drip off.

5. Add about 4 tenders at a time to the bag with the crushed potato chips. Seal and shake to coat the chicken with chips, pressing gently so crumbs stick.

6. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (if required by your model).

7. Working in batches, arrange the coated tenders in the air fryer basket without crowding. Lightly spray the tops with nonstick cooking spray.

8. Air fry until golden brown and crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 10 minutes, flipping and spraying the other side halfway through.

9. Sprinkle with additional salt to taste and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.

Servings and timing

Servings: About 4
Prep time: ~30 minutes
Cook time: ~20 minutes
Total time: ~50 minutes

Variations

• Spiced Up Coating: Add paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder to the flour mix for extra flavor.
• Flavored Chips: Use barbecue, sour cream & onion, or jalapeño chips for a fun twist.
• Mini Bites: Cut tenders into bite‑sized pieces for nuggets that cook faster.
• Oven Method: If you don’t have an air fryer, bake at 400°F on a rack over a baking sheet, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftover tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated air fryer at 350°F until warmed and crisp again, about 5–7 minutes. You can also reheat in an oven at 375°F until warmed through and crunchy.

FAQs

What type of potato chips should I use?

Kettle‑cooked chips work best for a crunchy coating, but you can use your favorite flavor or style.

Can I make this without an air fryer?

Yes, bake in a 400°F oven on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, flipping halfway, until the coating is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.

How do I crush the potato chips evenly?

Put chips in a zip‑top bag and use a rolling pin or heavy pan to crush them into coarse crumbs.

Can I prep the chicken ahead of time?

You can season and bread the chicken up to a few hours ahead, storing it covered in the fridge until ready to cook.

What dipping sauces go well with these tenders?

Honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch, or spicy mayo are all great choices.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes; slice boneless skinless breasts into strips similar in size to tenders for even cooking.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the coating is golden and crisp.

Can I add extra seasonings to the potato chips?

Absolutely; mix in garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs before coating the chicken.

Is this recipe kid‑friendly?

Yes, the crunchy chip coating and familiar flavors make it a hit with kids.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, freeze cooled tenders in a freezer‑safe bag for up to 2 months; reheat in the air fryer until crispy and hot.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Potato Chip Chicken Tenders are a fun, crunchy twist on classic chicken tenders. With a potato chip crust and quick air‑fryer cooking, they deliver tons of flavor and texture with minimal mess. Whether for weeknight dinners or game‑day snacks, this easy recipe brings satisfying crunch and juicy chicken to the table.