Gluten Free Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Dairy Free & Egg Free)

A plate with several pieces of golden-brown gluten free air fryer chicken tenders on a light-colored surface.

Gluten Free Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Dairy Free & Egg Free)

Craving crispy homemade chicken tenders without the gluten and excess oil? Make a batch of our delicious gluten free chicken strips made crispy in the air fryer. These are also dairy free and egg free as well, and can be made in the oven if you don't have an air fryer!

Gluten free, dairy free, egg free

Course Main Dishes

Cuisine American

Keyword air fryer chicken tenders, gluten free chicken tenders

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 12

Total Time 22

Servings servings

Calories 246kcal

Author Sarah Jane Parker

Equipment

Air fryer (we're currently using a Ninja)
3 Shallow dishes for dipping

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds boneless and skinless chicken tenderloins
½ cup King Arthur measure for measure gluten free flour
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
liquid from 1 can (15 oz) of drained chickpeas (called aquafaba)
1 Tablespoon brown mustard
1 cup Pörq Italian panko crumbs
Honey mustard for dipping

Instructions

Set out 3 shallow dishes near your air fryer.
In the first dish, whisk together the gluten free flour and spices/seasonings.
In the second dish, whisk together the aquafaba and brown mustard (the mustard just adds more flavor). Other thick liquids can work for dipping as well, including hot sauce or creamy oat milk.
In the third dish, add the Pörq crumbs or storebought or homemade gluten free bread crumbs, whichever you prefer. The Italian Pörq panko crumbs are delicious in this recipe.
Using a set of small tongs (this is easier than a fork or your fingers), dip each side of the chicken tender in the gluten free flour, shaking off the excess, then dipping each side in the aquafaba, and then finally each side in the crumbs, covering the chicken pieces thoroughly in the crumbs, dipping a couple times and pressing the crumbs in gently if needed.
Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket with some room between each piece, spray generously with spray oil, and air fry at 385-390°F for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through cooking, so 5-6 minutes on each side. When you turn the chicken over, spray the top with oil and air fry again. Turn the chicken gently to make sure you don't scrape off any breading.
The gluten free bread crumbs brown faster, so for the gluten free bread crumb covered chicken, cook at 385°F for 5 minutes on each side. For the pork crumbs, cook at 390°F at 5-6 minutes on each side.
Remove to a plate, and serve immediately.
These are the best tasting and crispiest when served right when they are made.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer again to keep them crispy.

Nutrition