If you love crispy chicken tenders but hate greasy deep-frying, you’re in for a treat. These Air Fryer Crunchy Cornflake Chicken Tenders are crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. Bonus: the kids (and adults) will fight over the last one—no shame in sneaking one straight from the basket.
Mom-approved, kid-friendly, and grandmom-approved comfort food—all without the mess of frying.
Why This Recipe Is Awesome
- Super crunchy. Cornflakes create that perfect golden crunch.
- Juicy inside. Tender chicken without deep frying.
- Fast & easy. Ready in under 25 minutes.
- Kid-friendly & versatile. Great with any dipping sauce, from honey mustard to ketchup.
- Customizable. Add spices or Parmesan for extra flavor.
Honestly, these are the kind of tenders that make you feel like a fast-food genius at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders or chicken breast strips
- 2 cups cornflakes, crushed
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan, for extra flavor
- Cooking spray or a light drizzle of oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the chicken. Pat chicken tenders dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Set up the dredging station. Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and crushed cornflakes (plus optional Parmesan and spices) in a third bowl.
- Coat the chicken. First, dredge chicken in flour, then dip in eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with cornflake mixture. Press gently to help it stick.
- Preheat the air fryer. 400°F (205°C) for 3–5 minutes. Preheated basket = extra crispiness.
- Air fry the tenders. Arrange chicken in a single layer. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
- Serve immediately. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce: honey mustard, ranch, or sriracha mayo.
Tips for the Best Crunchy Cornflake Tenders
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Air circulation = maximum crunch.
- Press coating gently. Helps cornflakes stick without falling off.
- Optional Parmesan. Adds savory flavor and golden color.
- Check early. Air fryers vary, so start checking at 10 minutes.
- Use fresh cornflakes. Stale ones don’t crisp as well.
For more chicken cooking tips, don’t miss my full air fryer chicken recipe guide.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping preheat. Chicken won’t get that perfect crunch.
- Too much oil. A light spray is enough; too much makes coating soggy.
- Overcrowding. Leads to steaming instead of crisping.
- Not pressing coating. Cornflakes fall off during cooking.
- Under-seasoning. Chicken needs flavor; don’t rely solely on the coating.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Chicken swap: Chicken thighs work too, but adjust cooking time slightly.
- Spice it up: Add chili powder or smoked paprika for heat and flavor.
- Gluten-free: Use GF flour and GF cornflakes.
- Cheesy twist: Add Parmesan or nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
- Different coating: Crushed pretzels, panko, or crushed cereal can be used instead of cornflakes.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I make these ahead?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate before air frying. Cook just before serving.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely—freeze cooked tenders and reheat in the air fryer for best crunch.
Are they kid-friendly?
Totally. Mild, crunchy, and perfect for dipping.
Do I need to use cooking spray?
A light spray helps them crisp; otherwise, they might be a little pale.
Can I use whole cornflakes?
Crushed works best for even coating, but pulse lightly if needed.
How long do leftovers last?
Refrigerated for 2–3 days; reheat in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Crunchy Cornflake Chicken Tenders are golden, crispy, and ridiculously easy. Perfect for weeknight dinners, lunchboxes, or game-day snacks. Serve hot, dunk in your favorite sauce, and enjoy every crunchy, juicy bite. 🍗✨
