These gluten free chicken tenders are crispy, full of flavor and so easy to make. You can make these chicken strips in the air fryer or oven baked, and serve them alongside ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.

gluten free chicken tenders on a white plate with ketchup

While Perdue, Tyson and many other brands make gluten free chicken tenders that you can buy from the grocery store, making them homemade is so much better, and definitely a healthy option!

You’re in full control of the ingredients, spices, salt level and more. I opted to make these in my air fryer because I find they get so much crispier and cook more evenly, but I share oven baked instructions as well!

You only need a few simple ingredients to make this recipe: chicken tenders (about a pound worth), eggs, gluten free flour, spices like paprika, garlic and onion, breadcrumbs and old bay seasoning.

You are welcome to add additional spices such as dried parsley or cayenne for a little kick! This recipe is very customizable and you can even make them low carb by replacing some of the breadcrumbs with almond flour. Try my gluten free chicken nuggets or hot honey chicken bowls next!

How to make gluten free chicken tenders

Prep the chicken. I bought chicken that was already cut into tender shapes, so I just trimmed off any weird looking bits, but if you have whole breasts, pound them, then cut into strips.

Prep seasonings. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic, onion powder and salt. In a second bowl, whisk up the eggs. In a third bowl, whisk together the breadcrumbs and old bay seasoning.

Toss with flour. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl with the flour and toss to combine until coated.

Dip in eggs & breadcrumbs. Dip each tender in the eggs, then into the breadcrumbs, pressing the breadcrumbs on each piece. You can repeat this process one more time for a thicker coating, I only did one.

two images showing how to make the recipe

Spray. Add the prepared chicken to your air fryer basket and spray lightly with an oil spray. You can use parchment paper and aluminum foil in an air fryer, but it’s generally not best for long term use, so oil is key!

Air fry. Air fry for 12-16 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through to the center and crispy and golden on the outside. You want to preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes before cooking.

Serve. Let cool slightly, then serve with ketchup and enjoy! Try my hot honey chicken tenders next!

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two images of the chicken before and after cooking

Oven baked instructions

To make in the oven instead of the air fryer, follow all steps as usual, but bake at 425 Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with foil, then place a wire rack on top.

Add the prepared tenders to the top of the wire rack (this ensures they cook really evenly and don’t get soggy on the bottom) and bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Flip halfway through to ensure the chicken strips cook evenly!

gluten free chicken tenders with a bite taken out to show texture

Frequently asked questions

Do they store well?

These gluten free chicken tenders are definitely best served fresh, but they will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. I suggest reheating them in the oven or air fryer, but keep in mind they may not be as crispy as when they are first baked/air fried.

Can I make them without breading?

Yes! However, the breadcrumbs in the breading give these gluten free chicken tenders a very traditional texture. If you want a low carb version, you can use almond flour as the “breading.” The texture will be a little bit different, but they will have a very delicious flavor.

Serving suggestions

I love to serve this in a very classic way with some french fries and ketchup! Barbecue sauce, honey mustard or even buffalo sauce are also delicious as dips. For some veggies, you can serve them with a side of my caesar salad. If you have leftover tenders, they’re also great chopped up and tossed into the caesar or any other salad!

dipping an air fryer chicken tender in ketchup

More chicken recipes!

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5 from 4 votes

Gluten Free Chicken Tenders

by: claire cary

These gluten free chicken tenders are crispy, full of flavor and so easy to make. You can make them in the air fryer or oven baked, and serve them alongside ketchup or your favorite sauce.

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Prep: 15

Cook: 15

Total: 30

Ingredients

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 380 Fahrenheit. See notes for oven instructions.
I bought chicken that was already cut into tender shapes, so I just trimmed off any weird looking bits, but if you have whole breasts, pound them, then cut into strips.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic, onion powder and salt.
In a second bowl, whisk up the eggs.
In a third bowl, whisk together the breadcrumbs and old bay seasoning.
Add the chicken tenders to the bowl with the flour and toss to combine until coated.
Dip each tender in the eggs, then into the breadcrumbs, pressing the breadcrumbs on each piece. You can repeat this process one more time for a thicker coating, I only did one.
Add the prepared chicken to your air fryer basket and spray lightly with an oil spray.
Air fry for 12-16 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through to the center and crispy and golden on the outside.
Let cool slightly, then serve with ketchup and enjoy!

Notes

For a lower carb option, you can swap half of the breadcrumbs with equal parts almond flour.

To make in the oven, follow all steps as usual, but bake at 425 Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with foil, then place a wire rack on top. Add the prepared tenders to the top of the wire rack (this ensures they cook really evenly) and bake for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.