What chicken tenders are gluten-free?

Not all chicken tenders are created equal, especially when it comes to being gluten free. Many brands like Perdue and Tyson offer gluten free options, but they often include additives and aren’t always as fresh or flavorful. The best way to ensure you’re enjoying 100% gluten free chicken tenders is to make them at home. Using gluten free flour, breadcrumbs, and seasonings guarantees there’s no cross-contamination and you control the quality from start to finish.

Absolutely! Homemade gluten free chicken tenders store surprisingly well. For best results, cool them completely before storing in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, pop them into the oven or air fryer to revive that crispy texture. Microwaving tends to make them soggy, so it’s best avoided.

Can I make them without breading?

Yes, you can! If you’re looking for a lower-carb or grain-free option, skip the traditional breading. Instead, coat your gluten free chicken tenders with almond flour or simply season them generously and bake or air fry. While the texture is different without breadcrumbs, you still get juicy, flavorful tenders — and sometimes an even crispier crust with the right seasoning and oil spray.

Gluten Free Chicken Tenders: Best Crispy Recipe for 2025

Description

These gluten free chicken tenders are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and easy to make at home. Perfect for a quick meal, these tenders can be air-fried or baked for a healthier twist — all gluten free and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound chicken tenders (about 8 pieces)
⅓ cup gluten free all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 teaspoons salt
2 large eggs
1¼ cups gluten free breadcrumbs
2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning

Oil spray (avocado or canola oil)

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Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F or your oven to 425°F.
Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
In one shallow bowl, mix the gluten free flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
In a second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
In a third bowl, combine gluten free breadcrumbs and Old Bay seasoning.
Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, dip in the eggs, and coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps.
Arrange tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
Spray lightly with oil to promote crispiness.
Air fry for 12–16 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
OR
Bake in the oven for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Let cool slightly and serve with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

For a low-carb version, substitute almond flour for the breadcrumbs.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.

Great dipping sauce ideas: honey mustard, buffalo sauce, or sweet chili sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes (Air Fryer) or 20 minutes (Oven)
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Fryer, Oven-Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tender
Calories: 186 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 4 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 18 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg