Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders for Lunch Boxes

Slice the chicken breast into even strips about 1-inch wide. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to help the coating stick better. Season the chicken lightly with salt and black pepper.

Prepare three shallow bowls. Add flour to the first bowl. Whisk eggs in the second bowl until smooth. Combine panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in the third bowl. Mix the seasoning into the breadcrumbs evenly.

Dip each chicken strip into the flour, shaking off excess. Next, coat it in the beaten egg. Finally, press the chicken into the seasoned panko mixture until fully covered. Repeat with all chicken pieces.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding so the coating becomes crispy. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Allow the chicken tenders to cool slightly before packing into lunch boxes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ketchup. Add fresh fruit, vegetables, or a side salad for a complete lunch.