Gluten Free Chicken Tenders Recipe: Crispy, Baked or Air Fried

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Some meals just take you back. For my husband, it was always chicken tenders, crispy on the outside, tender inside, with a dipping sauce on the side.
After going gluten-free, it felt like one more thing he had to let go of. That’s when I started testing. This gluten free chicken tenders recipe became my way of giving back a favorite, without the wheat and without the guilt. Whether baked or air-fried, these tenders are golden, flavorful, and loved by everyone at the table.
They’re even better than he remembers, and knowing they’re safe makes every bite sweeter.

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Why You’ll Love This Gluten Free Chicken Tenders Recipe

gluten free chicken Crispy Outside, Tender Inside

This gluten free breaded chicken tenders recipe delivers everything you love, crunchy coating, juicy middle, and just the right seasoning. We use crushed gluten-free crackers or cornflakes for that satisfying crisp, and the breading sticks beautifully whether you use eggs or a vegan substitute.
Plus, this version is easy to make dairy-free by swapping milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk.

gluten free chicken Great for Meal Prep or Weeknights

These gluten free chicken tenders are freezer friendly, kid friendly, and flexible enough for weeknight meals or casual parties. Prep a double batch, freeze raw or cooked, and reheat in the oven or air fryer anytime.
Serve with roasted veggies, salad, or a side of our Gluten-Free Chicken Piccata for a well rounded gluten-free dinner.

Gluten Free Chicken Tenders Recipe Air Fryer

Craving crispy chicken tenders without the mess of frying?
This gluten free chicken tenders recipe air fryer method delivers crunch, flavor, and golden perfection, no deep fryer needed.
It’s a fast, healthier way to enjoy comfort food without compromising taste or texture.

gluten free chicken tenders air fryer Ingredients

• 1½ lbs chicken tenders or boneless chicken breast, sliced
• 1 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes
• ½ cup almond milk (or other dairy-free milk)
• 1 large egg (or flax egg for egg-free)
• ½ cup gluten-free flour or cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Avocado oil spray

This method also works beautifully with our gluten free dairy free chicken tenders recipe by swapping almond milk and using egg-free coating. It’s flexible and still turns out just as crispy.

gluten free chicken tenders air fryer Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Line the basket or tray with parchment or lightly oil it.
2. Set up 3 bowls: one with flour, one with egg and milk whisked together, and one with breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken strip into flour, then egg mixture, then coat in breadcrumbs.
4. Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with avocado oil.
5. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Tenders should be golden and reach 165°F internally.
6. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Looking for more family style gluten free meals? Try our sweet-and-savory Gluten-Free Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe, which also pairs beautifully with steamed rice or veggies.

Gluten Free Breaded Chicken Tenders Recipe

For those who love classic breaded tenders with a satisfying crunch, this version of our gluten free chicken tenders recipe brings it all, without a hint of wheat.
It’s great for oven baking or skillet frying, and perfect for picky eaters or nostalgic dinners.

Gluten Free Breaded Chicken Tenders Ingredients

• 1½ lbs chicken tenders or sliced chicken breasts
• 1 large egg (or egg substitute)
• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
• ½ cup gluten-free flour (rice, oat, or a blend)
• 1 cup crushed gluten-free crackers or cornflakes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or ranch spice blend
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Olive oil or avocado oil for brushing or pan-frying

This version also works great as a baked chicken tenders recipe gluten free, especially when using crushed crackers or cornflakes for that deep, golden crunch.

Gluten Free Breaded Chicken Tenders Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F or heat a skillet with oil over medium heat.
2. Set up a breading station: flour in the first bowl, egg + milk in the second, and spiced crushed crackers in the third.
3. Dredge each chicken piece in flour, then egg mixture, then fully coat in crumbs.
4. If baking, place on a parchment lined baking rack and spray lightly with oil.
5. Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping once, until cooked through and crispy.
6. For pan-frying, cook in hot oil 3–4 minutes per side until golden and 165°F inside.

Pair this with mashed potatoes, a big salad, or serve alongside our Gluten-Free Chicken Marsala Recipe for an indulgent, crowd pleasing meal.

Flavor Variations & Common Questions

Sometimes, what makes a recipe unforgettable is in the little twists you add. This section explores how to adjust your gluten free chicken tenders recipe to suit dietary needs and kitchen preferences, without losing that crunchy, crave worthy result.

Gluten Free Dairy Free Chicken Tenders Recipe Tips

Making these gluten free dairy free chicken tenders recipe friendly is simple.
Just use a neutral, unsweetened plant milk like almond or oat, and skip any butter or cheese based add ins.
You can also replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 2½ tbsp water) to keep it fully egg-free.
For bold flavor, add dry ranch seasoning or lemon pepper to your breadcrumb mix, no dairy needed.

Want to serve something creamy alongside without the dairy?
Try our Gluten-Free Chicken Alfredo Recipe, rich, smooth, and 100% gluten/dairy free.

Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe Gluten Free

If you don’t have an air fryer or prefer the oven, this baked chicken tenders recipe gluten free version is just as crisp and satisfying. The key is using a baking rack on your sheet pan to allow airflow and prevent sogginess.
Lightly spray the tenders with oil before baking, and flip halfway through for even browning.

Baking takes about 18–20 minutes at 425°F. For extra crispness, broil the tenders in the last 1–2 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning.

Serving idea: pair these baked tenders with our hearty Recipe for Gluten-Free Chicken Pot Pie for the ultimate comfort dinner combo.

gluten free chicken tenders recipe Conclusion

When I first made these gluten free chicken tenders, I just wanted my husband to feel like he wasn’t missing out.
What I didn’t expect was how often we’d come back to this recipe, on busy weeknights, for casual guests, or just when we needed something easy and good.
These tenders, whether air fried or oven baked, prove that going gluten free doesn’t mean giving up comfort food.
It just means making it with more intention. And when it’s made for someone you love, it’s always worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions about GF chicken tenders