Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels—this is crucial for getting a crispy coating in the air fryer. Season all the chicken tenders evenly on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set the seasoned chicken aside on a clean plate while you prepare the breading station.

In one shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and smoked paprika—mix these together thoroughly so the seasonings are distributed evenly. In a separate shallow bowl, lightly beat the eggs. I like to use wider, flatter bowls for this step because they make it easier to coat the chicken without making a mess. Arrange both bowls side by side along with your seasoned chicken and a clean plate for the breaded tenders.

Working with one tender at a time, dip it into the egg bowl, coating all sides, then immediately transfer it to the breadcrumb mixture and press gently to ensure the coating adheres well. Shake off any excess breadcrumbs and place the coated tender on the clean plate. Continue until all 12 tenders are breaded. For extra crispy results, I like to let the breaded tenders sit on the plate for a few minutes—this helps the coating set slightly before air frying.

Lightly spray both sides of each breaded chicken tender with olive oil spray, ensuring even coverage. This spray is essential for browning and crisping the coating in the air fryer. While you're spraying, preheat your air fryer to 400°F so it reaches temperature by the time you're ready to cook.

Once the air fryer reaches 400°F, arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket—work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding, as this ensures even cooking and browning. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side (10 to 12 minutes total), flipping halfway through. The tenders are done when they're golden brown and crispy on the outside and the internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.

Remove the cooked chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest on a clean plate for a minute or two—this allows the coating to set. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side for brightness and flavor. The tenders are best enjoyed right away while they're still crispy.