Crispy, golden Tender Fried Chicken Recipe Without Eggs! No eggs, no dairy—just juicy, flavorful chicken coated in seasoned breadcrumbs. Oven or air fryer-friendly and ready in 30 minutes!
You know those nights when you’re just craving something crispy? Yeah, me too. That’s exactly how this recipe came to life—me, standing in my kitchen, ready to make some killer fried chicken tenders, only to realize… I had zero eggs. Not one. And the last thing I wanted to do was change out of my pajamas and go to the store.
At first, I panicked a little (because how do you even make breaded chicken without eggs?!), but then I thought—wait, do I actually need them? I had olive oil. I had breadcrumbs. And, let’s be real, I had no other option. So I went for it.
And let me tell you—I never looked back. These tenders turned out insanely good—crispy, golden, and honestly, easier than the egg-coated version. No messy egg dipping, no weird clumpy breading, just straight-up deliciousness. My family devoured them in minutes, and now, even when I do have eggs, I still make them this way.
If you’ve been looking for a no-egg fried chicken recipe that doesn’t sacrifice crunch or flavor, this is it. Let’s make it happen!
Why You’ll Love This Tender Fried Chicken Recipe Without Eggs Recipe?
- No eggs needed. Perfect for those with allergies or if you just ran out.
- Crispy outside, juicy inside. The perfect balance of crunch and tenderness.
- Air fryer and oven-friendly. No deep frying means less mess and less oil!
- Simple ingredients. Everything you need is probably already in your kitchen.
- Customizable. Switch up the seasonings, make it spicy, or go gluten-free.
Ingredient Notes:
This recipe is all about keeping things simple but flavor-packed. Here’s what makes it work:
- Chicken Mini Fillets (or Tenders): These cook quickly and stay juicy. If you can’t find them, just slice up some chicken breasts into strips.
- Breadcrumbs: The key to that crunchy, crispy coating. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed!
- Olive Oil: Instead of eggs, we’re using olive oil to bind the breadcrumbs while adding flavor and crispiness.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Granules: Non-negotiable. These add serious flavor depth.
- Dried Parsley & Thyme: A little herby kick that makes all the difference.
- Paprika: Adds smokiness and gives that golden brown color we all love.
- Salt & Pepper: Because no seasoning blend is complete without them!
How To Make Tender Fried Chicken Recipe Without Eggs?
If you can toss chicken in some seasonings and pop it in the oven or air fryer, you can make this. Here’s how:
Step 1. Mix the Seasonings
In a big bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion granules, parsley, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give it a quick mix so that every bite of chicken gets coated in maximum flavor.
Step 2. Coat the Chicken
In another bowl, drizzle olive oil over the chicken tenders. Toss them around until they’re evenly coated—this is what helps the breadcrumbs stick.
Step 3. Bread the Chicken
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Take each piece and press it into the breadcrumb mix, making sure to coat both sides well. Press down slightly so the crumbs really stick. Once breaded, set them aside on a plate while you heat things up.
Cooking Methods
Air Fryer Method (Extra Crispy!)
- Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) if needed.
- Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer—no overlapping!
- Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray.
- Air fry for 11-13 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Oven-Baked Method
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) (180°C fan).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat.
- Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer and spray lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and fully cooked.
Storage Options:
If you somehow have leftovers (unlikely, but hey, let’s pretend), here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Lay cooked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 3 months.
- Reheating: The air fryer is your best friend—5-7 minutes at 180°C (350°F) will bring back that crispiness. If using an oven, reheat at 200°C (390°F) for about 10 minutes.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to make it your own? Try these fun twists:
- Spicy Version: Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes.
- Parmesan Crusted: Mix in ¼ cup grated Parmesan with the breadcrumbs.
- Gluten-Free: Swap regular breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free option.
- Different Protein: This works great with chicken thighs or even firm tofu!
What to Serve with Tender Fried Chicken Recipe Without Eggs?
These crispy tenders go with everything, but here are some favorites:
- Dipping Sauces: Ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or spicy mayo.
- French Fries or Potato Wedges: Because crispy + crispy = happiness.
- Coleslaw: A fresh, crunchy contrast to the crispy chicken.
- Garlic Bread: Let’s be real—crispy chicken and garlic bread are a dream combo.
- Side Salad: If you must balance things out, a simple salad works great.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
What’s the best way to reheat them?
The air fryer is your best friend here—5-7 minutes at 180°C (350°F) will make them crispy again.
Can I pan-fry these instead?
Yep! Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
And that’s it—crispy, juicy, egg-free fried chicken that’s quick, easy, and ridiculously good. Whether you’re making it for dinner, meal prep, or a snack, this recipe always delivers.
Give it a try and let me know—did you stick to the classic, or add your own twist? Either way, I’d love to hear how it turned out!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Tender Fried Chicken Recipe Without Eggs
Ingredients
- 400 g 14 oz chicken mini fillets or tenders
- 125 g 4.4 oz breadcrumbs (substitutable with gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion granules
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion granules, dried parsley, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the seasonings.
Coat the Chicken
- In a separate bowl, drizzle the chicken fillets with olive oil. Toss gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated. This will help the breadcrumb mixture adhere properly.
Bread the Chicken
- Take each chicken fillet and press it into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, ensuring that both sides are well coated. Gently press down to help the breadcrumbs adhere. Once coated, set the chicken aside on a plate while preheating the cooking equipment.
Cooking Methods
Air Fryer Method (For a Crispier Finish)
- Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F) if required.
- Arrange the breaded chicken fillets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding.
- Lightly spray the chicken with olive oil spray to enhance crispiness.
- Air fry for 11-13 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked.
Oven-Baked Method
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F) (180°C for fan-assisted ovens).
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper or use a nonstick baking sheet.
- Arrange the breaded chicken fillets in a single layer and lightly spray with olive oil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning the fillets halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of traditional breadcrumbs.
- Ensure that all seasoning blends, particularly garlic powder, onion granules, and paprika, are certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain additives.
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!