Back-to-School Air Fryer Katsu Chicken Tenders
Published Aug 30, 2025
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It’s back-to-school time, and that means packing lunches that are not only delicious but also fun to eat. Bento boxes are a fantastic way to keep meals organized and exciting—whether you’re a kid heading to class or an adult bringing lunch to work. These Air Fryer Katsu Chicken Tenders are a perfect bento box star. They’re crispy, flavorful, and pair beautifully with a homemade dipping sauce featuring San-J No Soy Tamari.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to love about these chicken tenders. They’re gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and soy-free—making them an allergy-friendly option for the whole family. Cooking them in the air fryer gives you a golden, crunchy coating without all the oil of traditional frying. Plus, the savory-sweet dipping sauce brings just the right punch of flavor to keep lunch exciting.
What You Will Need
- 2 pounds chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
- Kosher or fine sea salt & freshly ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- Water
- Gluten-free panko breadcrumbs
- Avocado oil spray (or gluten-free nonstick spray)
- Ketchup
- San-J No Soy Tamari
- Worcestershire sauce
- Brown sugar
Tips and Variations
- Bento Box Bonus: Add steamed rice, fresh veggies, and fruit for a balanced lunch.
- Spice It Up: Add chili flakes to the bread crumbs for a little heat.
- Make Ahead: Cook the chicken tenders in advance, refrigerate, and reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes before packing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.
Do they stay crispy in a lunchbox?
They’re crispiest fresh, but if you cool them before packing, they hold their texture well.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely! Freeze cooked tenders in a single layer, then reheat in the air fryer straight from frozen.
These Air Fryer Katsu Chicken Tenders aren’t just for bento boxes—they make a quick weeknight dinner, an after-school snack, or even a party appetizer. With their allergy-friendly ingredients and irresistible crunch, they’re sure to be a back-to-school hit.
Air Fryer Katsu Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken tenders, (can also use boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into tenders)
- Kosher or fine sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 cups gluten-free panko bread crumbs
- Avocado oil spray or gluten-free nonstick cooking spray
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons San-J Noy Soy Tamari
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Lightly season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper.
- Whisk the eggs with water and a small pinch of salt and pepper.
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
- Dip the chicken tenders into the egg mixture, then into the bread crumbs, pressing the crumbs well into the chicken. Place on a plate.
- Lay the tenders in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer, cook in batches if needed, and spray with oil. Air fry at 390°F for 15 minutes or until crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Combine the ketchup, San-J No Soy tamari, Worcestershire Sauce, and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Heat on low and stir until the sugar dissolves. Serve with the chicken.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
