Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

$- 1 lb chicken tenders - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko) - 2 teaspoons garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Cooking spray - Optional garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped - Air fryer - Mixing bowls - Whisk - Measuring cups and spoons - Cooking spray bottle To make these chicken tenders, you need fresh chicken tenders as the base. The buttermilk adds moisture and flavor. It helps the chicken stay juicy inside. The flour and breadcrumbs create a crunchy outside. I like using panko because it provides extra crispiness. Gather your spices too. Garlic powder gives depth, while onion powder adds sweetness. Paprika offers a hint of warmth and color. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. For tools, an air fryer is a must. It cooks the chicken quickly and evenly. Mixing bowls help you combine the buttermilk and spices. A whisk ensures your dry ingredients mix well. Finally, use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy. With these ingredients and tools ready, you can move on to the fun part: cooking! Check out the full recipe for detailed steps. First, grab your chicken tenders. Place them in a mixing bowl and pour in one cup of buttermilk. This step is key. The buttermilk makes the chicken juicy and tender. Let the tenders soak for at least 30 minutes. You can let them marinate for up to two hours if you want more flavor. Next, we need to make the coating. In another bowl, mix one cup of all-purpose flour, half a cup of panko breadcrumbs, and your spices. Use two teaspoons of garlic powder, one teaspoon of onion powder, one teaspoon of paprika, half a teaspoon of salt, and half a teaspoon of black pepper. Make sure the spices blend well. An even mix gives each tender great flavor. Now, it’s time to cook! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This usually takes about five minutes. While it heats, take each chicken tender from the buttermilk. Let any extra buttermilk drip off. Then, coat each tender in the flour and breadcrumb mix. Ensure they are fully covered. Place them in the air fryer basket without overlapping. If needed, cook them in batches. Lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray to help them crisp. Cook the chicken tenders for 10 to 12 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. They should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove them from the air fryer and let them sit for a few minutes before serving. For an added touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. Enjoy your crunchy and flavorful dish! For the complete process, check out the Full Recipe. To make your chicken tenders extra crunchy, use panko breadcrumbs. Panko gives that perfect crisp. Before cooking, lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray. This helps create a golden crust. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. If you stack the tenders, they won’t cook evenly. For best results, cook them in batches. Always check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach 165°F or 74°C to be safe to eat. Want to boost the taste? Try adding spices like cayenne for heat. You can also marinate the chicken with different herbs. This simple step adds depth and flavor. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions! {{image_2}} You can change the texture of your chicken tenders by trying different coatings. Use crushed cornflakes or nuts for a unique crunch. Both options add a nice twist to the classic taste. If you want gluten-free tenders, swap regular flour for a gluten-free flour mix. This will still give you a tasty and crispy coating. Want to spice things up? Add hot sauce to the buttermilk when marinating the chicken. This will give your tenders a nice spicy kick. You can also try different seasoning blends. Cajun and Italian mixes can make your chicken tenders exciting. Experiment with these flavors to find your favorite. Pair your chicken tenders with fun dipping sauces. Honey mustard and ranch are great choices. They add extra flavor and make each bite enjoyable. You can also serve the tenders alongside fresh salads or fried vegetables. These sides balance the meal and add color to your plate. To keep your air fryer chicken tenders fresh, store them in an airtight container. They will last for up to 3 days. Let them cool down before sealing. This ensures they stay crispy and tasty. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat them in the air fryer. This method keeps them crispy. If you don’t have an air fryer, use your oven. Set it to a low temperature to gently warm them up. If you want to save time, freeze uncooked coated tenders. They make quick meals later. When you're ready to cook, just take them out of the freezer. Cook them straight from frozen but add some extra time to make sure they are done. For the full recipe, check out the details above! Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. This ensures your chicken is safe to eat and juicy. Overcooking can make them dry, so keep an eye on the time. Yes, adjust cooking time for frozen tenders. Increase the cooking time by a few minutes. Always check the internal temperature as well. Using frozen tenders makes for a quick meal option. Recommended sides include fries, coleslaw, or veggies. You can also serve them with a salad for a lighter meal. Dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch are great choices. They enhance the flavor and add fun to your meal. Yes, follow similar coating and seasoning but adjust temperatures and time. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. The result may not be as crispy as the air fryer, but they will still be delicious. For the full recipe, check out the details above! In this post, I covered how to create crispy air fryer chicken tenders. You need simple ingredients like chicken, buttermilk, and spices. I shared tips for flavor and texture and even offered variations. Remember to check the doneness for perfect results. These tenders are easy to make and great for meals. Enjoy this simple recipe and have fun experimenting with flavors!$

Enjoy crispy, mouthwatering air fryer chicken tenders with this simple recipe that guarantees maximum crunch and flavor! Marinated in buttermilk and coated in a tasty blend of flour and panko breadcrumbs, these tenders are perfectly air-fried for a healthier twist on a classic favorite. Ready in just 45 minutes, they make an ideal meal for any occasion. Click through now to explore the full recipe and impress your family and friends!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 lb chicken tenders

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking spray

Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, add the chicken tenders and pour in the buttermilk. Allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator) to tenderize and add flavor.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This mixture will be used for coating the chicken.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

Take each chicken tender out of the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off, and then dredge it thoroughly in the flour and breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each tender is well-coated for maximum crunch.

Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Lightly spray the chicken tenders with cooking spray to help them crisp up during cooking.

Air fry the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

- Optional Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | Serves 4