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- 1 lb chicken breast strips - 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice) - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a kick) - 1 cup panko bread crumbs - Cooking spray The main ingredients create a tasty base for your chicken tenders. The chicken breast strips are juicy and tender. Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and keeps the meat moist. You can use milk with lemon juice if you're out of buttermilk. The all-purpose flour helps the coating stick well. Next, we have the spices and seasonings. Each spice adds its unique flavor. Garlic powder gives depth, while onion powder adds sweetness. Paprika gives a nice color and mild heat. Salt and black pepper are key to enhancing all flavors. If you want some heat, add cayenne pepper. Finally, the coating ingredients make your tenders crispy. Panko bread crumbs create an extra crunchy layer. Cooking spray ensures the tenders brown evenly and don’t stick. Using these ingredients will help you make air fryer chicken tenders that are crispy and flavorful. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, combine the chicken strips with buttermilk in a bowl. This mix helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor. I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, letting the chicken sit overnight makes it even better. Next, set up your dredging station with three bowls. In the first bowl, mix flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. The second bowl holds the buttermilk, and the third contains panko bread crumbs. This setup will help you coat the chicken easily. Now it’s time to coat the chicken. Remove the strips from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. First, dip each strip in the flour mixture. Then, back into the buttermilk, and finally, coat it with panko bread crumbs. Press gently to make sure the panko sticks well. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial. Preheating helps the chicken cook evenly and get that perfect crispy texture. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding; this lets the hot air circulate. Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray for an extra crispy finish. Cook the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. They are done when they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. To get crispy and tender chicken, marination is key. Soak your chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This helps to make the meat juicy. You can marinate overnight for even more flavor. Aim for that golden brown crust. The coating should be crisp, while the inside stays moist. Spices can change everything. Try adding chili powder for heat or Italian herbs for a twist. You can mix and match seasonings to suit your taste. For dipping sauces, consider ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue. These sauces complement the chicken well, adding extra flavor. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches. Place the chicken strips in a single layer. This ensures they cook evenly and stay crispy. To reheat, use the air fryer. Set it to 350°F for about 5 minutes. This will keep them crunchy and warm. Pro Tips Marination Matters: Allowing the chicken to marinate for longer enhances its flavor and tenderness, so consider marinating overnight if you have the time. Use Panko for Crunch: Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, crispier coating compared to regular breadcrumbs, giving your tenders an irresistible crunch. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cooking in batches ensures even cooking and crispiness; overcrowding can lead to soggy tenders. Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. {{image_2}} You can easily make these chicken tenders gluten-free. For the flour, use a gluten-free blend. You can also swap panko crumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs. Keep an eye on the cooking time. Gluten-free breading may need a minute or two less to cook. Always check the chicken's internal temperature. It should reach 165°F to be safe. Air frying is a healthier choice compared to traditional frying. With air frying, you use less oil, which cuts down on calories. The texture remains crispy on the outside and juicy inside. In traditional frying, the chicken tends to absorb more oil. This can lead to a heavier feel. Both methods create delicious chicken, but air frying keeps it lighter and easier to clean up. Adding veggies can boost your meal's nutrition. Try air frying bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots alongside your chicken. Cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. Most veggies will cook in 8 to 12 minutes at 400°F. You can toss them in a bit of oil and season them as you like. This way, you enjoy a full meal from the air fryer. To store your leftover chicken tenders, let them cool first. Place them in airtight containers. This keeps them fresh and safe. I recommend using glass or plastic containers with tight lids. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to freeze cooked tenders, let them cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until firm. After that, transfer them to freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. When you are ready to eat, reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. This will help keep them crispy. Cooked chicken tenders can last in the fridge for three days. In the freezer, they can stay good for up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Look for any off smells, discoloration, or slimy textures. If you notice any of these, it's best to throw them away. To make air fryer chicken tenders crispy, follow these tips: - Use panko bread crumbs for extra crunch. - Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. - Make sure to coat the chicken evenly with the flour, buttermilk, and panko. - Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray before air frying. - Cook in a single layer without overcrowding the basket. These steps help create a golden and crunchy exterior that everyone loves. Yes, you can use frozen chicken strips! Just adjust the cooking time. - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). - Add an extra 5 minutes to the cooking time. - Check for a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This way, you can still enjoy tasty tenders without defrosting. Many sauces pair well with chicken tenders. Here are some popular choices: - Honey mustard for a sweet and tangy flavor. - BBQ sauce for a smoky kick. - Ranch dressing for a cool and creamy dip. - Ketchup for a classic option. Feel free to try any of your favorites! Yes, you can! If you don't have buttermilk, try this: - Use 1 cup of milk and add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. - Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken. This will give you a similar tangy flavor. Cooking chicken tenders usually takes 10-12 minutes in an air fryer. - Preheat to 400°F (200°C). - Flip the tenders halfway through for even cooking. Always check that they reach 165°F (74°C) for safety. You learned how to make delicious air fryer chicken tenders from scratch. We covered the key ingredients, from chicken strips to spices. Marinating and coating the chicken ensures the best flavor and texture. I shared tips for cooking and storing your tenders, plus options for variations and sauce pairings. Enjoy making this easy, tasty dish for yourself or your family. With practice, you'll create perfect tenders every time. Happy cooking!

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Deliciously crispy chicken tenders made in the air fryer for a healthier option.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a kick)
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs (for extra crunch)
  • as needed cooking spray

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, combine the chicken strips with the buttermilk. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight for more flavor).
  • Set up three bowls; one with flour mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne. The second bowl for the buttermilk, and the third with panko bread crumbs.
  • Remove the chicken strips from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. First, dip each strip into the flour mixture, then into the buttermilk again, and finally coat with panko bread crumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  • Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer—do not overcrowd (you may need to cook in batches). Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray for a crisp finish.
  • 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 from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
Keyword air fryer, chicken, crispy, easy, tenders