Go Back
For these tasty chicken tenders, you will need: - 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips - 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice) - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch) - 1 tsp garlic powder - 1 tsp onion powder - 1 tsp paprika - 1/2 tsp black pepper - 1/2 tsp salt - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional) - Cooking spray or olive oil spray These ingredients work together to create a crispy and juicy meal that everyone loves. The chicken breast is the star here, offering a lean protein that cooks well in the air fryer. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, making it moist. You can mix in your favorite seasonings to change the flavor. Some ideas include: - Italian herbs like oregano and basil - A dash of lemon zest for brightness - Parmesan cheese in the breadcrumb mix for added flavor These additions can elevate your chicken tenders. Feel free to experiment to find your perfect blend! If you have dietary needs, there are simple swaps: - Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option. - Swap buttermilk for a dairy-free milk alternative, like almond or oat milk. - For a lower-carb option, use crushed pork rinds in place of breadcrumbs. These alternatives still let you enjoy crispy chicken tenders while fitting your diet. You can find options that suit everyone at the table! Start by cutting the chicken breast into strips. Place the strips in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Buttermilk helps to keep the chicken tender and juicy. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This step is key for great flavor and texture. Next, gather your breading supplies. In one shallow dish, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. In a second dish, place the breadcrumbs. Using Panko breadcrumbs gives extra crunch. Set this up near your chicken for easy access. Once the chicken has marinated, take it out of the buttermilk. Let the excess buttermilk drip off. First, dip each chicken strip into the flour mixture. Make sure it gets fully coated. Shake off any extra flour. Then, dip it back into the buttermilk and finally coat it in the breadcrumbs. Press gently to help the crumbs stick. Repeat this for all chicken strips. Now it's time to preheat the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat for about 4-5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the chicken cooks evenly. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer. Make sure they don’t touch each other. This helps them crisp up nicely. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray for even more crunch. Cook them for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). After cooking, remove the tenders from the air fryer. Let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Serve the crispy chicken tenders on a platter. Add dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing. Garnish with fresh parsley for a nice touch. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. To get that extra crunch, follow these steps: - Use Panko breadcrumbs. They give a better texture. - Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray before cooking. - Don’t crowd the air fryer basket. Space helps air circulate. - Flip the tenders halfway through cooking for even crisping. These tips make a big difference in texture and taste. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of: - Skipping the marinating step. It adds flavor and juiciness. - Not shaking off the excess flour. This helps the coating stick. - Overcrowding the air fryer. This leads to soggy chicken. - Forgetting to preheat the air fryer. This ensures even cooking. Avoiding these errors will help you make perfect tenders. Want to boost the flavor? Try these ideas: - Add herbs like thyme or oregano to the flour mix. - Mix in some grated Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs. - Use spicy sauces in the buttermilk for a kick. - Experiment with different spices to match your taste. These enhancements make your chicken tenders even more delicious. {{image_2}} If you want a lighter version, you can try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. This swap adds fiber and nutrients. You can also use air-fried chickpeas instead of chicken for a plant-based option. They offer crunch and flavor. Another idea is to use skinless chicken thighs; they stay moist and tender. You can also bake the chicken tenders instead of air frying. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to get them crispy. You can change up the flavor with different spices. For a zesty kick, add lemon zest to the breading mix. Want something spicy? Try adding chili powder or cayenne pepper. If you like a sweet taste, mix in some brown sugar with the spices. For a unique marinade, swap buttermilk with yogurt. This makes the chicken extra tender. You can also try a teriyaki marinade for an Asian twist. Just remember to adjust the cooking time and breading for best results. Dipping sauces can take your chicken tenders to the next level. Honey mustard is a classic choice, with its sweet and tangy balance. If you want something spicy, try sriracha mayo. Just mix sriracha with mayonnaise for a creamy kick. For a fresh taste, serve with a yogurt-based tzatziki sauce. This sauce pairs well with the crispy coating. You can also try a sweet chili sauce for an Asian flair. Get creative and mix different sauces to find your favorite combo! To keep your crispy air fryer chicken tenders fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their crunch. Let the chicken cool completely before sealing. I recommend using parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. To reheat leftover chicken tenders, use your air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. You can also use a regular oven at the same temperature for about 10 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them soggy. You can freeze chicken tenders for later use. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to three months. To cook from frozen, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-18 minutes. You should marinate chicken tenders for at least 30 minutes. This helps keep them juicy and flavorful. For best results, try marinating for up to 2 hours. You can easily substitute buttermilk with milk mixed with lemon juice. Just add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken. Yes, you can cook these tenders in a conventional oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Flip them halfway for even cooking. To check if the chicken tenders are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into a tender. It should be white and no longer pink. The best dipping sauces for chicken tenders include honey mustard, barbecue sauce, and ranch dressing. You can also try hot sauce or a spicy aioli for a kick. These sauces add great flavor to your crispy air fryer chicken tenders. You can make crispy air fryer chicken tenders with simple ingredients and steps. We covered marinating, breading, and cooking techniques to get perfect results. Remember, achieving extra crispiness requires attention to detail. Experiment with seasonings and variations for unique flavors. Proper storage lets you enjoy leftovers later. Whether it's for a weeknight meal or a gathering, these tenders are a hit. Enjoy this tasty dish and have fun with it!

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these crispy air fryer chicken tenders! Perfectly marinated for tenderness and coated in a flavorful breading, this easy recipe is a must-try for any chicken lover. Ready in just 40 minutes, serve them with your favorite dips for a delicious meal everyone will enjoy. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips

1 cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with 1 tbsp lemon juice)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko preferred for extra crunch)

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for spice)

Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, add the chicken strips and cover them with buttermilk. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to ensure tenderness and moisture.

    Prepare the Breading Stations: In one shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. In another dish, place the breadcrumbs.

      Bread the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let the excess drip off. Dip each strip into the flour mixture first, ensuring it’s well-coated. Shake off any excess, then dip it back into the buttermilk, and finally coat it in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Repeat for all chicken strips.

        Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 4-5 minutes.

          Air Fry the Chicken Tenders: Lightly spray the basket of the air fryer with cooking spray. Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray for extra crispiness.

            Cook: Air fry the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking. They should be golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

              Serve: Once done, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy chicken tenders on a platter with a side of dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.