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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

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★★★★★

4.3 from 167 reviews

This Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken coated in a flavorful, crunchy crust made with a three-step breading process. Marinated in buttermilk and spices, then air fried to golden perfection, these chicken tenders are a healthier, fuss-free alternative to traditional fried versions. Perfect as a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing snack, they come together with simple ingredients and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 1 pound chicken tenderloins
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Breading

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Other

  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preparing the Chicken: Place the chicken tenderloins in a large bowl. Pour in the buttermilk and sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper over the chicken. Mix well to coat every piece. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
  2. Creating the Breading Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour and cayenne pepper if using. In a separate shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs. Keep these mixtures separate for the coating process.
  3. Coating the Chicken Tenders: Remove each chicken tender from the buttermilk marinade, letting the excess drip off. Dredge it first in the flour mixture, shaking off extra flour. Dip it again in the buttermilk, then roll in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs properly.
  4. Preheating the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking and helps achieve a golden-brown color.
  5. Cooking the Chicken Tenders: Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Lightly spray them with cooking spray. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and let rest a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For extra spicy tenders, add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or sprinkle some on the finished tenders.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even crispiness.
  • You can substitute panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs, but panko provides a crunchier texture.
  • Letting the chicken marinate longer up to 2 hours enhances flavor and tenderness.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, easy chicken tenders, healthy chicken tenders, buttermilk chicken, crunchy chicken bites

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-tenders-recipe/