Tender Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

Introduction

These tender air fryer chicken tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making them a perfect snack or meal. Marinated in buttermilk and coated in a flavorful panko breadcrumb mixture, they cook quickly and come out delicious every time.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

1. Step 1: Marinate the chicken tenders in the buttermilk for 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to help tenderize and add flavor.
2. Step 2: Place the flour in a medium bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs gently with a fork. In another bowl, combine the Panko bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Step 3: Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk and pat them dry gently with paper towels to prevent steaming during cooking.
4. Step 4: Coat each chicken tender first with flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Spray both sides with cooking spray or oil.
5. Step 5: Arrange the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for even crisping. Cook at 390°F for 5 minutes on each side, adjusting the time based on size (4 minutes per side for smaller pieces, 6-7 minutes for larger ones). Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Step 6: Serve the chicken tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or ketchup and enjoy immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Spraying the tenders with oil before air frying helps achieve a golden, crispy crust.

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 375°F to regain crispiness without drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh chicken tenders or fully thaw frozen ones before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking and proper texture.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake these chicken tenders in a conventional oven at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.