Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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Enjoy the crunch of perfectly cooked chicken tenders without the added calories of frying! This air fryer recipe delivers crispy, juicy chicken tenders that are sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Healthy Alternative: Enjoy the same crispy texture with less oil.
  • Quick Cooking: Ready in about 20 minutes.
  • Kid-Friendly: Perfect for lunchboxes or dinner.
  • Versatile: Great for dipping, salads, or sandwiches.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken tenderloins (or boneless chicken breasts cut into strips)
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  1. Soak: Place the chicken tenders in a bowl with buttermilk. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for more flavor).

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  2. Panko Setup: In another shallow dish, add panko breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

  1. Coat: Remove each tender from the buttermilk, shaking off excess. Dredge in the flour mixture, then dip into panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere.

Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken Tenders

  1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  2. Arrange: Place chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
  3. Cook: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F or 74°C).

Step 5: Serve

  1. Rest and Serve: Allow to rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.

Tips for Success

  • Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
  • Use Panko for Crunch: Panko breadcrumbs provide an extra crispy texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness.

Variations

  • Spicy Kick: Add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk for extra heat.
  • Herb-Infused: Mix in dried herbs like thyme or parsley into the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a delightful, healthier option that’s perfect for any meal. Easy to make and full of flavor, they’re bound to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy them on their own or as part of a delicious meal!

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