Name: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken tenders or boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips); 1 cup buttermilk; 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; cooking spray or olive oil spray

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If you’re on the hunt for a family-pleasing meal that’s crispy, juicy, and on the table in no time, you’ll fall head-over-heels for this Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe. Imagine tender strips of chicken enveloped in a golden, flavorful crust—every bite is a mini celebration! Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a snack to fuel your next big adventure, these chicken tenders are bound to be on repeat in your kitchen. Let’s turn simple ingredients into irresistible comfort food you’ll crave time and again.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great results start with great ingredients! For this Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe, each component brings its own magic, creating a symphony of taste and texture that’s crunchy on the outside and tender inside. Don’t skip the small details—they make all the difference!

Chicken tenders or boneless skinless breasts: The heart of the dish—choose fresh, quality chicken for the juiciest tenders.
Buttermilk: This gives the chicken its signature tenderness and helps the coating stick like a dream.
Hot sauce (optional): Just a splash adds a subtle kick without making it spicy—totally customizable!
All-purpose flour: Creates that classic, crisp foundation in the breading.
Panko breadcrumbs: These ultra-crunchy crumbs are key for that shatteringly crisp finish you crave.
Garlic powder: A gentle punch of savory flavor that complements the chicken.
Onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the coating.
Smoked paprika: Brings beautiful color and a light smoky backdrop to every bite.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together—don’t skimp!
Black pepper: Lends a touch of warmth that rounds out the seasoning nicely.
Cooking spray or olive oil spray: Helps achieve that classic golden crunch while keeping things light.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by placing your chicken tenders or strips into a large bowl. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken and add a teaspoon of hot sauce if you’re feeling bold. Cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (and up to 4 hours if you have the time). This step keeps the meat super juicy and infuses it with subtle flavor that shines through after air frying.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Mixture

While your chicken is soaking up all that goodness, set up your breading station. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Each ingredient here has a purpose: the panko keeps things ultra-crispy while the spices make every bite pop.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

Now, one by one, lift each chicken tender out of the marinade and let the excess drip off—this helps avoid soggy breading. Dredge each piece in your flour-panko mixture, pressing down gently so every nook and cranny is coated with flavor-packed crumbs.

Step 4: Preheat and Prep Your Air Fryer

Before adding your tenders, let your air fryer preheat to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes. A hot air fryer means a crispier result! Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray or olive oil to ensure easy release (and easier cleanup later).

Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection

Carefully arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer inside the basket—no overlapping! Give the tops a light mist of spray oil for maximum crunch. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway so each side gets golden and crispy. The chicken is ready when it’s beautifully browned and registers 165°F internally.

How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle your finished chicken tenders with a little fresh chopped parsley, or zest a bit of lemon over the top for a bright finish. If you want to really go the extra mile, a dusting of grated Parmesan adds a gourmet touch that pairs beautifully with the spices in the breading.

Side Dishes

These chicken tenders go with almost anything! Serve them with crispy sweet potato fries, a cool coleslaw, or even a big green salad for a lighter touch. Don’t forget a selection of dips—think honey mustard, ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo for a fun flavor adventure.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd or just want to mix things up, try piling the chicken tenders high on a rustic cutting board with your favorite dips on the side. Skewer them on bamboo sticks for an appetizer twist, or tuck them into tortillas with crunchy slaw for quick chicken tender tacos—the Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe is endlessly versatile!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), let the chicken tenders cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or easy meal prep.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze cooked chicken tenders for a hassle-free future meal. Arrange the cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to their crispy best, reheat chicken tenders in the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes at 375°F. If you’re reheating from frozen, add a few extra minutes. Skip the microwave if you can—your Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe deserves that signature crunch!

FAQs

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

You can, but panko breadcrumbs give you that ultra-crispy texture that makes this Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe stand out. If regular breadcrumbs are all you have, they’ll still work, just with a slightly softer crust.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries! Swap in plain yogurt thinned with a splash of milk, or make your own buttermilk by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar—let it sit for 5 minutes and use as directed.

Is this Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe gluten-free?

This recipe can easily be made gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. Everything else remains the same, so everyone can enjoy!

Can I make these with chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Just cut boneless, skinless chicken thighs into uniform strips, and follow the same marinating and cooking process. The result will be even juicier, with a richer flavor.

How can I add more flavor to the breading?

Feel free to get creative! Add grated Parmesan, a pinch of cayenne, dried herbs, or even a little lemon zest to the breading mixture for extra layers of flavor in your Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe is bound to become a favorite in your house—crispy, irresistible, and endlessly adaptable. Gather your ingredients, fire up that air fryer, and get ready to enjoy chicken tenders that rival your favorite restaurant. Trust me, once you try these, there’s no going back!

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 22 minutes (plus marinating)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making them a flavorful and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders. Marinated in buttermilk and a blend of spices, these chicken tenders are coated in a crispy panko crust and air-fried to perfection. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Tenders:

1 pound chicken tenders or boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips)

Marinade:

1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

Breading:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional:

cooking spray or olive oil spray

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken tenders in a bowl with buttermilk and hot sauce. Marinate for 30 minutes to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
Prepare the Breading: Mix flour, panko, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, ensuring even coating.
Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray basket with oil. Arrange tenders in a single layer. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Serve: Once golden and cooked through, serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.