Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
Introduction
These air fryer chicken tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making them a perfect quick meal or snack. With a simple, flavorful coating and a quick cook time, they’re a delicious alternative to traditional fried chicken.
Ingredients
- 1.5 – 2 lbs. chicken tenderloins (about 12-16 pieces)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- One 1-ounce packet ranch seasoning (optional)
- 1 egg
- 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vinegar
- 2 1/2 cups plain breadcrumbs
- 2 1/2 tablespoons seasoning mix (such as McCormick rotisserie chicken seasoning)
- Avocado oil spray
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare your dipping stations. In one bowl, combine the flour, salt, and ranch seasoning if using. In another, whisk together the egg, buttermilk (made by combining milk and vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes), and hot sauce if desired. In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the seasoning mix.
- Step 2: Flatten the chicken tenderloins slightly by gently smashing them with the flat side of a knife to create an even thickness.
- Step 3: Coat each chicken tenderloin by first dipping in the flour mixture and shaking off excess. Then dip into the buttermilk mixture, letting excess drip off. Finally, coat thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Repeat for all pieces.
- Step 4: Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, fitting as many as you can comfortably without overlapping. Spray them generously with avocado oil spray to ensure a golden, crispy finish.
- Step 5: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 7-9 minutes, until the outside is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165-175°F. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, experiment with different seasoning mixes in the breadcrumb coating, such as Cajun or Italian herbs.
- If you don’t have avocado oil spray, you can lightly brush the chicken with oil before air frying to help with browning.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
Storage
Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to regain their crispiness.
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 or fully thawed chicken tenderloins to ensure even cooking and proper breading adherence.
What dipping sauces go well with these chicken tenders?
They pair well with ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, or any of your favorite dipping sauces.
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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 chicken tenders 1x
Description
Crispy, golden brown air fryer chicken tenders made with a seasoned breadcrumb coating and a flavorful buttermilk batter. These chicken tenders are quick to prepare, healthier than traditional frying, and perfect for a delicious snack or meal served with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1.5 – 2 lbs. chicken tenderloins (about 12–16 pieces)
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vinegar
- 1 egg
- 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)
Dry Coating Mix
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- one 1-ounce packet ranch seasoning (optional)
- 2 1/2 cups plain breadcrumbs
- 2 1/2 tablespoons seasoning mix (such as McCormick rotisserie chicken seasoning)
Other
- Avocado oil spray
Instructions
- Prep your dipping stations: Set up three shallow plates or bowls—one for the flour mixture, one for the wet buttermilk-egg batter, and one for the breadcrumb seasoning mix. This assembly line will make breading the chicken tenders efficient and clean.
- Make the coatings: In the first bowl, combine the flour, kosher salt, and ranch seasoning if using. In a second bowl, whisk together the milk and vinegar, then let it sit for 5 minutes to create a buttermilk base. After resting, mix in the egg and optional hot sauce. In the third bowl, mix the plain breadcrumbs with the seasoning blend.
- Flatten chicken tenderloins: On a cutting board, gently press each chicken tenderloin a few times with the flat side of a knife to slightly flatten or fan out the pieces. This helps them cook evenly and more quickly.
- Batter up: One at a time, dredge each chicken tenderloin first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, coat thoroughly with the seasoning breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing to adhere the coating all around. Set coated tenders aside on a plate.
- Arrange in air fryer: Place as many chicken tenders as will fit in a single flat layer in your air fryer basket, usually about 6 pieces. Lightly and evenly spray them with avocado oil spray; this promotes a golden, crispy crust.
- Air fry the tenders: Cook the tenders at 400°F (204°C) for 7 to 9 minutes. They should turn a beautiful golden brown on the outside. Check that the internal temperature reaches between 165-175°F (74-79°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and serve them hot with your choice of dipping sauce. Enjoy these crispy, juicy tenders as a snack or meal!
Notes
- The ranch seasoning packet is optional but adds extra flavor to the flour mixture.
- Adjust hot sauce amount in the buttermilk batter according to your spice preference.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through by checking internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
- You can substitute plain breadcrumbs with panko for an even crispier texture.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed to ensure even crisping.
- Avocado oil spray helps achieve a golden crust similar to frying without excess oil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, easy chicken recipe, breaded chicken, quick snack, healthy fried chicken alternative
