Crunchy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe: Tasty Homemade Bliss

Crispy, golden air fryer chicken tenders bring a delightful crunch to your dinner table that beats traditional fried versions.

juicy meat wrapped in a perfectly seasoned coating promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Weeknight meals just got easier and more delicious.

Every bite delivers restaurant-quality goodness without complicated techniques or excessive oil.

Simple ingredients combine to create a crowd-pleasing dish that kids and adults will devour.

Minimal prep means you can have dinner ready in under 30 minutes.

Crunchy, tender, and irresistibly tasty, these chicken tenders will become your new go-to recipe.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders That Are Crispy and Quick

• Whip Up Speedy Comfort: A family-friendly recipe that transforms ordinary chicken into crispy, golden delights without the hassle of deep-frying.
• Quick Cooking Magic: Air fryer method delivers perfectly cooked chicken tenders in just 10-12 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute meal solutions.
• Healthier Indulgence: Significantly reduces oil usage compared to traditional frying, creating a lighter version of a classic comfort food that doesn't compromise on flavor or crunch.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for kids and adults alike, these chicken tenders can be customized with different dipping sauces and easily adapted to match various taste preferences.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Ingredients

• Chicken Tenders: Lean and tender meat, best when fresh and uniform in size, boneless and skinless for easy cooking.

• Buttermilk, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Tenderizing and seasoning mixture that adds deep flavor and helps breading stick, use fresh spices for maximum taste.

• Panko Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Creates crispy, golden exterior with rich cheese notes, Japanese-style breadcrumbs provide extra crunch.

• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning, ensures crisp texture without excess oil.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Crisping Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Submerge chicken tenders in the marinade and let them soak up the delicious flavors for 15-30 minutes.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Coating

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese

This combo will give your chicken tenders an irresistible crispy exterior.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Carefully remove chicken tenders from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off.

Gently press each tender into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring a complete and even coating.

Step 4: Preheat Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F, getting it ready for the perfect crispy cook.

Step 5: Arrange and Spray

Place chicken tenders in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.

Give them a light spray of cooking spray to help achieve that golden-brown perfection.

Step 6: Cook to Crispy Perfection

Air fry the tenders for 10-12 minutes.

Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness.

They’re done when they reach a beautiful golden brown and the internal temperature hits 165°F.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Pull out your crispy chicken tenders and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Get ready for a mouthwatering meal that’s both healthy and delicious!

Expert Tips for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Let chicken tenders soak in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to ensure maximum tenderness and flavor infusion.
• Work in batches if needed to maintain crispy texture, as overcrowded air fryer baskets lead to soggy chicken.
• Press breadcrumb mixture firmly onto chicken to create a thick, crispy coating that locks in moisture.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches safe 165°F internal temperature without overcooking.
• Replace panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb alternative that stays super crispy.

Air Fryer Tenders Keep Crispy

• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping them crispy and fresh.
• Warm tenders at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, restoring their original crunch and preventing sogginess.
• Spread tenders on a baking sheet, heat at 375°F for 5-6 minutes until thoroughly warmed and crispy.
• Wrap cooled tenders individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month for future quick meals.

Air Fryer Chicken Tender Bites to Add

• Pair Perfectly with Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
• Dip into Zesty Ranch Sauce: Whip up a creamy, tangy homemade ranch with buttermilk, fresh herbs like dill and chives, garlic powder, and a touch of black pepper for an irresistible complementary flavor.
• Complement with Crunchy Coleslaw: Create a light, refreshing side with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy vinegar-based dressing that cuts through the chicken's richness and adds a crisp texture contrast.
• Sip with Craft Beer Pairing: Select a crisp, light lager or hoppy pale ale that cleanses the palate and matches the golden, crunchy exterior of the chicken tenders, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Serve Alongside Sweet Potato Fries: Bake crispy sweet potato wedges seasoned with smoked paprika and sea salt, offering a sweet and savory companion that echoes the chicken's golden crunch.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders With Flavor Options

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace panko breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free cornflakes or almond flour. Season the coating with herbs and spices for extra flavor.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or ground almonds. Use heavy cream instead of buttermilk for a lower-carb marinade.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap buttermilk with unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to maintain a cheesy flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Spin: Add cayenne pepper and smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix hot sauce into the marinade for an extra kick of heat.

FAQs

• Are air fryer chicken tenders healthier than deep-fried versions?

Yes, air fryer chicken tenders use significantly less oil, reducing overall calorie and fat content while still achieving a crispy exterior.

• Can I use different types of breadcrumbs for this recipe?

Absolutely! While panko provides the best crunch, you can substitute with regular breadcrumbs or gluten-free alternatives depending on your dietary needs.

• How long should I marinate the chicken tenders?

Aim for 15-30 minutes of marinating time. Longer marination helps the chicken absorb more flavor and stay juicier during cooking.

• What's the purpose of adding Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture?

Parmesan adds a rich, savory flavor and helps create an extra crispy coating that browns beautifully in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy air fryer chicken tenders bring golden-brown deliciousness straight to your plate with minimal effort. Lean protein meets crunchy coating in this quick meal that delivers maximum flavor without excess oil, helping you enjoy a healthier dinner solution.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 lb (454 grams) chicken tenders

Coating and Seasoning:

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Spices:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Additional:

• Cooking spray or oil spray

Optional:

• Dipping sauces (ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the air fryer by warming it to 375°F (190°C), ensuring optimal cooking temperature for crispy results.
2. Create a zesty marinade by whisking buttermilk with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
3. Submerge chicken tenders completely in the seasoned buttermilk, allowing them to absorb flavors for 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator.
4. While chicken marinates, craft a crunchy coating by combining panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese in a separate shallow dish.
5. Gently lift each tender from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip away, then carefully dredge in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to ensure a thorough, even coating.
6. Strategically place the breaded tenders in a single layer within the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to promote maximum crispiness.
7. Lightly mist the tenders with cooking spray to enhance golden browning and prevent sticking.
8. Cook for 10-12 minutes, rotating the tenders midway through the cooking process to guarantee uniform crispness and even heating.
9. Verify doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
10. Transfer the sizzling, golden tenders to a serving plate and accompany with your preferred dipping sauce for an irresistible meal.

Notes

• Marinate chicken tenders longer for extra flavor and tenderness, up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
• Ensure even coating by pressing breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken for maximum crispiness.
• Gluten-free option: Replace panko breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.
• For a low-carb version, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or ground nuts for a crunchy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg