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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the air fryer by warming it to 375°F (190°C), ensuring optimal cooking temperature for crispy results.
- Create a zesty marinade by whisking buttermilk with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Submerge chicken tenders completely in the seasoned buttermilk, allowing them to absorb flavors for 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- While chicken marinates, craft a crunchy coating by combining panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese in a separate shallow dish.
- 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.
- Strategically place the breaded tenders in a single layer within the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to promote maximum crispiness.
- Lightly mist the tenders with cooking spray to enhance golden browning and prevent sticking.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, rotating the tenders midway through the cooking process to guarantee uniform crispness and even heating.
- Verify doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
- 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