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- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into uniform strips - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Light cooking spray This list has everything you need for crispy air fryer chicken tenders. The chicken breast is the star. It’s juicy and tender when cooked right. Buttermilk adds flavor and helps keep the meat moist. The flour and breadcrumbs create that crunchy outer layer. - Other spices (e.g., cayenne pepper for heat) - Parmesan cheese for added flavor You can spice things up with optional add-ins. For heat, add cayenne pepper to the breading. If you love cheese, sprinkle in some Parmesan. This will make your tenders even tastier! First, I coat the chicken strips in buttermilk. This step makes the chicken juicy and flavorful. Place the chicken in a large bowl and pour in the buttermilk. Make sure every piece is covered well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge. For the best taste, marinate for at least 1 hour. Overnight is even better! Next, I mix the flour and spices in a shallow dish. For this recipe, I use all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture well with a fork. This ensures every bite has great flavor. An even coating makes a big difference! Now, it’s time to coat the chicken. Take the marinated chicken strips out of the buttermilk. Let any extra liquid drip off. First, dredge each piece in the flour mixture. Shake off the extra flour before dipping them back into buttermilk. Now, coat the strips in seasoned breadcrumbs. Press gently to help them stick. Before cooking, I preheat the air fryer. Set it to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is very important! Preheating helps create that crispy outer layer we all love. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to crowd them. This ensures even cooking. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for extra crispiness. Cook for about 10-12 minutes. Flip the tenders halfway through. They are done when they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken tenders. Let them rest for a few minutes. This keeps them juicy. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, like honey mustard. For a nice touch, garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika. Enjoy your crispy chicken tenders! For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. To get that perfect crunch, use light cooking spray. It helps the coating become golden and crisp. Spray it just before cooking. Another key tip is to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. If the basket is too full, the hot air can't circulate well. This can lead to soggy tenders, which no one wants! A common mistake is over or under-marination. If you don't marinate long enough, the chicken may taste bland. However, too long can make it mushy. A good rule is to marinate for at least one hour. Also, be careful when coating your chicken. If you handle it too much, the breadcrumbs can flake off. Gently press the crumbs onto the chicken to keep them intact. You can spice things up with dips and sauces! Honey mustard is a classic choice. You can also try ranch, barbecue, or spicy sriracha. Each adds a new twist to your meal. For a bolder flavor, consider adding cayenne pepper to the breading. It gives an extra kick that many will love. {{image_4}} You can add different herbs and spices for unique flavors. Try mixing in thyme, rosemary, or oregano for a fresh taste. For a spicy kick, blend in some jalapeños with the buttermilk. This gives the chicken tenders a zesty heat. If you want something sweeter, consider a hint of cinnamon in the breadcrumb mix. Each variation opens a new door to taste! If you use thicker chicken strips, extend the cooking time by a few minutes. This ensures the inside cooks through. For frozen chicken, you should add about 5 extra minutes to the cooking time. Always check the chicken's internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat. For gluten-free options, swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free ones. You can also use crushed cornflakes for a crispy texture. If you need a dairy-free choice, replace buttermilk with almond milk or coconut milk mixed with a bit of vinegar. These substitutions help everyone enjoy this tasty dish! To keep your chicken tenders fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their flavor and moisture. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing. The best way to reheat chicken tenders is in the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. The microwave is quick but may make them soggy. If you use the microwave, heat them in short bursts of 30 seconds. You can freeze both uncooked and cooked chicken tenders. For uncooked tenders, place them on a parchment-lined tray until frozen. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. For cooked tenders, let them cool before freezing. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight. This way, they thaw safely without losing quality. To check the chicken, use a meat thermometer. The inside should reach 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for visual cues. The chicken should be golden brown and juices should run clear. No pink should remain inside the chicken. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, it is best to thaw it first. This helps the chicken cook evenly. To thaw, place the chicken in the fridge overnight. If you need to cook it from frozen, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Make sure the internal temperature still reaches 165°F (74°C). You can serve these chicken tenders with many sides. Some family-friendly options include: - French fries - Coleslaw - Steamed vegetables - Macaroni and cheese For dips, try: - Honey mustard - Ranch dressing - Barbecue sauce These sides and dips make a complete meal that everyone will love. You can find the "Full Recipe" with all the details and measurements in the article. This will guide you through making the best crispy air fryer chicken tenders. In this blog post, we covered how to make delicious air fryer chicken tenders. We explored the essential ingredients, marinade tips, and step-by-step cooking instructions. We also shared variations, storage tips, and common cooking mistakes to avoid. Remember, crispy chicken tenders are easy to achieve with the right techniques. You can adjust flavors and make this recipe your own. Enjoy your cooking journey and the tasty results!

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Discover the ultimate recipe for Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders! This delicious dish combines marinated chicken breast, seasoned breadcrumbs, and simple spices to create tender, golden bites that are perfect for any meal. With just a little prep time, you can enjoy a healthier version of this classic favorite, cooked to perfection in your air fryer. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken breast, cut into uniform strips

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Light cooking spray

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, immerse the chicken strips in the buttermilk, ensuring they are completely coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour; for optimal flavor and tenderness, marinate overnight if possible.

    Prepare the Breading: In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly with a fork or whisk to ensure an even blend of spices.

      Coat the Chicken: After marinating, take the chicken strips out of the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, shaking off any extra flour. Dip the strips back into the buttermilk briefly, then generously coat them with seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure adherence.

        Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 5 minutes. This step is key for that crispy outer layer!

          Cook the Chicken Tenders: Arrange the prepared chicken tenders in a single layer within the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded for even cooking. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to enhance browning.

            Air Fry: Cook the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. They should emerge golden brown and crispy, with an internal temperature reaching 165°F (74°C) to ensure done-ness.

              Serve: Once the chicken tenders are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes to retain their juiciness before serving.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve these crispy chicken tenders alongside a homemade honey mustard or your favorite dipping sauce. Garnish the platter with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for an appealing pop of color! Enjoy your delicious, crispy tenders!