Go Back
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon kosher salt - 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - Cooking spray or olive oil spray To make crispy air fryer chicken tenders, you need fresh chicken tenderloins. They are juicy and perfect for frying. Buttermilk is key for a tender and flavorful chicken. The spices add depth. Garlic powder and onion powder bring savory notes. Smoked paprika gives a nice kick and color. Kosher salt enhances all the flavors, while black pepper adds a slight heat. For the breading, all-purpose flour creates a base layer. Panko breadcrumbs add extra crunch. This makes the tenders crispy on the outside but soft inside. - Air fryer - Mixing bowls - Shallow dishes for breading An air fryer is essential for this recipe. It cooks the chicken quickly and evenly. You will also need mixing bowls to prepare the marinade. Shallow dishes make breading easier and cleaner. Using the right tools helps simplify the cooking process. With everything prepped, you can focus on making these crispy chicken tenders perfect for your family. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by whisking together the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Make sure everything is mixed well. Marinating is key to great flavor. I recommend marinating the chicken for at least one hour. For even better taste, let it sit overnight. Set up your breading station with two shallow dishes. Pour flour in one dish and panko breadcrumbs in the other. This setup helps keep things neat. Next, take the chicken from the marinade, letting extra liquid drip off. Dip each tender into the flour first. Press gently to coat it well, then shake off any excess flour. Now, return the floured chicken to the buttermilk. This step helps the panko stick better. Roll each tender in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing to make sure they stick. You want a nice, thick layer for the best crunch. Before you start cooking, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about five minutes. This step ensures even cooking. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer. Make sure they aren’t touching each other. After you arrange the tenders, spray the tops lightly with cooking spray or olive oil. This gives them a golden color when cooked. Cook the chicken tenders for 10 to 12 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure they brown evenly. The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). To get the best crunch on your chicken tenders, use panko breadcrumbs. These are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs. They create a great texture that everyone loves. A light misting of cooking spray or olive oil spray helps, too. This adds some moisture and encourages browning. Marinating overnight gives the chicken a deeper flavor. The longer you let it soak, the better it tastes. Make sure you coat each piece well. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor. For a fun presentation, serve your chicken tenders on a rustic wooden platter. You can also use a bright colored plate to make the dish pop. Pair the tenders with dips like honey mustard, ranch dressing, or BBQ sauce. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a nice touch, too. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken tenders overnight. This allows the spices to penetrate deeply into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful bite. Use Panko for Extra Crunch: Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter and crunchier coating compared to regular breadcrumbs. Don’t skip this step for that satisfying crunch! Don't Overcrowd the Basket: Cook the chicken tenders in a single layer without overlapping. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispiness. Check Temperature for Safety: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. {{image_4}} You can easily boost the flavor of your chicken tenders. Here are some ideas: - Additional spices for a kick: Try adding cayenne pepper or chili powder for heat. You can also mix in some Italian seasoning for a herby twist. - Marinating alternatives: Swap buttermilk for yogurt to add tang. Lemon juice can brighten the flavor, too. If you have dietary needs, don’t worry! You can make these tenders fit your diet: - Gluten-free options: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. They still taste great and stay crispy! - Substitutions for dairy-free: Use almond or coconut milk instead of buttermilk. There are dairy-free yogurt options, too. If you want to try different cooking methods, here are a few: - Oven-baking instructions: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the breaded tenders on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. - Pan-frying method: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the tenders in batches and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side. To keep your chicken tenders fresh, place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate them right away. They stay tasty for about 3 days. Make sure they cool down before sealing. This helps avoid moisture build-up. When reheating, the goal is to keep the crispiness. Use the air fryer or oven for this. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method keeps the outside crunchy while warming the inside. You can also use a regular oven at 375°F for 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it makes them soggy. You can freeze chicken tenders before or after cooking. If you freeze them raw, make sure to marinate first. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together. If you freeze cooked tenders, let them cool completely first. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will last about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, use the microwave on defrost. After thawing, reheat using the air fryer for best results. This keeps them crispy and delicious. To check if chicken tenders are done, you need to measure the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer. The safe temperature is 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is fully cooked. You can also look for visual cues. The chicken should be golden brown. The juices should run clear when you cut into them. If there’s any pink, it needs more time. Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders! However, you need to adjust the cooking time. Frozen tenders will take longer to cook. Add about 5 to 7 extra minutes to your cooking time. Always check the internal temperature to be sure they are safe to eat. Chicken tenders taste great with many dips. Some popular options include honey mustard, ranch dressing, and BBQ sauce. These add flavor to every bite. You can use store-bought sauces for convenience. If you want to make your own, try mixing mayo with hot sauce for a spicy dip. Homemade dips can be fun and fresh! This guide covered all the steps to make great chicken tenders. You learned about ingredients, marinating, and cooking methods. We explored tips for crispiness and serving ideas. Variations showed how to customize flavors and meet dietary needs. Lastly, you discovered how to store and reheat leftovers. Enjoy making delicious chicken tenders that friends and family will love. With this knowledge, you can create a tasty dish every time. Start cooking and enjoy your meal!

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Deliciously crispy chicken tenders made in the air fryer for a healthier twist on a classic dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 12 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken tenderloins
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • None spray cooking spray or olive oil spray

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper until fully blended.
  • Marinate the Chicken: Submerge the chicken tenderloins in the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are completely coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour; for the best flavor, marinate overnight.
  • Set Up the Breading Station: In two shallow dishes, pour the flour in one and the panko breadcrumbs in the other. This will create a simple assembly line for breading.
  • Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken tenderloins from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off.
  • Flour Dredging: Dip each chicken tender into the flour, pressing gently to ensure a good coating, then shake off any excess flour.
  • Second Dip: Return the floured tenders to the buttermilk mixture briefly, then roll them in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing the crumbs firmly to adhere.
  • Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  • Arrange in Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not overlapping.
  • Final Spray: Give the tops of the chicken tenders a light mist with cooking spray or olive oil for a crispier finish.
  • Air Fry to Perfection: Cook the chicken tenders in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. The tenders should be golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • Rest and Serve: Carefully remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes to lock in moisture before serving.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
Keyword air fryer, chicken tenders, crispy