Go Back
Chicken tenders have long been cherished as a staple comfort food, offering a delicious blend of flavor and texture that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Their versatility allows them to shine in various settings—whether it's a casual family dinner, a game day feast, or a satisfying snack. However, traditional methods of preparing chicken tenders often involve deep frying, which can lead to greasy results and higher calorie counts. Enter the air fryer, a revolutionary kitchen appliance that allows you to enjoy the same satisfying crunch without the guilt.

Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders

Discover the joy of crispy air fryer chicken tenders with this easy and healthy recipe! Perfect for family dinners or snacks, these tenders deliver a satisfying crunch without the guilt of deep frying. Using minimal oil and high-quality ingredients like buttermilk and panko breadcrumbs, you can achieve that golden-brown perfection while keeping the chicken tender and juicy. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces and sides for a delicious meal everyone will love!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken tenderloins

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp smoked or sweet paprika

½ tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

1 tsp dried oregano

2 large eggs

Cooking spray (such as olive oil or vegetable oil)

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, add the chicken tenderloins and pour in the buttermilk. Make sure all the pieces are well-coated in the buttermilk. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, to allow the chicken to tenderize and absorb flavor.

    Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three bowls for breading:

      - In the first bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano; whisk until well blended.

        - In the second bowl, crack the eggs and beat them until smooth.

          - In the third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.

            Bread the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken tenderloins from the buttermilk. Begin the breading process by dipping each piece first into the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off, and finally coat it with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure even coverage. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders on a plate.

              Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure it's ready for cooking.

                Cook the Chicken Tenders: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer inside the basket, ensuring they have space between them for even cooking. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray to enhance their crispiness.

                  Air Fry the Chicken Tenders: Cook the chicken tenders at 400°F for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time for even browning. They are done when they are golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If you want an extra crispy finish, give them a light spray of cooking oil again halfway through.

                    Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauce, such as ranch, barbecue, or honey mustard for a delicious complement.

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | Serves 4