We all love chicken tenders, right? They're the ultimate quick meal.
Our air fryer chicken tenders are super easy and insanely delicious, a quick weeknight dish of crispy-coated chicken breast strips cooked in an air fryer using hot circulating air, typically set to 375°F, for crispness with minimal oil. We've tried countless recipes and this one hits the spot.
It's quick, no fuss, and gets crispy without all the oil.
We remember trying our air fryer for the first time, expecting a disaster. Turns out, it was the start of something beautiful.
Chicken tenders got that perfect crunch without all the guilt.
We just coated them in simple seasonings, tossed them in the air fryer, and voilà! They were perfection in minutes.
No greasy mess, just tender, juicy goodness.
This is our go-to for weeknight dinners or casual lunches. Let us show you how to get your chicken tender cravings fixed in no time!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
You'll need just a few basics to whip up this yummy dish:
- Chicken tenders: Around 1 pound of fresh chicken tenders
- Buttermilk: 1 cup for that tender, juicy goodness
- Flour: 1 cup for coating the chicken
- Breadcrumbs: 1 cup for that crispy crunch
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Want to make sure your chicken tenders are the best they can be? Here are a few pro tips:
- Make them marinate: Let those chicken tenders soak in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes or even overnight in the refrigerator because the lactic acid in buttermilk helps tenderize the meat.
- Double dip: For extra crunchiness, dip the tenders in flour, then buttermilk, and finally breadcrumbs, using panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier coating.
- Don't overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary, and for other simple protein recipes try easy air fryer chicken nuggets for simple weeknights.
Variations and Substitutions
No buttermilk on hand? Use regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice mixed in per cup of milk.
It works like a charm.
Mix some grated Parmesan cheese into your breadcrumbs for a cheesy twist, and serve with moist cornbread side dishes.
Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for some heat.
Delicious Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Equipment
- Air-fryer
- Mixing bowls
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
- Mix the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in one bowl. Place the breadcrumbs in a separate bowl.
- Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, then back into the buttermilk, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
- Arrange the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let them cool slightly, then dig in! Enjoy your scrumptious air fryer chicken tenders!
Nutrition
For skewered, Southeast Asian-inspired flavors try easy air fryer chicken satay, which yields juicy strips often served with a peanut dipping sauce. For bright, herb-forward meals consider chimichurri chicken for weeknights, featuring Argentine-style chimichurri made from parsley, garlic, vinegar, and oil.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
