Tender Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
This recipe features tender and crispy chicken tenders made in an air fryer for a healthier twist on a classic favorite. Marinated in buttermilk and coated with a seasoned panko crust, these chicken tenders cook quickly and come out perfectly juicy on the inside with a crunchy exterior. Ideal for a quick dinner or snack, they are easy to prepare and pair well with your favorite dipping sauces.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
Coating
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Start by placing the chicken tenders into a bowl with buttermilk and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. This helps tenderize the chicken and adds moisture.
- Prepare the coating stations: In one medium bowl, add the flour. In another bowl, whisk the two eggs gently with a fork. In a third bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to combine the seasoning.
- Dry the chicken: Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk and gently pat them dry with paper towels to prevent steaming in the air fryer, which would reduce crispiness.
- Coat the tenders: Dredge each chicken tender first in flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned panko bread crumbs. Ensure even coating for crispy results.
- Prepare for air frying: Lightly spray each coated chicken tender on both sides with cooking spray or oil. Place the tenders in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave space between each piece to allow proper air circulation and crisping. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.
- Cook the chicken: Air fry the chicken tenders at 390°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes per side. Adjust the cooking time based on the size of the tenders: smaller pieces cook in approximately 4 minutes per side, larger ones might need 6-7 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve: Remove the cooked tenders from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch or ketchup for a delicious meal or snack.
Notes
- Cook the chicken tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This ensures each piece crisps up well without steaming.
- Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
