Description
These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making them a flavorful and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders. Marinated in buttermilk and a blend of spices, these chicken tenders are coated in a crispy panko crust and air-fried to perfection. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Tenders:
- 1 pound chicken tenders or boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
Marinade:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional:
- cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken tenders in a bowl with buttermilk and hot sauce. Marinate for 30 minutes to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
- Prepare the Breading: Mix flour, panko, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, ensuring even coating.
- Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray basket with oil. Arrange tenders in a single layer. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve: Once golden and cooked through, serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray tenders again after flipping.
- You can substitute buttermilk with thinned plain yogurt.
- Adjust seasonings to taste or add Parmesan for a cheesy variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tenders
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
