If you’re looking for the perfect crispy chicken tenders without all the oil and mess of frying, these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are here to save the day! Coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mix, they’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and ready in under 20 minutes. A healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, these tenders are perfect for busy weeknights or snacking on game day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Option: Crispy without deep-frying, thanks to the magic of the air fryer.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in minutes with minimal prep and cleanup.
- Kid-Friendly: A hit with even the pickiest eaters!
- Customizable Coating: Adjust the spices and seasonings to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll need:
- Chicken tenders for juicy, tender bites
- Panko breadcrumbs for an ultra-crispy coating
- Paprika and garlic powder for bold, savory flavors
- Eggs to help the coating stick
Find the full ingredient list and exact measurements in the recipe card below.
Directions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Set up a dredging station: one bowl for beaten eggs, another for a breadcrumb mixture with spices.
- Dip each chicken tender in the egg, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Arrange tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even crispiness.
- Season generously: Add your favorite herbs or spices to the breadcrumb mix for extra flavor.
- Spray lightly with oil: A quick spritz of cooking spray helps achieve that golden, crispy crust.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap panko breadcrumbs for crushed cornflakes or almond flour for a gluten-free option.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mix for a cheesy twist.
- Use chicken thighs or wings instead of tenders for a fun variation.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with honey mustard, ranch, barbecue sauce, or spicy mayo.
- Side Dishes: Pair with air fryer fries, a fresh salad, or roasted veggies.
- Perfect for Parties: Serve as an appetizer with a variety of dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing platter.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked breaded tenders on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I make these chicken tenders in the oven?
Yes! Bake at 400°F on a wire rack for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
2. Can I use pre-cooked chicken tenders?
You can, but they won’t be as juicy or flavorful as fresh tenders cooked from scratch.
3. How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should be 165°F.
4. Can I make these dairy-free?
Absolutely! There’s no dairy in the recipe, but double-check your breadcrumbs to ensure they’re dairy-free.
Conclusion
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a game-changer for quick, delicious, and healthy meals. Whether you’re whipping them up for dinner, a snack, or a party, these tenders deliver on flavor and crunch every time.
Check the recipe card below for all the details, and enjoy this crispy, juicy goodness tonight!
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: Healthy, Juicy & Ready in Minutes!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a healthier twist on the classic comfort food. Juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and packed with flavor, they’re perfect for a quick meal or snack. With minimal oil and a short cook time, this recipe delivers guilt-free deliciousness in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooking spray or oil spray
- Optional: dipping sauces (ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken tenders and let them marinate for 15-30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Remove chicken tenders from the buttermilk marinade, letting excess drip off. Coat each tender in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Arrange the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken in buttermilk and breadcrumbs.
- To make gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Pair with a fresh salad or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3-4 chicken tenders
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 95mg