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Chicken tenders have long held a cherished position in the realm of comfort food, adored by both kids and adults alike. Their tender, juicy meat and crispy exterior make them a go-to dish for family dinners, playful gatherings, or a satisfying snack. With their universal appeal, chicken tenders can easily please picky eaters while also delighting those with more adventurous palates. However, the traditional frying method, while delicious, often leaves many home cooks searching for healthier alternatives that don’t compromise on flavor or texture.

Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders

Discover a healthier twist on a classic favorite with this Crunchy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe. Perfectly tender and crispy, these chicken tenders are a hit for family meals or casual snacks. Using an air fryer allows you to enjoy the crunchy texture you love while using significantly less oil. Marinated in buttermilk and coated with panko breadcrumbs, they deliver flavor and crunch in every bite. Easy to prepare and quick to cook, they are sure to become a weeknight staple that pleases every palate.
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken tenders

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup Panko breadcrumbs

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)

Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken tenders and buttermilk. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.

    Prepare the Coating: In a separate shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. In another shallow dish, place the Panko breadcrumbs.

      Dredge the Chicken: Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off. First, coat them in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip them back into the buttermilk, then roll in the Panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well.

        Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

          Cook the Chicken Tenders: Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they aren’t overcrowded to ensure even cooking. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray to promote crispiness.

            Cooking Time: Air fry for about 10-12 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through. They should be golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when done.

              Serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes (plus marination) | 4 servings