Yummy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

Introduction

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these air fryer chicken tenders are a quick and delicious crowd-pleaser. Using simple ingredients and a shortcut to mimic buttermilk, this recipe delivers juicy chicken with a perfectly seasoned crust. Perfect for weeknight dinners or snacking.

Ingredients

• 1.5 – 2 lbs. chicken tenderloins (about 12-16 pieces)
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• One 1-ounce packet ranch seasoning (optional)
• 1 egg
• 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vinegar
• 2 1/2 cups plain breadcrumbs
• 2 1/2 tablespoons seasoning mix (such as McCormick rotisserie chicken seasoning)
• Avocado oil spray

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare your dredging stations by combining the flour, kosher salt, and ranch seasoning (if using) in one bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the milk and vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes to create a homemade buttermilk. Then whisk the egg and hot sauce (if using) into the buttermilk. Finally, stir the seasoning mix into the breadcrumbs.
2. Step 2: Flatten each chicken tenderloin by pressing them a few times with the flat side of a knife or a meat mallet until slightly fanned out. This ensures even cooking.
3. Step 3: Dredge each tenderloin first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip in the buttermilk-egg mixture and allow excess to drip off. Finally, coat thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Set aside and repeat with all pieces.
4. Step 4: Arrange as many tenders as will fit in a single layer in your air fryer basket (usually about 6). Spray the chicken evenly with avocado oil spray to help achieve a golden brown finish.
5. Step 5: Air fry at 400°F for 7 to 9 minutes, until the crust is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165–175°F. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, try adding garlic powder or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier coating.
• If you don’t have avocado oil spray, use any high-heat cooking oil spray instead.
• To make these gluten-free, substitute the flour and breadcrumbs with certified gluten-free alternatives.

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenderloins?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw them and pat dry before breading to ensure the coating sticks well and the chicken cooks evenly.

Can these chicken tenders be baked instead of air fried?

Absolutely. Bake at 425°F on a lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

Yummy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 79 reviews

Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Tenders featuring a seasoned breadcrumb coating and a tender, juicy interior. This quick and easy recipe uses simple ingredients and air frying for a healthier, golden-brown finish without deep frying.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Yield: 12–16 chicken tenders 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1.5 – 2 lbs. chicken tenderloins (about 12–16 pieces)

Dredging Mixture

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• One 1-ounce packet ranch seasoning (optional)

Buttermilk Mixture

• 1 egg
• 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vinegar

Breading

• 2 1/2 cups plain breadcrumbs
• 2 1/2 tablespoons seasoning mix (e.g., McCormick rotisserie chicken seasoning)

Other

• Avocado oil spray

Instructions

1. Prep your dipping stations! Set up three bowls: one with the flour, kosher salt, and ranch seasoning mixed; one with the milk and vinegar mixed and let sit for 5 minutes to create buttermilk, then whisk together with egg and hot sauce; and one with breadcrumbs combined with the seasoning mix.
2. Flatten Chicken Tenderloins Using the flat side of a knife, gently smash each chicken tenderloin on a cutting board to slightly flatten and fan out the pieces for even cooking.
3. Batter Up! Coat each tenderloin by first dipping into the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dipping into the buttermilk mixture allowing excess to drip off, and finally coating thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture by flipping and pressing gently.
4. Place in Air Fryer Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single flat layer inside the air fryer basket, fitting about 6 pieces at a time without overlapping. Spray generously with avocado oil spray to ensure a golden, crispy crust.
5. Cook and Serve Air fry at 400°F for 7-9 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165-175°F. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious meal.

Notes

• Ranch seasoning is optional; substitute with your favorite spice blend if preferred.
• Letting the milk and vinegar sit together for 5 minutes creates a buttermilk substitute to tenderize the chicken.
• Use avocado oil spray to achieve a crispy, golden exterior.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer for food safety and optimal juiciness.

Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, healthy fried chicken, easy chicken nugget recipe, homemade chicken tenders