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Yummy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://dishedbydana.com/yummy-air-fryer-chicken-tenders-recipe/