Print

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe for Quick Juicy Bites

crispy air fryer chicken tenders - featured image
Print Recipe

These crispy air fryer chicken tenders are quick, juicy, and packed with flavor, perfect for weeknight dinners or snacks without the mess of frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) chicken tenders, fresh or thawed, trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (or plain yogurt mixed with a splash of lemon juice)
  • ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (90g) panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup (25g) Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • Cooking spray or oil mister

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry 1 pound (450g) of chicken tenders. Trim any excess fat or uneven edges for consistent cooking.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup (240ml) of buttermilk with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Submerge the chicken tenders in the mixture and let them soak for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the fridge.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour, 1 cup (90g) panko breadcrumbs, ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Mix well.
  4. Remove tenders one by one from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each tender first in the flour mixture, then dip it back into the buttermilk quickly, and finally coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Place coated tenders on a plate or tray.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  6. Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Spray lightly with cooking spray or oil mister.
  7. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Let the tenders rest for a couple of minutes on a wire rack or plate before serving.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure crispiness. Spray tenders with oil before and halfway through cooking for best results. Use a kitchen thermometer to check for doneness. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour and use gluten-free panko. For dairy-free, substitute buttermilk with unsweetened almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, quick chicken recipe, juicy chicken tenders, easy dinner, kid-friendly chicken

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-tenders-recipe-for-quick-juicy-bites/