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For this recipe, you will need 1 pound of chicken breast tenders. Choose fresh tenders for the best taste. They should be tender and juicy. You can also use chicken breasts cut into strips if you prefer. The marinade is key for flavor. You will need: - 1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt) Soak the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This step makes the chicken tender and adds flavor. You can marinate it for up to 12 hours for a deeper taste. The coating gives your chicken tenders that crunchy finish. Gather these items: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat) Mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Next, place the breadcrumbs in another bowl. This setup makes it easy to coat each tender. You can find the full recipe above to get all the steps to make these tasty air fryer chicken tenders. First, you need to prepare the chicken tenders. I like to use fresh chicken breast tenders for the best taste. Place the chicken tenders in a large bowl. Pour in 1 cup of buttermilk or plain yogurt. Soak the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 12 hours. This step adds moisture and flavor, making the chicken juicy and tender. Next, we move on to the dredging and coating process. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This blend gives the chicken a tasty kick. Set this bowl aside. In another bowl, place the breadcrumbs. I recommend using panko for extra crunch. After the chicken has soaked, take each tender out of the buttermilk. Let the excess liquid drip off. Now, dredge the tender in the flour mix. Make sure to shake off any extra flour. Next, dip it back into the buttermilk. This helps the breadcrumbs stick well. Then, roll the tender in the breadcrumbs until fully coated. Now it’s time to cook. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the coated chicken tenders with cooking spray or drizzle them with olive oil. This step ensures they get crispy. Place the tenders in the air fryer basket. Make sure there is space between each tender for even cooking. Cook the tenders for 10 to 12 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time. They should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your crunchy and tasty chicken tenders! You can find the full recipe [here](#). To make your chicken tenders super crunchy, use panko breadcrumbs. They add great texture. You can also double-coat the tenders. First, coat them in flour, then dip in buttermilk, and coat again in breadcrumbs. This gives you a thicker, crunchier crust. Lightly spray the tenders with cooking oil before cooking. This step helps them brown nicely. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) before adding the chicken. This helps them cook evenly. Do not overcrowd the basket. Leave space between tenders to allow hot air to circulate. Flip the tenders halfway through cooking for even crispiness. Check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F (75°C) for safety. Feel free to get creative with your seasonings! Add herbs like thyme or oregano for a fresh twist. For a spicy kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add chili powder. You can also try a bit of lemon zest for brightness. Remember, seasoning your flour mixture well is key to flavorful chicken tenders. For more details, check the Full Recipe! {{image_2}} You can easily change the taste of your chicken tenders. For a spicy kick, add more cayenne pepper or use hot sauce in the buttermilk. If you love herbs, try mixing in dried oregano or thyme into the flour mix. For a sweet twist, add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to the buttermilk. You can also play with different spices. Think curry powder or taco seasoning. Each change gives a fresh flavor to the dish. You can swap some ingredients based on what you have. If you don't have buttermilk, use plain yogurt or milk mixed with lemon juice. For the flour, whole wheat flour works great too. If you prefer gluten-free, try using almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can even use crushed cornflakes for a different crunch. Don’t forget, you can adjust the spices to your taste. It’s all about using what you love. If you don’t have an air fryer, don’t worry! You can bake the chicken tenders in the oven. Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also pan-fry them in a skillet with oil. Just heat the oil over medium heat and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side. Each method gives a tasty result, so choose what fits your kitchen best. Once you have made your chicken tenders, let them cool. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep them crispy, avoid stacking them. You want air to flow around each tender. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the chicken tenders cool completely. Next, wrap each tender in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. When you're ready, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can use your air fryer for the best results. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken tenders in the basket. Heat them for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. You can also use an oven. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Enjoy your tasty chicken tenders again! For the full recipe, check back on the main article. To make your chicken tenders crispy, follow these tips: - Use panko breadcrumbs. They add more crunch. - Spray with cooking oil. It helps them crisp up in the air fryer. - Don’t overcrowd the basket. Give the tenders space for air to flow. - Cook at 400°F. This high heat makes them golden and crunchy. Yes, you can marinate chicken tenders overnight. In fact, it adds great flavor! Use buttermilk or yogurt for the best results. Just keep the chicken in the fridge. This makes the meat tender and juicy. Here are some tasty dipping sauces for your chicken tenders: - Honey mustard: A sweet and tangy option. - Barbecue sauce: Classic and smoky. - Ranch dressing: Creamy and herby. - Buffalo sauce: Spicy and bold. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. In this blog post, we covered how to make crispy air fryer chicken tenders. You learned about key ingredients like chicken, marinade, and coating. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for crunchiness, and variations to try. You now know how to store and reheat these delicious tenders, along with answers to common questions. Remember, cooking should be fun. Experiment with flavors and enjoy your tasty creations!

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Discover the secret to perfectly crispy air fryer chicken tenders with this easy recipe! Soak your chicken in buttermilk for maximum flavor, then coat them in a crunchy, seasoned breadcrumb mixture. In just 40 minutes, you'll have tender, juicy chicken that’s golden and delicious. Perfect for a quick dinner or party appetizer! Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family and friends with this tasty dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken breast tenders

1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

Cooking spray or olive oil for spraying

Instructions
 

In a large bowl, soak the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or up to 12 hours) to tenderize and flavor the meat.

    In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

      In another bowl, place the breadcrumbs for the final coating.

        Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

          Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk and let the excess drip off. Dredge each tender in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

            Dip the floured tenders again into the buttermilk, allowing it to coat, then roll them in the breadcrumbs to fully coat.

              Lightly spray the coated chicken tenders with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil for added crispiness.

                Place the tenders in the air fryer basket, making sure they have some space between them for even cooking.

                  Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).

                    Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

                      Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken tenders on a platter alongside a dipping sauce like honey mustard or barbecue sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.