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- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup buttermilk or substitute - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - Olive oil spray For this recipe, you will need just a few simple items. The main star is the chicken. I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They are easy to work with and tender after cooking. The buttermilk adds a nice tang and helps keep the chicken moist. If you don't have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a little lemon juice. Next, we have breadcrumbs. I love using panko because it makes the tenders extra crispy. You can also use regular breadcrumbs, but panko gives the best crunch. Now, let’s talk about the seasonings. Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper work together to make the chicken flavorful. These spices will give the tenders that delicious taste you crave. To coat the chicken, you will need all-purpose flour and eggs. The flour helps the breadcrumbs stick better. The eggs give a nice binding layer. Finally, a light spray of olive oil helps everything crisp up in the air fryer. This combination creates the perfect crispy air fryer chicken tenders. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. - Combine chicken and buttermilk in a bowl. - Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix it well. - Refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes. This helps the meat soak up all the flavors. - Set up three shallow bowls. One for flour, one for eggs, and one for breadcrumbs. - Organize your workspace for easy access. This saves time and keeps things neat. - Take the marinated chicken from the fridge. Let excess liquid drip off. - Dredge each strip in flour first, then dip into the beaten eggs. - Coat it with breadcrumbs. Press them down to ensure they stick well. - Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This takes about 5 minutes. - Place the breaded chicken in a single layer in the basket. - Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Aim for a golden-brown color. To make the crispiest chicken tenders, I have a couple of tricks. First, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Panko gives a great crunch. Second, lightly spray the tenders with olive oil before cooking. This helps them brown nicely in the air fryer. Always check if your chicken is done. Use a meat thermometer for this task. It should read 165°F (75°C) inside. This way, you ensure the chicken is safe to eat. No one wants to serve undercooked chicken! When it comes to serving, dipping sauces can make a big difference. I recommend honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce. Pair these with some crunchy veggies or crispy fries for a complete meal. You can also add a fresh salad on the side for a nice touch. For the full recipe, check out the Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders section. {{image_2}} You can change up the flavor of your chicken tenders. For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper to your seasoning mix. Just a teaspoon adds heat without overpowering the dish. If you prefer herbs, try Italian seasoning. This blend gives a fresh taste and works well with the crispy texture. If you need a gluten-free option, you can still enjoy these tenders. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free flour in place of regular ones. They will still turn out crispy and delicious. Many brands offer great alternatives, so check your local store. While the air fryer gives you crispy chicken tenders quickly, you can also bake them. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway for even cooking. This method is still tasty and easy, especially if you’re cooking for a crowd. For the full recipe, check out the main article. After enjoying your crispy air fryer chicken tenders, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You should refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. The chicken tenders will stay good for about three to four days in the fridge. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If you want to save some chicken tenders for later, freezing them is a great option. First, let the cooked chicken tenders cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method keeps them crispy and delicious. You can also use the oven if you prefer, but the air fryer works best for that perfect crunch. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Crispy air fryer chicken tenders last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool before sealing. This helps retain their flavor and texture. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Yes, you can substitute buttermilk. A mix of regular milk and lemon juice works well. Simply add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes. This trick gives you a similar tangy flavor. To reheat chicken tenders, use the air fryer. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the tenders in the basket. Heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method keeps them crispy and warm. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy. Many sauces go great with chicken tenders. Some popular choices are honey mustard, ranch, and barbecue sauce. You can also try spicy buffalo sauce or a tangy aioli. Mixing and matching sauces can add fun flavors to your meal. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it first. It’s best to marinate the chicken after thawing. This process ensures that the flavors absorb well. After marinating, follow the same breading and cooking steps. The best air fryer temperature for chicken tenders is 400°F (200°C). This temperature gives you crispy outsides and juicy insides. Make sure to preheat the air fryer for even cooking. It helps achieve that golden brown color you want. For the full recipe, check out the Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders! This blog showed you how to make crispy air fryer chicken tenders. We covered key ingredients, marinating, breading, and cooking steps. I also shared tips for extra crispiness and tasty serving ideas. You can tweak the seasonings for a unique flavor. In summary, this easy recipe will impress everyone. Enjoy your delicious chicken tenders with your favorite sauces. Happy cooking!

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Craving a crispy, delicious snack? Try these Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders! Perfectly seasoned and coated in crunchy breadcrumbs, these tenders are easy to make and will satisfy your cravings in no time. With simple ingredients and a quick air fryer method, you can whip up a meal that's sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and discover how to elevate your cooking game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with milk and lemon juice)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

Olive oil spray

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken strips with the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat all the chicken. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

    Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, pour the beaten eggs. In the third bowl, add the breadcrumbs.

      Bread the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each strip first in the flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.

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

          Air Fry the Tenders: Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with olive oil to help them crisp up. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F/75°C).

            Serve: Once done, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and allow them to rest for a couple of minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce.

              Prep Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 50 mins | Servings: 4