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- 1 lb chicken tenders - 1 cup buttermilk - 1/2 cup ranch dressing - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Cooking spray You need a few simple items to make these tasty air fryer ranch chicken tenders. Start with 1 pound of chicken tenders. They offer a great texture and cook quickly. For a juicy flavor, use 1 cup of buttermilk. This makes the chicken tender and moist. Add 1/2 cup of ranch dressing for a zesty kick. Next, let's talk about the coating. You will need 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs. These give your tenders that extra crunch. Combine it with 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour for a great base. Season with 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. This adds depth to the flavor. Finish with 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper for balance. Finally, grab some cooking spray. This helps the chicken cook evenly and adds crispiness. With these ingredients, you are ready to create a delicious dish that everyone will love! To start, you need to combine buttermilk and ranch dressing in a large bowl. Mix them well until they blend smoothly. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl, ensuring each piece gets coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge. Marinating for at least 30 minutes gives the chicken great flavor. If you have time, let it sit for up to 2 hours. Next, grab another bowl and mix the panko breadcrumbs with flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir them until everything is well combined. This mix will create a crunchy coating. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps the chicken cook evenly. Now it’s time to coat the chicken tenders. Take them out of the fridge and let any extra liquid drip off. Dip each tender into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly so it sticks well. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to avoid sticking. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch each other. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for extra crispiness. Cook them in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes. Flip the tenders halfway through to ensure they brown evenly. They are done when they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. To make your chicken tenders crispy, use panko breadcrumbs. They are light and create a great crunch. Regular breadcrumbs won’t give you the same texture. When you coat the chicken, use cooking spray. This helps the coating get golden brown and crispy. Spray the chicken lightly before cooking. It makes a big difference. For the best flavor, marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, aim for 2 hours. The longer it sits, the better the taste. You can try other marinades too. Honey mustard or buffalo sauce can add a fun twist. Pair your ranch chicken tenders with tasty dipping sauces. Extra ranch dressing is a classic choice. Honey mustard also works well and adds sweetness. For presentation, serve the tenders on a nice platter. Add fresh parsley or chives on top for color. This makes your meal look even more appealing! {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of your chicken tenders. For a kick, try spicy ranch chicken tenders. Mix in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce with the ranch dressing. This adds heat and flavor. If you prefer a fresh taste, make lemon herb chicken tenders. Add lemon zest and chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the coating. This brightens up the dish and gives it a unique twist. If you're gluten-free, you can still enjoy these tasty chicken tenders. Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko. Brands like Berenbaum's or Ian's offer great options. Just double-check that all your ingredients are gluten-free. Not everyone has an air fryer, and that's okay. You can use a traditional oven instead. Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a conventional deep fryer, heat oil to 375°F (190°C). Fry the chicken tenders in batches for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Both methods yield crispy results, so you can enjoy these tenders no matter your cooking setup. To store your cooked chicken tenders, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them. They can last for about 2 months in the freezer. Just make sure they are in a freezer-safe bag or container to avoid freezer burn. The best way to reheat chicken tenders is in the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the tenders in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps them crispy. You can also use a microwave, but they may get soggy. If you use the microwave, heat in short bursts. To prepare tenders ahead of time, marinate the chicken as usual. Coat them in the breadcrumb mixture. You can freeze them before cooking. When ready to eat, cook straight from the freezer. Serve with sides like veggies, fries, or a fresh salad. These options make a great meal. Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. First, adjust the cooking time to 12-15 minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Make sure to flip them halfway through. Check if they are cooked through. The internal temperature should be at least 165°F (75°C). This way, you still get crispy, flavorful tenders. If you don't have buttermilk, you can use plain yogurt or milk mixed with vinegar. To make one cup of buttermilk, add one tablespoon of vinegar to one cup of milk. Let it sit for about five minutes. This will give you a similar tangy flavor. You can also use sour cream, thinned with a bit of milk. To tell if the chicken tenders are done, check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). You can also look for a golden brown color on the outside. If the juices run clear when you cut into them, they are ready. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep them juicy and tender. In this blog post, we've covered how to make delicious ranch chicken tenders. We looked at key ingredients, the marinating process, and step-by-step cooking instructions. I shared tips to keep your tenders crispy and variations to try. Finally, we discussed storage and reheating methods to keep your meal fresh. These tenders are easy to make and fun to share. I encourage you to experiment with flavors and sauces. Enjoy your cooking!

Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders

Get ready to enjoy crispy air fryer ranch chicken tenders that are bursting with flavor! These easy-to-make tenders are marinated in buttermilk and ranch dressing, then coated in a crunchy panko breadcrumb mixture for that perfect crunch. Air frying makes them healthier without sacrificing taste. Perfect for any occasion, these tenders will be a hit with the whole family! Click through for the full recipe and bring this delicious dish to your table today!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken tenders

1 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup ranch dressing

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking spray

Instructions
 

In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and ranch dressing. Add the chicken tenders, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours if you have time).

    In a separate bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

      Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

        Remove the chicken from the refrigerator. Let any excess liquid drip off, then coat each chicken tender in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

          Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken tenders in the basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch.

            Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray for extra crispiness.

              Cook in the air fryer 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).

                Once done, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

                  Prep Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve on a platter with a side of your favorite dipping sauces like extra ranch or honey mustard. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color!