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To make crispy air fryer chicken tenders, you'll need a few main items. Here’s what you’ll gather: - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips - 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice) - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) Spices make these chicken tenders pop with flavor. Gather these seasonings: - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick) - Salt and pepper to taste You can add your own twist! Here are some options: - Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor - Parmesan cheese mixed into the breadcrumbs for extra taste - Different types of hot sauce for more heat These ingredients create a base for delicious chicken tenders. You can mix and match to find your favorite flavors. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. Start by cutting your chicken breasts into strips. Aim for even pieces so they cook well. Next, soak these strips in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This step makes your chicken tender and juicy. If you have time, marinate the chicken overnight in the fridge. The longer it soaks, the better the flavor. Now, it's time to coat the chicken. In one shallow dish, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Make sure to blend it well. In another dish, add your breadcrumbs. After soaking, take the chicken strips out of the buttermilk. Let the extra liquid drip off. First, dredge each strip in the flour mix, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the breadcrumbs. Press lightly to ensure a good coating. This will help your chicken tenders turn out crispier. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for crispy chicken. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to stop sticking. Place the coated chicken strips in a single layer. You may need to cook them in batches. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray to boost crispiness. Cook for 10-12 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through. They should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once done, take them out and let them rest for a few minutes. This makes them even better to eat. Enjoy your crispy air fryer chicken tenders! For the detailed recipe, check the Full Recipe. To get that perfect crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. They are lighter and crispier than regular ones. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray before cooking. This gives them that golden color and extra crunch. Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this helps hot air circulate better around each tender. One common mistake is not soaking the chicken long enough. Soaking in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes helps keep the meat juicy. Another mistake is skipping the seasoning. Always season your flour and breadcrumbs well. If you don't, the chicken may taste bland. Finally, avoid flipping the tenders too early. Let them cook until golden brown before flipping for the best results. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for the best crispiness. Cook the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to make sure they are safe to eat. If you want extra crispy tenders, you can cook them for an additional 1-2 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning. For the complete cooking guide, refer to the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can easily change the taste of your chicken tenders. Adding cheese or fresh herbs can really enhance the flavor. For a cheesy twist, mix grated Parmesan into your breadcrumb coating. This gives a rich, savory taste. If you prefer herbs, try mixing in dried oregano or thyme. These herbs add freshness and depth. Experiment with your favorite flavors! If you're gluten-free, don't worry! You can still enjoy crispy chicken tenders. Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko. These swaps keep your tenders crunchy and delicious. Just make sure to check labels to avoid hidden gluten. Want a kick? Add heat to your chicken tenders! Mix cayenne pepper into your flour mixture for extra spice. You can also use hot sauce in the buttermilk. This will give each bite a zesty flair. Adjust the spice level to match your taste. Enjoy a fiery, mouthwatering experience! To store your leftover chicken tenders, let them cool down first. Place them in an airtight container. Keep the container in the fridge. Properly stored, they will last up to 3 days. Make sure to label your container with the date to track freshness. If you want to save chicken tenders for later, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. For the best results, reheat your chicken tenders in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken tenders in a single layer. Heat them for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway. This method keeps them crispy and delicious. If using a microwave, it may make them soggy. Marinate chicken tenders for at least 30 minutes. If you want more flavor, try marinating overnight. The longer the chicken sits, the more tender and tasty it becomes. But don’t worry if you’re in a rush; even a short soak will help. Yes, you can use chicken thighs! They bring a juicier flavor to your tenders. Just make sure to cut the thighs into similar strips. Thighs will cook in about the same time as breasts, so you won’t need to change much in the recipe. There are many great dips for chicken tenders. Some favorites include: - Honey mustard - Barbecue sauce - Ranch dressing - Ketchup - Buffalo sauce Feel free to mix and match! Each dip adds a unique twist to the tenders. You can even make your own dips to match your taste. Enjoy exploring different flavors! For more details, check the Full Recipe. In this blog post, I covered how to make tasty air fryer chicken tenders. We explored key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for the perfect crunch. Remember to customize flavors and avoid common cooking mistakes. Storing leftovers is simple, too. With these steps, you can enjoy juicy tenders every time. Try different spices and dips to find your favorite twists. With practice, you’ll impress family and friends with your skills. Get ready to enjoy delicious meals right from your air fryer!

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Get ready to enjoy the ultimate Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders! This easy recipe creates tender, flavorful chicken with a perfectly crunchy coating using simple ingredients like buttermilk, panko breadcrumbs, and spices. Perfect for a family dinner or game day snacking, these tenders are sure to impress.
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Ingredients
  

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray

Instructions
 

In a bowl, soak the chicken strips in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge for best flavor and tenderness).

    In a separate shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.

      In another shallow dish, add the breadcrumbs.

        Remove the chicken strips from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.

          Dredge each strip first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dip in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure a good coating.

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

              Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary).

                Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray to enhance crispiness.

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

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

                      Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 50 min | Servings: 4

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken tenders hot with a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, BBQ, or ranch on the side. Arrange on a platter garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color!