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- 1 lb chicken breast - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - ½ cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - Air fryer - Mixing bowls - Shallow bowls for breading - Cooking spray or olive oil Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making crispy air fryer chicken tenders. Start with 1 pound of chicken breast. Cut them into strips to ensure even cooking. Next, you will need 1 cup of buttermilk. This will help make the chicken moist and tender. For seasonings and coatings, I like to use simple spices. You will need garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Each spice adds flavor without being overwhelming. Next, gather your breading ingredients. Panko breadcrumbs provide a great crunch. You will also need all-purpose flour and eggs to help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. Finally, make sure you have your tools ready. An air fryer is key for this recipe. Mixing bowls help you combine your ingredients, and shallow bowls make the breading process easier. Don't forget cooking spray or olive oil to keep things from sticking in the air fryer. For the full recipe, check the section that details the steps to create these delightful chicken tenders. To start, take your chicken strips and place them in a large bowl. Add 1 cup of buttermilk. Then, mix in 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir well to coat each piece. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. For more flavor, marinate overnight. Next, set up your breading station. Grab three shallow bowls. Fill one bowl with ½ cup of all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, add 2 beaten eggs. In the third bowl, put 1 cup of breadcrumbs. I like to use panko for extra crunch. Stir a pinch of salt into the breadcrumbs for added flavor. Now, let’s bread those chicken strips! Take each marinated strip and dip it into the flour first. Shake off any extra flour. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumbs. Press gently to make sure the crumbs stick well. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. While it heats up, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. Make sure not to overcrowd them. If needed, cook in batches. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray. Cook the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes. Be sure to flip them halfway through. They should turn golden brown and crispy. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). To get the best crispy chicken tenders, do not overcrowd the air fryer. If you pack too many pieces in, they can steam instead of crisp. This can ruin the texture. Make sure to leave space between each tender for the hot air to circulate. I recommend spraying the chicken tenders with cooking spray before cooking. This helps to create a golden, crunchy crust. Marinating your chicken is key for great flavor. I suggest marinating for at least 1 hour. If you have time, letting it sit overnight in the fridge makes it even better. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and adds a rich taste. To know if your chicken tenders are done, check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). You can also look for a nice golden color on the outside. If they look crispy and smell amazing, you’re on the right track! {{image_2}} You can boost the flavor of your crispy air fryer chicken tenders in fun ways. Try adding spices or herbs to the breadcrumb mix. Here are some ideas: - Parmesan Cheese: Add grated Parmesan for a cheesy twist. - Italian Herbs: Mix in dried oregano or basil for an herbaceous kick. - Cayenne Pepper: A pinch of cayenne can add heat and depth. These small changes can make a big difference! For buttermilk, you have many options. If you don’t have buttermilk, try these substitutes: - Milk and Vinegar: Mix one cup of milk with one tablespoon of vinegar. Let it sit for five minutes. - Yogurt: Thin plain yogurt with a bit of water or milk. - Sour Cream: Like yogurt, thin it out for best results. These alternatives keep the chicken tender and juicy. If you want a healthier option, you can bake the chicken tenders in the oven. Here’s how: 1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). 2. Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method still gives you crispy chicken but with less oil. You can also pan-fry the chicken tenders. Here’s how to do it: 1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add oil. 2. Once hot, add the breaded chicken strips in a single layer. 3. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Pan-frying gives a great crust but uses more oil than air frying. Each method has its perks, so you can choose what fits your meal best. For the full recipe, check out the Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders section. To keep your chicken tenders fresh, first let them cool. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay good for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you want to store them longer, freezing is the best option. Wrap each tender in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, just thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheating chicken tenders can be tricky. You want to keep them crispy. The best way is to use the air fryer again. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the tenders in the basket for about 5 to 7 minutes. This will help them regain their crunch. You can also use an oven. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. Avoid using the microwave. It makes the tenders soggy and chewy. For the best flavor, serve with your favorite dipping sauces. If you want the full details, check out the Full Recipe. Cooking chicken tenders in an air fryer takes about 10 to 12 minutes. The exact time depends on the chicken's thickness. Thin strips cook faster than thick ones. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety. If your strips are thicker, you may need an extra few minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through for even cooking. Yes, you can use frozen chicken breast, but some adjustments are needed. First, cook the chicken from frozen for about 15 to 20 minutes. You should still check the internal temperature. It must reach 165°F (75°C). You might want to add a few more minutes if the chicken is thick. To ensure crispiness, make sure to space the pieces well in the air fryer. Many sauces taste great with chicken tenders. Here are some suggestions: - Honey mustard - Barbecue sauce - Ranch dressing - Buffalo sauce - Ketchup You can also make homemade sauces. Mix Greek yogurt with herbs for a fresh dip. Experiment with flavors to find your favorite! Marinating the chicken is not necessary, but it boosts flavor. Buttermilk adds tenderness and taste. If you're short on time, you can skip it. You can still achieve great flavor with spices and a good breading. For a quick option, coat the chicken in garlic powder and paprika before breading. In this post, we explored how to make crispy air fryer chicken tenders. You learned about the main ingredients, seasonings, and tools needed. The step-by-step guide showed how to marinate, bread, and cook the chicken. Tips helped you achieve maximum crispiness and ensure safe cooking. Variations let you customize flavors or try different cooking methods. Finally, I shared storage tips and answered common questions. With these insights, you can create perfect chicken tenders every time. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Discover the ultimate Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe that’s sure to impress! With juicy marinated chicken coated in a crunchy panko breadcrumb layer, this dish is easy to make and packed with flavor. Enjoy perfectly golden tenders in just 12 minutes! Great for family dinners or game day snacks.
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

½ cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

Cooking spray or olive oil for spraying

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken strips with buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all pieces are coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or overnight for more flavor).

    Setup Bread Station: Prepare three separate shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Stir in a pinch of salt into the breadcrumbs for added flavor.

      Bread the Chicken: Take each marinated chicken strip and first dip it into the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Lastly, coat the chicken in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure a good layer sticks.

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

          Air Fry the Chicken Tenders: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded (this may require cooking in batches). Spray the tops of the chicken tenders lightly with cooking spray.

            Cook the Chicken: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

              Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces!

                Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 1 hr 30 min (including marination) | Servings: 4