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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 150 reviews

This recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders delivers crispy, juicy, and flavorful chicken cooked to perfection using an air fryer. The tenders are coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture that crisps up beautifully without the need for deep frying, making it a healthier and convenient option for a quick snack or meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1.5 – 2 lbs. chicken tenderloins (about 12–16 pieces)

Wet Mixture

  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vinegar
  • 1 egg
  • 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)

Dry Coating

  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch seasoning (optional)
  • 2 1/2 cups plain breadcrumbs
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons seasoning mix (such as McCormick rotisserie chicken seasoning)

Additional

  • Avocado oil spray

Instructions

  1. Prep your dipping stations: Set up three shallow plates or bowls—one for the flour mixture, one for the wet buttermilk-egg batter, and one for the breadcrumb seasoning mix. This assembly line will make breading the chicken tenders efficient and clean.
  2. Make the coatings: In the first bowl, combine the flour, kosher salt, and ranch seasoning if using. In a second bowl, whisk together the milk and vinegar, then let it sit for 5 minutes to create a buttermilk base. After resting, mix in the egg and optional hot sauce. In the third bowl, mix the plain breadcrumbs with the seasoning blend.
  3. Flatten chicken tenderloins: On a cutting board, gently press each chicken tenderloin a few times with the flat side of a knife to slightly flatten or fan out the pieces. This helps them cook evenly and more quickly.
  4. Batter up: One at a time, dredge each chicken tenderloin first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, coat thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing to adhere the coating all around. Set coated tenders aside on a plate.
  5. Arrange in air fryer: Place as many chicken tenders as will fit in a single flat layer in your air fryer basket, usually about 6 pieces. Lightly and evenly spray them with avocado oil spray; this promotes a golden, crispy crust.
  6. Air fry the tenders: Cook the tenders at 400°F (204°C) for 7 to 9 minutes. They should turn a beautiful golden brown on the outside. Check that the internal temperature reaches between 165-175°F (74-79°C) for safe consumption.
  7. Serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and serve them hot with your choice of dipping sauce. Enjoy these crispy, juicy tenders as a snack or meal!

Notes

  • You can omit the hot sauce and ranch seasoning for a milder flavor.
  • If you don’t have an air fryer, these tenders can be baked in an oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
  • Always check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, air fried chicken, healthy chicken tenders, easy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://trendytasterecipes.com/air-fryer-chicken-tenders-recipe/