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- Chicken breast - Buttermilk and seasonings - Breading components: flour, eggs, breadcrumbs To make crispy air fryer chicken tenders, you need some simple yet essential ingredients. Start with fresh chicken breast. Cut it into strips about the size of your fingers. This size helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Next, use buttermilk mixed with spices to marinate the chicken. Buttermilk makes the chicken tender and adds rich flavor. For the breading, you will need three components: flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. All-purpose flour forms the first layer. It helps the egg stick better. The egg acts as glue for the breadcrumbs. I recommend using panko breadcrumbs. They give the chicken a great crunch that everyone loves. - Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika - Cooking spray or olive oil To amp up the taste, consider adding spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. These spices bring out the flavor of the chicken and make it more exciting. A pinch of salt and black pepper also enhances the taste. Lastly, don’t forget cooking spray or olive oil. Lightly spraying the chicken before cooking helps it crisp up nicely in the air fryer. - Ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce Dipping sauces can take your chicken tenders to the next level. I love serving them with ranch or honey mustard for a creamy dip. Barbecue sauce is another tasty option, especially if you like a bit of sweetness. Feel free to mix and match based on what you enjoy! For the full recipe, check the details above. To start, take your chicken strips and place them in a bowl. Pour in the buttermilk and sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well so each piece is coated. Cover the bowl and chill it in the fridge. Marinate for at least one hour, but overnight gives better flavor. Next, set up your breading station. You need three shallow bowls. Fill the first bowl with flour. The second bowl should hold the beaten eggs. In the third bowl, pour the breadcrumbs and add a pinch of salt. Now you are ready to coat the chicken for that crispy texture. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about five minutes. While it heats, take each marinated chicken strip. First, coat it in flour, shaking off the extra. Then dip it in the egg, letting the excess drip off. Finally, press it into the breadcrumbs. This order helps create a great crunch. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer. Don't overcrowd them; if needed, cook in batches. Lightly spray the tops of the tenders too. Cook them for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy when done. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety. Now, they are ready to be served. Enjoy with your favorite sauces! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To get the best crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. They are lighter and crispier than regular ones. This makes a big difference in texture. Also, cook in batches if you have many tenders. If you crowd the air fryer, some pieces won’t cook evenly. Cooking in smaller amounts lets the hot air circulate well. To boost the taste, think about adding spices. You can try cayenne pepper for heat. You might also like adding Italian seasoning for a herby touch. For a richer taste, marinate the chicken for longer. Overnight is best. This will soak in the flavors and make each bite more delicious. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer, as it leads to soggy tenders. Give each piece space to crisp up. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices inside, making them juicy and tasty. {{image_4}} You can spice up your chicken tenders in fun ways! For spicy chicken tenders, add cayenne or hot sauce to your marinade. This gives your dish a kick. For herb-infused breading options, mix dried herbs like oregano or thyme into the breadcrumbs. This adds fresh flavor without much effort. If you want a lighter meal, try gluten-free breading methods. Use crushed rice cereal or almond flour instead of regular breadcrumbs. This makes the dish safe for those with gluten allergies. You can also swap low-fat chicken substitutions like turkey or chicken thighs. These options keep your dish tasty and lower in fat. Pair your crispy chicken tenders with sides like fresh veggies or a salad. This adds color and nutrients. For creative ways to serve leftovers, chop the tenders and add them to a wrap or salad. You can also serve them with a variety of dips, like ranch or honey mustard, for added flavor. Enjoy your meal in different ways! For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps to make these crispy delights. To keep your chicken tenders fresh, store them in airtight containers. This helps prevent air exposure, which can make them soggy. Let the tenders cool down before storing to avoid steam buildup. Place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb moisture. This keeps them crispy longer. You can store them in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. For the best reheating method, use the air fryer. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C) and cook the tenders for about 5 to 7 minutes. This makes them crispy again. You can microwave them, but they will not stay as crispy. If you use the microwave, heat them in short bursts. Check every 30 seconds to avoid overcooking. To freeze chicken tenders, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1 to 2 hours until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Before reheating, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results. I recommend marinating chicken tenders for at least 1 hour. This time helps the chicken soak in the flavors. For the best taste, marinate overnight in the fridge. This makes the chicken tender and juicy. Yes, you can cook frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer. Start by preheating the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen tenders in the basket. Cook them for about 12-15 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The safe internal temperature for cooked chicken tenders is 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check this. Cooking chicken to this temperature ensures it is safe to eat. Always let the chicken rest a few minutes before serving to keep it juicy. Crispy air fryer chicken tenders are simple to make and delicious. We covered the key ingredients, like chicken breast and buttermilk, which add flavor and texture. The step-by-step guide shows you how to marinate, bread, and cook perfectly crispy tenders. Remember, using panko breadcrumbs and avoiding overcrowding are crucial for crispiness. Don’t forget the fun of dipping sauces and creative serving options. Enjoy your meal and share the tasty results!

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Discover the ultimate Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe that’s sure to wow your family and friends! With a perfectly seasoned breading and tender, juicy chicken, these tenders are a deliciously healthy alternative to frying. Ready in just over an hour with minimal effort, they pair perfectly with your favorite dipping sauces.
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into strips

1 cup (240ml) buttermilk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

Cooking spray or olive oil for spraying

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken strips with buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure that each piece is thoroughly coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour (for a richer flavor, marinate overnight).

    Setup Bread Station: Prepare three shallow bowls for the breading process. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, add the beaten eggs. In the third bowl, place the breadcrumbs and mix in a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.

      Bread the Chicken: Take each marinated chicken strip and first dip it into the flour, allowing any excess to fall back into the bowl. Next, submerge it in the beaten eggs, letting any extra egg drip off. Finally, coat the strip in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an adequate layer adheres.

        Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 5 minutes, allowing it to reach the desired temperature for optimal crispiness.

          Air Fry the Chicken Tenders: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded; if necessary, cook in batches. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray.

            Cook the Chicken: Air fry the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning. Cook until they are golden brown, crispy, and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

              Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes to lock in the juiciness before serving. Enjoy them with a selection of your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce!

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