Discover the deliciousness of crispy air fryer chicken tenders with this easy recipe! Marinated for tenderness and coated in a flavorful crunch, these tenders are perfect for a family dinner or a game day snack. Made with simple ingredients, they come out golden brown and packed with flavor.
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for added crunchiness)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, if you prefer extra heat)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Non-stick cooking spray
![- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with lemon juice) - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - Garlic powder - Onion powder - Smoked paprika - Cayenne pepper - Salt - Pepper You need fresh chicken for this recipe. I like to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They are easy to slice into strips. Marinate these strips in buttermilk for 30 minutes. This step makes the chicken tender and juicy. If you want more flavor, soak them overnight. Next, let’s talk about the coating mix. I use all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs. The flour helps the coating stick. The panko adds a nice crunch. Mix the flour with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. This blend brings great flavor to the chicken. Keep the seasoning simple but effective. Garlic and onion powders give it depth. Smoked paprika adds a smoky touch. If you like heat, add cayenne pepper. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste. This balance makes every bite flavorful. For the perfect crispy air fryer chicken tenders, you need these ingredients. You can find the full recipe above. It includes all the steps to make this dish easy and fun. Enjoy cooking! For juicy chicken tenders, marinate them in buttermilk. It helps keep them moist. I suggest marinating for at least 30 minutes. For even better flavor, let them soak overnight in the fridge. To prepare the buttermilk, mix one cup of milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice. Let it sit for five minutes. This mixture mimics buttermilk perfectly. Next, let's make the coating. In a wide, shallow dish, mix one cup of flour with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir well so the spices blend evenly. In a second shallow dish, pour in the panko breadcrumbs. This adds a lovely crunch to your tenders. To coat the chicken, first dredge each strip in the flour mix. Shake off excess flour. Then dip it into the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to stick. This ensures a good coating and crispy texture. Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about five minutes. This step is key for even cooking. Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer. They should not touch. If you have many, cook them in batches. Lightly mist the tops of the tenders with cooking spray. This helps them turn golden brown. Air fry the tenders for about 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through. This ensures both sides cook evenly. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once done, let them rest a few minutes before serving. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To get that perfect crunch on your chicken tenders, choose a good cooking spray. I like using avocado oil spray. It has a high smoke point and adds a nice flavor. You can also use olive oil spray, but be careful not to burn it. Avoid using too much spray. Too much can make the coating soggy instead of crispy. Common mistakes can ruin your crunch. First, don’t overcrowd the air fryer. This leads to uneven cooking. Each piece should have space around it. Second, make sure to preheat your air fryer. This helps give the chicken that golden color right away. Pair your chicken tenders with tasty dipping sauces. Honey mustard is a classic choice. You can also try BBQ sauce or ranch dressing. These add a fun twist to your meal. For a lovely presentation, plate the tenders on a big platter. Arrange them in a fan shape for visual appeal. Add some fresh parsley or lemon wedges for color. This makes your dish look just as good as it tastes! Want to spice things up? Consider adding different spices to the mix. You can use paprika for a smoky flavor or Italian seasoning for a fresh taste. If you like heat, add more cayenne pepper. Herbs can also boost flavor. Dried parsley or thyme works well. Just mix them into the flour before coating the chicken. This little step makes a big difference in taste! {{image_4}} If you want crispy chicken tenders but need a gluten-free option, you can easily swap out ingredients. Use almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour. For the breadcrumbs, try using crushed cornflakes or gluten-free panko. These swaps keep the crunch while making the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities. The air fryer is not just for chicken. You can use it for turkey, pork, or even tofu. Cooking times will differ depending on the protein. For turkey tenders, cook at 400°F for 12-14 minutes. Pork strips need about 10-12 minutes, while tofu takes around 8-10 minutes. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for meats. To change the flavor of your chicken tenders, try different marinades. For a tangy twist, use yogurt with lemon juice. For a spicy kick, add hot sauce to your buttermilk. You can also mix in herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fresh taste. Adding a bit of honey or maple syrup can bring a sweet note to your dish. Store your crispy chicken tenders in a shallow, airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work best. They keep the chicken fresh and prevent sogginess. You can keep them in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat chicken tenders, the air fryer works best. Set it to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. You can also use an oven, but it may take longer. Avoid using a microwave, as it softens the coating. You can freeze chicken tenders both before and after cooking. If freezing before cooking, place the raw, coated tenders on a tray. Freeze them until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They will last for three months. If freezing cooked tenders, wait until they cool. Store in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to two months. To make chicken tenders crispy, focus on the coating. Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Panko gives a lighter, crunchier texture. Make sure to coat the chicken well. You can double-coat by dipping the chicken in flour, then egg, and finally panko. This extra layer adds crunch. Also, preheat the air fryer for even cooking. A light spray of cooking oil helps too. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just cook it longer. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook for 15-20 minutes instead of the usual time. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. Thawing the chicken first gives better results, but cooking from frozen works well too. Chicken tenders should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures they are safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the tender. If it is not done, cook for a few more minutes. The chicken should be juicy and tender at this temperature. You can marinate chicken tenders for up to 24 hours. For best results, soak them for at least 30 minutes. This helps the chicken absorb flavors. If you marinate too long, the texture may change. Keep it in the fridge during marination to stay safe. To make crispy chicken tenders in an air fryer, you need simple steps. Start with marinating chicken in buttermilk for the best flavor. Then, prepare your coating mix and cook to perfect crispiness. Remember, choosing the right seasonings and avoiding common mistakes will elevate your dish. You can also explore variations and storage tips to enjoy these tenders later. By following this guide, you’ll serve tasty chicken tenders that everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking journey and experiment with flavors to find your favorite!](https://dailydishcraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/4aa018a8-101a-4c20-8d95-6daa46825c6f-250x250.webp)