Introduction

These tender air fryer chicken tenders are a quick and flavorful way to enjoy a classic favorite with less oil and mess. Marinated in buttermilk and coated in crispy panko, they come out perfectly golden and juicy every time.

Tender Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 lb chicken tenders
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup flour
2 large eggs
1 cup Panko bread crumbs
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk for 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to tenderize and add flavor.
Step 2: In separate bowls, place the flour; whisk the eggs gently with a fork; and combine the Panko bread crumbs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 3: Remove chicken tenders from the buttermilk and pat dry gently with paper towels to prevent steaming in the air fryer.
Step 4: Coat each tender with flour, dip in the whisked eggs, then coat thoroughly with the bread crumb mixture. Lightly spray both sides with cooking spray or oil.
Step 5: Arrange tenders in the air fryer basket with space between each piece. Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 5 minutes on each side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Adjust cooking time for size: 4 minutes per side for smaller tenders, 6-7 minutes per side for larger ones.
Step 6: Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or ketchup and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the bread crumb mixture.
Use plain yogurt as a buttermilk substitute if needed.
Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure crispiness.
Swap Panko for regular bread crumbs for a softer crust.

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh chicken tenders. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before marinating and cooking for even results.

Do I need to flip the chicken tenders during air frying?

Yes, flipping ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior on both sides.

Tender Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 61 reviews

These tender air fryer chicken tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, marinated in buttermilk to enhance flavor and tenderness. Perfectly seasoned and air-fried to golden perfection, they make a quick and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders.

Author: Ella
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

1 lbs chicken tenders
1 cup buttermilk

Breading

1/2 cup flour
2 large eggs
1 cup Panko bread crumbs
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a bowl with the buttermilk and allow to marinate for 30 minutes up to 4 hours. This step tenderizes the chicken and infuses flavor.
Prepare the Breading Stations: In one medium bowl, put the flour. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs gently. In a third bowl, mix the Panko bread crumbs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder until combined evenly.
Pat Dry the Chicken: Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk and gently pat dry with paper towels to prevent steaming during cooking and help the breading stick better.
Coat the Chicken: Dredge each tender first in flour, then dip into the whisked eggs, and finally coat with the seasoned Panko mixture. Spray both sides lightly with cooking spray or oil.
Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the coated tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece for proper crisping. Cook in batches if necessary.
Air Fry the Chicken: Cook at 390°F for 5 minutes per side. Adjust cooking time depending on tender size: 4 minutes per side for smaller tenders, 6-7 minutes per side for larger ones. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
Serve: Once cooked, serve the chicken tenders hot with dipping sauces like ranch or ketchup and enjoy immediately.

Notes

Marinating in buttermilk helps achieve extra tender and juicy chicken.
Patting the chicken dry after marinating is crucial for a crispy coating.
Cooking times may vary based on air fryer models and tender thickness; always check internal temperature.
Use cooking spray to aid in crispiness without adding extra oil.
These chicken tenders are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer for optimal crunch.

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