Introduction

Oh, hello there, my kitchen bestie! Do you ever have those nights where you’re craving something super comforting and delicious, but the thought of a long cooking process just drains you? I totally get it! That’s exactly why I’m so excited to share this recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with you. These are seriously a game-changer. They’re like those classic chicken tenders you loved as a kid, but made so much easier and healthier right in your air fryer. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they come together, and the crispy, golden perfection will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: Seriously, from start to finish, these are ready in under 30 minutes!
Easy: The step-by-step process is super straightforward, perfect for busy weeknights.
Giftable: Imagine a batch of these cooling on the rack – they make a fantastic treat for a friend or family member.
Crowd-Pleasing: From picky eaters to seasoned foodies, everyone adores these crispy, golden tenders.

Ingredients

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing tenders:

1.5 – 2 lbs. chicken tenderloins: These are perfect because they’re already portioned out and cook evenly. If you can’t find them, you can just cut chicken breasts into strips.
3/4 cup all-purpose flour: Our base for getting that perfect crust.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Just a little sprinkle to boost the flavor.
1 (1-ounce) packet ranch seasoning (optional): Oh my goodness, if you love ranch, you HAVE to try this! It adds a zesty, irresistible kick.
1 egg: Our binder to help all that delicious breading stick.
1-2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional): For a little warmth and depth of flavor. It won’t make them super spicy, just adds a nice zing!
3/4 cup milk: This is going to help us make our own quick buttermilk.
1 1/2 teaspoons vinegar: Any kind will do – white vinegar or apple cider vinegar work great!
2 1/2 cups plain breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs will give you an extra crispy crunch, but regular ones work too!
2 1/2 tablespoons seasoning mix: This is where you can get creative! I love a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of dried parsley.
Avocado oil spray: My go-to for air frying. It has a high smoke point and is super easy to use.

How to Make It

Let’s get cooking! Grab your apron and let’s do this together:

Make your quick buttermilk: In a small bowl, pour your milk and then stir in the vinegar. Let this sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll see it start to curdle slightly – that’s exactly what we want! It makes the chicken super tender.
Set up your dredging stations: You’ll want three shallow dishes or pie plates.

In the first dish, whisk together the flour, kosher salt, and the ranch seasoning if you’re using it.
In the second dish, whisk together the egg, the hot sauce (if you added it), and that lovely buttermilk mixture you made.
In the third dish, combine your breadcrumbs and your favorite seasoning mix.

Prep the chicken: Pat your chicken tenderloins nice and dry with paper towels. This is a super important step for getting that breading to stick and get nice and crispy.
Get ready to bread! Now for the fun part! Take one chicken tenderloin and dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure it’s well coated. Gently shake off any excess flour.
Next, dip it! Dip the floured tenderloin into the egg mixture, letting any extra drip off. Make sure it’s fully coated in that eggy goodness.
And finally, the crunch! Press the egg-coated tenderloin into the breadcrumb mixture. Really press it in so it’s evenly coated on all sides. You want a good, thick layer of those seasoned breadcrumbs!
Prep your air fryer: Lightly spray the basket of your air fryer with avocado oil spray. This helps prevent sticking and gives you that beautiful golden color.
Load ‘em up: Place your coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s really important they don’t overlap, otherwise, they won’t get crispy all over. You might need to cook them in batches – I usually do about 5-6 at a time depending on my air fryer size.
A little more spray: Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with avocado oil. This is the secret to getting that perfect crispy, golden finish.
Air fry time! Set your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time (around the 5-6 minute mark), give them a flip. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and cooked through. You can always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer – it should be 165°F (74°C).

Substitutions & Additions

This recipe is super forgiving, so feel free to play around! Here are a few ideas:

Spice it up: If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour or breadcrumb mixture.
Parmesan power: Stir in some grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumbs for an extra layer of savory flavor.
Herb garden: Mix chopped fresh parsley, chives, or even a little rosemary into the breadcrumbs for a burst of fresh flavor.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs (like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers) for a gluten-free option.
Different seasonings: Swap out the ranch seasoning for Italian seasoning, smoky paprika, or even a little curry powder for a different flavor profile.

Tips for Success

A few little tricks to make your air fryer chicken tenders absolutely perfect:

Don’t overcrowd the basket: I know it’s tempting to cram them all in, but cooking in batches is key for crispiness.
Patting dry is crucial: Seriously, don’t skip patting the chicken dry. It makes a huge difference in how the breading adheres.
Seasoning is your friend: Don’t be shy with the seasoning mix in the breadcrumbs! It really elevates the flavor.
Prep ahead: You can bread the chicken tenders and store them in a single layer on a baking sheet in the refrigerator for up to a few hours before air frying. Just make sure to spray them with oil right before cooking.

How to Store It

Leftovers? Oh, you might actually have some! Once cooled, store any leftover air fryer chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at around 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until they’re crispy again. They won’t be quite as crispy as fresh, but they’re still delicious!

FAQs

Got a question? I probably have an answer!

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

A: Absolutely! Just cut your chicken breasts into 1-inch strips. They might take a minute or two longer to cook, so keep an eye on them.

Q: Do I really need to spray with oil?

A: Yes, the oil spray is what gives them that beautiful golden-brown, crispy exterior. It helps mimic the deep-fried texture without all the oil!

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?

A: You can bread them ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a few hours before air frying. For the best crispiness, it’s ideal to cook them the same day.

Q: What should I serve these with?

A: Oh, the possibilities are endless! They’re fantastic with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ, honey mustard, or ketchup. Serve them with some fries, a fresh salad, or some mac and cheese for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a game-changer, offering classic comfort food made easier and healthier right in your air fryer. They're fast, easy, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser with their crispy, golden perfection.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 12

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

Air Fryer
Shallow dishes three shallow dishes or pie plates for dredging
Small bowl for making buttermilk
paper towels
Meat thermometer optional, for checking internal temperature
Baking Sheet for storing breaded chicken ahead of time

Ingredients

Main ingredients

1.75 lbs chicken tenderloins or chicken breasts cut into strips
0.75 cup all-purpose flour
0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
1 ounce ranch seasoning packet optional
1 egg
1.5 teaspoons hot sauce optional
0.75 cup milk
1.5 teaspoons vinegar any kind
2.5 cups plain breadcrumbs panko recommended
2.5 tablespoons seasoning mix e.g., paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley
avocado oil spray

Instructions

Make your quick buttermilk: In a small bowl, pour your milk and then stir in the vinegar. Let this sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll see it start to curdle slightly – that’s exactly what we want! It makes the chicken super tender.
Set up your dredging stations: You’ll want three shallow dishes or pie plates. In the first dish, whisk together the flour, kosher salt, and the ranch seasoning if you’re using it. In the second dish, whisk together the egg, the hot sauce (if you added it), and that lovely buttermilk mixture you made. In the third dish, combine your breadcrumbs and your favorite seasoning mix.
1.75 lbs chicken tenderloins
Prep the chicken: Pat your chicken tenderloins nice and dry with paper towels. This is a super important step for getting that breading to stick and get nice and crispy.
1.75 lbs chicken tenderloins
Get ready to bread! Take one chicken tenderloin and dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure it’s well coated. Gently shake off any excess flour.
1.75 lbs chicken tenderloins
Next, dip it! Dip the floured tenderloin into the egg mixture, letting any extra drip off. Make sure it's fully coated in that eggy goodness.
1.75 lbs chicken tenderloins
And finally, the crunch! Press the egg-coated tenderloin into the breadcrumb mixture. Really press it in so it’s evenly coated on all sides. You want a good, thick layer of those seasoned breadcrumbs!
1.75 lbs chicken tenderloins
Prep your air fryer: Lightly spray the basket of your air fryer with avocado oil spray. This helps prevent sticking and gives you that beautiful golden color.
1.75 lbs chicken tenderloins
Load ‘em up: Place your coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s really important they don’t overlap, otherwise, they won’t get crispy all over. You might need to cook them in batches – I usually do about 5-6 at a time depending on my air fryer size.
1.75 lbs chicken tenderloins
A little more spray: Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with avocado oil. This is the secret to getting that perfect crispy, golden finish.
1.75 lbs chicken tenderloins
Air fry time! Set your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time (around the 5-6 minute mark), give them a flip. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and cooked through. You can always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer – it should be 165°F (74°C).

Notes

For best results, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket and pat the chicken dry thoroughly before breading. Seasoning the breadcrumbs generously is also key to flavor.