Name: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487102H44M54S
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5–2 lb chicken tenderloins (12–16 pieces); ¾ cup all-purpose flour; ½ tsp kosher salt; 1 oz ranch seasoning packet (optional); 1 egg; 1–2 tsp hot sauce (optional); ¾ cup milk + 1½ tsp vinegar (buttermilk mix); 2½ cups plain breadcrumbs; 2½ Tbsp seasoning mix (e.g., garlic herb or lemon pepper); Avocado oil spray

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Crispy, golden, and undeniably delicious—these air-fried chicken tenders are a healthier yet flavor-packed alternative to traditional fried chicken.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside: Breadcrumb coating achieves a satisfying crunch without deep frying.
Kid-friendly and versatile: Great as a snack, appetizer, or meal served with dipping sauce.
Flexible flavors: Boosted by ranch powder or spicy hot sauce for added kick.
Quick and fuss-free: Air fryer cooks them in under 10 minutes with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1.5–2 lb chicken tenderloins (about 12–16 pieces)
¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp kosher salt
1 oz packet ranch seasoning (optional)
1 egg
1–2 tsp hot sauce (optional)
¾ cup milk + 1½ tsp vinegar (“buttermilk”)
2½ cups plain breadcrumbs
2½ Tbsp seasoning mix (e.g., McCormick Rotisserie Chicken)
Avocado oil spray

Directions

1. Prepare dredging stations

Flour mix: Combine flour, salt, and ranch seasoning (if using).
Wet mix: Mix milk and vinegar; let sit 5 minutes to mimic buttermilk, then whisk in egg and hot sauce.
Breadcrumb mix: Stir breadcrumbs with seasoning mix until evenly combined.

2. Prep chicken

Lightly flatten each tenderloin by gently tapping with a knife’s flat side to fan them out. This helps them cook evenly.

3. Bread the tenders

Step 1: Dredge each tender in the flour mix, shaking off excess.
Step 2: Dip into the buttermilk mixture, letting the excess drip off.
Step 3: Coat thoroughly in breadcrumb mix, pressing gently to adhere. Repeat for all tenders.

4. Arrange in air fryer

Place chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket (about 6 at a time depending on size).
Spray the tops generously with avocado oil spray to encourage crisping and browning.

5. Cook

Air fry at 400 °F for 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway, until tenders are golden and reach an internal temperature of 165–175 °F.

6. Serve

Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce—ranch, honey mustard, BBQ, or sweet chili are all great choices.

Servings and Timing

Yields: 12–16 chicken tenders
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 7–9 minutes per batch
Total time: ~20 minutes (including multiple batches)

Variations

Spicy version: Add ½–1 tsp of cayenne or chili powder to the breadcrumb mix.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs.
Alternative flavors: Replace ranch seasoning with garlic herb or lemon pepper seasoning.
Extra crunch: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular for a lighter texture.
Dip coat: Drizzle melted butter and garlic over cooked tenders for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the air fryer at 350 °F for 3–4 minutes until warmed and crisp.
Freeze fully cooked tenders in a sealed bag for up to 2 months; reheat directly from frozen at 375 °F for 6–8 minutes.

FAQs

1. Do I need to flatten the tenders?

Yes—it helps them cook evenly and creates a more uniform, crispy coating.

2. Why make buttermilk with vinegar?

The acidity tenderizes chicken and enhances browning when combined with leavening.

3. Can I skip the ranch seasoning?

Absolutely—use plain flour or swap for other spice blends for variety.

4. Can I cook a large batch?

Yes—air fry batches one after another. Keep cooked tenders warm in a low oven until all are ready.

5. Is hot sauce necessary?

No—it’s optional. Add it to the buttermilk mix for an easy spicy twist.

6. Can I cook without oil spray?

You can, but a light spray of oil ensures optimal browning and crispiness.

7. Are these suitable for kids?

Yes—omit spicy additions and serve with mild sauces for a kid-friendly meal.

8. What’s the best dipping sauce?

Ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or sweet chili are all excellent options.

9. Can I bread the tenders ahead?

Yes—prepare and store in the fridge for a few hours; cook straight from cold when ready.

10. Can I cook them in the oven?

Yes—bake at 425 °F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a crispy, flavorful, and convenient twist on classic fried chicken—perfect for busy weeknights, lunchboxes, or casual gatherings. With flexible seasoning options and quick cook time, they’re bound to become a family favorite. Serve with your favorite sauce and enjoy every golden-crisp bite!