How to Make Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: Crispy, Juicy, and Easy!
Are you craving crispy, tender chicken tenders but don’t want the excess oil and calories from deep frying? Look no further! The Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe is a game-changer when it comes to preparing a healthier, delicious version of this classic comfort food. The air fryer gives chicken tenders the perfect balance of a crispy coating and a juicy interior, all while keeping the process simple and quick.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, preparing a snack, or entertaining guests, air fryer chicken tenders are always a hit. In this blog post, we’ll guide you step by step through making the most flavorful, crispy chicken tenders in your air fryer.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Chicken Tenders?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s discuss why an air fryer is the perfect tool for making chicken tenders. The air fryer uses hot air circulation to cook the food, giving it a crispy exterior without needing to submerge it in oil. This results in a healthier version of fried foods, with far fewer calories and fat compared to traditional deep-frying methods.
Using an air fryer for chicken tenders also eliminates the mess and stress of deep frying. No more splattering oil or worrying about temperature control! The air fryer cooks your tenders evenly, leaving you with perfectly golden and crispy results every time.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
For this air fryer chicken tenders recipe, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken tenders or chicken breasts (cut into strips)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk if you prefer)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cooking:
- Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil works best)
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these easy steps to prepare the perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenders:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken strips in the buttermilk mixture. In a shallow bowl, combine the buttermilk with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together, then add the chicken tenders to the bowl, making sure each piece is fully submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps tenderize the chicken and infuses it with delicious flavors.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the breading. In another shallow bowl, combine the flour, panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until evenly distributed.
The key to achieving crispy chicken tenders is the panko breadcrumbs. They are larger than regular breadcrumbs, which allows for better air circulation around the chicken during the cooking process, resulting in that perfect crispy texture.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to coat it. Take each chicken strip and dip it first into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated. Then, dip it into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the crumbs stick to the chicken.
Make sure you’re coating each chicken strip evenly for the best result. The thicker the breading, the crispier and more flavorful the tenders will be.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the chicken tenders cook evenly and get that perfect crispy texture.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken Tenders
Place the breaded chicken strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this can prevent the chicken from crisping up properly. If needed, you can cook the chicken in batches.
Lightly spray the chicken tenders with cooking spray. This will help the breading turn golden brown and crispy. Air fry the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. You’ll know they’re done when they are golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If needed, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the chicken tenders are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce, and enjoy your crispy, juicy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Use Fresh Chicken: While frozen chicken tenders are convenient, using fresh chicken breasts or tenders will give you the best results. Fresh chicken will cook more evenly and provide a juicier bite.
- Customize the Breading: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the breading. You can add cayenne pepper for heat, or use herbs like thyme and rosemary for a more aromatic flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Marinating: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk is essential for creating tender chicken tenders. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with a mixture of regular milk and a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken tenders are cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the chicken.
- Serve with Sides: Air fryer chicken tenders are great on their own or paired with sides like air fryer fries, a salad, or roasted vegetables. They make for a great meal or snack!
Health Benefits of Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
While traditional deep-fried chicken tenders are loaded with oil and calories, Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are much healthier. Here’s why:
- Less Oil: Air frying requires very little oil, often just a light spray or none at all. This significantly reduces the calorie count compared to deep frying.
- Lower Fat: The excess fat from deep frying is not absorbed into the chicken tenders, so you get the crispy texture without the unhealthy fats.
- High Protein: Chicken tenders are a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall health.
- More Control Over Ingredients: By making chicken tenders at home, you can control the ingredients and avoid any artificial additives or preservatives commonly found in store-bought versions.
Why You Should Try Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Air fryer chicken tenders are not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. They are incredibly easy to make, take less time than conventional cooking methods, and can be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or hosting a gathering, air fryer chicken tenders are sure to be a hit.
If you’re looking for a healthier version of your favorite comfort food without compromising on taste and texture, air fryer chicken tenders are the perfect choice.
