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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Crispy and Flavorful Treat

by on September 23, 2025

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Looking for a quick and tasty meal? Air fryer chicken tenders are your answer! These crispy, flavorful treats come together with just a few simple ingredients. You’ll learn how to make tender, juicy chicken that the whole family will love. Follow my easy step-by-step guide and impress your loved ones at dinner. Let’s dive in and get cooking!

- 1 lb chicken tenderloins - 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk) - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch) - 2 teaspoons garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) - Air fryer - Cooking spray - Shallow dishes for breading Gathering the right ingredients is key to making great air fryer chicken tenders. I love using chicken tenderloins because they are juicy and cook quickly. Buttermilk adds a nice tang and helps tenderize the chicken. If you don’t have buttermilk, regular milk works just as well. For the breading, I recommend seasoned breadcrumbs or panko. Panko gives you that extra crunch that makes these tenders irresistible. Don't forget the spices! Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika add amazing flavor. A bit of black pepper and salt enhances all the tastes, and cayenne pepper adds a kick if you like some heat. You will also need an air fryer, which is essential for achieving that crispy texture. Cooking spray helps the tenders brown nicely without excess oil. Lastly, shallow dishes are great for setting up your breading station. With these ingredients and supplies, you're ready to create crispy and flavorful chicken tenders that everyone will love! First, take 1 pound of chicken tenderloins. In a bowl, combine the chicken and 1 cup of buttermilk. Mix well to coat each piece. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. This helps make the chicken juicy and tender. Now, grab a shallow dish. In it, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper if you want heat. In another dish, pour in 1 cup of seasoned breadcrumbs or panko. This will be your breading setup. Take the chicken from the fridge and let the excess buttermilk drip off. First, dip each tenderloin into the flour mixture, covering it completely. Shake off any extra flour. Next, dip it back into the buttermilk. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs to coat evenly. This three-step process gives you a crunchy outer layer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. While it heats, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. If you have many, work in batches. Spray the tops of the chicken tenders lightly with cooking spray. This helps them crisp. Air fry the chicken tenders for 10 to 12 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking. They should be golden brown and fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the inside reaches 165°F (75°C). Once they are done, take the chicken tenders out and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Serve them on a platter with your favorite dipping sauce, like honey mustard or ranch. For a pop of color, garnish with fresh parsley or cucumber slices. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful chicken tenders! To get that crispy texture, I always use panko breadcrumbs. They add a nice crunch. Regular breadcrumbs can work, but panko gives a better result. Another key is using cooking spray. It helps the tenders brown evenly and stay crisp. A light mist before cooking makes a big difference in texture. Marinating chicken is very important. It keeps the meat juicy and adds flavor. I suggest marinating for at least 30 minutes. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk. You can even mix regular milk with a little vinegar for a quick substitute. This will give similar results in taste and texture. Air fryer models can vary in how they cook. Some cook faster than others. Always check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach 165°F or 75°C to be safe. If you find your tenders are not golden yet, cook them for a few more minutes. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your chicken tenders easily. Try different spice blends for a fun twist. For a smoky taste, mix in some chipotle powder. For a zestier kick, use lemon pepper seasoning. Adding herbs also boosts flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can add a nice touch. Dried herbs, such as oregano or basil, work well too. If you want a gluten-free option, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also try crushed cornflakes for a crunchy texture. Nuts, like crushed pecans or walnuts, can add great flavor. They provide a unique crunch that makes your tenders stand out. Mix and match to find your favorite coating! You can switch up the protein in this recipe. Turkey tenders are a great alternative and taste similar to chicken. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try using tofu. Firm tofu works best, and you can marinate it just like chicken. This way, you still get that delicious flavor in each bite. To keep your leftover chicken tenders fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them moist. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. For freezing, wrap each tender tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This prevents freezer burn and keeps them tasty for up to three months. When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the air fryer. It keeps the tenders crispy. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Reheat the tenders for about 5-7 minutes. This warms them through and restores their crunch. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes. Check them to ensure they are hot all the way through. Refrigerated chicken tenders last for about three days. After that, they can start to spoil. Look for any off smells or slimy texture. If you see these signs, it’s best to discard them. Frozen chicken tenders can last much longer, up to three months. Always check for ice crystals or freezer burn when using. If they have changed in color or texture, it’s safer to throw them out. You should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. I prefer to let it sit for 1 hour. This time helps the chicken soak up the flavors and stay juicy. Yes, you can use regular milk if you don't have buttermilk. You can also mix milk with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic buttermilk. This will keep the chicken tender and tasty. I love serving chicken tenders with honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce. You can also try buffalo sauce for some heat. Each dip adds a new twist to your meal. You can use frozen chicken tenders, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Cook them for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Make sure they reach 165°F (75°C) inside. Yes, air frying is healthier than deep frying. Air frying uses less oil, which means fewer calories and fat. It gives you a crispy texture without all the grease. In this post, I covered how to make tasty air fryer chicken tenders from start to finish. You learned about the main ingredients, cooking supplies, and step-by-step instructions. I shared tips for crispy results and variations to suit your tastes. Storing and reheating options ensure your tenders remain delicious later. Now, you can enjoy making chicken tenders that are easy, healthy, and full of flavor! Try out different spices and dips to keep it fun. Get cooking and impress your friends!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

– 1 lb chicken tenderloins

– 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)

– 1 cup all-purpose flour

Seasonings and Coatings

– 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)

– 2 teaspoons garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– 1 teaspoon paprika

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Cooking Supplies Needed

– Air fryer

– Cooking spray

– Shallow dishes for breading

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making great air fryer chicken tenders. I love using chicken tenderloins because they are juicy and cook quickly. Buttermilk adds a nice tang and helps tenderize the chicken. If you don’t have buttermilk, regular milk works just as well.

For the breading, I recommend seasoned breadcrumbs or panko. Panko gives you that extra crunch that makes these tenders irresistible. Don’t forget the spices! Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika add amazing flavor. A bit of black pepper and salt enhances all the tastes, and cayenne pepper adds a kick if you like some heat.

You will also need an air fryer, which is essential for achieving that crispy texture. Cooking spray helps the tenders brown nicely without excess oil. Lastly, shallow dishes are great for setting up your breading station.

With these ingredients and supplies, you’re ready to create crispy and flavorful chicken tenders that everyone will love!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

First, take 1 pound of chicken tenderloins. In a bowl, combine the chicken and 1 cup of buttermilk. Mix well to coat each piece. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. This helps make the chicken juicy and tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station

Now, grab a shallow dish. In it, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper if you want heat. In another dish, pour in 1 cup of seasoned breadcrumbs or panko. This will be your breading setup.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Take the chicken from the fridge and let the excess buttermilk drip off. First, dip each tenderloin into the flour mixture, covering it completely. Shake off any extra flour. Next, dip it back into the buttermilk. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs to coat evenly. This three-step process gives you a crunchy outer layer.

Step 4: Preheat and Air Fry

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. While it heats, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. If you have many, work in batches. Spray the tops of the chicken tenders lightly with cooking spray. This helps them crisp.

Step 5: Cooking Time

Air fry the chicken tenders for 10 to 12 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking. They should be golden brown and fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the inside reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 6: Serving Suggestions

Once they are done, take the chicken tenders out and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Serve them on a platter with your favorite dipping sauce, like honey mustard or ranch. For a pop of color, garnish with fresh parsley or cucumber slices. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful chicken tenders!

Tips & Tricks

Achieving Perfectly Crispy Tenders

To get that crispy texture, I always use panko breadcrumbs. They add a nice crunch. Regular breadcrumbs can work, but panko gives a better result. Another key is using cooking spray. It helps the tenders brown evenly and stay crisp. A light mist before cooking makes a big difference in texture.

Marination Insights

Marinating chicken is very important. It keeps the meat juicy and adds flavor. I suggest marinating for at least 30 minutes. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk. You can even mix regular milk with a little vinegar for a quick substitute. This will give similar results in taste and texture.

Cooking Time Adjustments

Air fryer models can vary in how they cook. Some cook faster than others. Always check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach 165°F or 75°C to be safe. If you find your tenders are not golden yet, cook them for a few more minutes. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Variations

Flavorings and Seasoning Options

You can change the flavor of your chicken tenders easily. Try different spice blends for a fun twist. For a smoky taste, mix in some chipotle powder. For a zestier kick, use lemon pepper seasoning. Adding herbs also boosts flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can add a nice touch. Dried herbs, such as oregano or basil, work well too.

Alternative Coatings

If you want a gluten-free option, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also try crushed cornflakes for a crunchy texture. Nuts, like crushed pecans or walnuts, can add great flavor. They provide a unique crunch that makes your tenders stand out. Mix and match to find your favorite coating!

Chicken Substitute Ideas

You can switch up the protein in this recipe. Turkey tenders are a great alternative and taste similar to chicken. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try using tofu. Firm tofu works best, and you can marinate it just like chicken. This way, you still get that delicious flavor in each bite.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftover Chicken Tenders

To keep your leftover chicken tenders fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them moist. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option.

For freezing, wrap each tender tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This prevents freezer burn and keeps them tasty for up to three months.

Reheating Tips

When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the air fryer. It keeps the tenders crispy. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Reheat the tenders for about 5-7 minutes. This warms them through and restores their crunch.

If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes. Check them to ensure they are hot all the way through.

Shelf Life Information

Refrigerated chicken tenders last for about three days. After that, they can start to spoil. Look for any off smells or slimy texture. If you see these signs, it’s best to discard them.

Frozen chicken tenders can last much longer, up to three months. Always check for ice crystals or freezer burn when using. If they have changed in color or texture, it’s safer to throw them out.

FAQs

How long do I need to marinate chicken for this recipe?

You should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. I prefer to let it sit for 1 hour. This time helps the chicken soak up the flavors and stay juicy.

Can I make air fryer chicken tenders without buttermilk?

Yes, you can use regular milk if you don’t have buttermilk. You can also mix milk with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic buttermilk. This will keep the chicken tender and tasty.

What dipping sauces go well with chicken tenders?

I love serving chicken tenders with honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce. You can also try buffalo sauce for some heat. Each dip adds a new twist to your meal.

Can I use frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer?

You can use frozen chicken tenders, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Cook them for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Make sure they reach 165°F (75°C) inside.

Is it healthier than frying?

Yes, air frying is healthier than deep frying. Air frying uses less oil, which means fewer calories and fat. It gives you a crispy texture without all the grease.

In this post, I covered how to make tasty air fryer chicken tenders from start to finish. You learned about the main ingredients, cooking supplies, and step-by-step instructions. I shared tips for crispy results and variations to suit your tastes. Storing and reheating options ensure your tenders remain delicious later.

Now, you can enjoy making chicken tenders that are easy, healthy, and full of flavor! Try out different spices and dips to keep it fun. Get cooking and impress your friends!

- 1 lb chicken tenderloins - 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk) - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch) - 2 teaspoons garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) - Air fryer - Cooking spray - Shallow dishes for breading Gathering the right ingredients is key to making great air fryer chicken tenders. I love using chicken tenderloins because they are juicy and cook quickly. Buttermilk adds a nice tang and helps tenderize the chicken. If you don’t have buttermilk, regular milk works just as well. For the breading, I recommend seasoned breadcrumbs or panko. Panko gives you that extra crunch that makes these tenders irresistible. Don't forget the spices! Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika add amazing flavor. A bit of black pepper and salt enhances all the tastes, and cayenne pepper adds a kick if you like some heat. You will also need an air fryer, which is essential for achieving that crispy texture. Cooking spray helps the tenders brown nicely without excess oil. Lastly, shallow dishes are great for setting up your breading station. With these ingredients and supplies, you're ready to create crispy and flavorful chicken tenders that everyone will love! First, take 1 pound of chicken tenderloins. In a bowl, combine the chicken and 1 cup of buttermilk. Mix well to coat each piece. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. This helps make the chicken juicy and tender. Now, grab a shallow dish. In it, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper if you want heat. In another dish, pour in 1 cup of seasoned breadcrumbs or panko. This will be your breading setup. Take the chicken from the fridge and let the excess buttermilk drip off. First, dip each tenderloin into the flour mixture, covering it completely. Shake off any extra flour. Next, dip it back into the buttermilk. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs to coat evenly. This three-step process gives you a crunchy outer layer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. While it heats, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. If you have many, work in batches. Spray the tops of the chicken tenders lightly with cooking spray. This helps them crisp. Air fry the chicken tenders for 10 to 12 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking. They should be golden brown and fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the inside reaches 165°F (75°C). Once they are done, take the chicken tenders out and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Serve them on a platter with your favorite dipping sauce, like honey mustard or ranch. For a pop of color, garnish with fresh parsley or cucumber slices. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful chicken tenders! To get that crispy texture, I always use panko breadcrumbs. They add a nice crunch. Regular breadcrumbs can work, but panko gives a better result. Another key is using cooking spray. It helps the tenders brown evenly and stay crisp. A light mist before cooking makes a big difference in texture. Marinating chicken is very important. It keeps the meat juicy and adds flavor. I suggest marinating for at least 30 minutes. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk. You can even mix regular milk with a little vinegar for a quick substitute. This will give similar results in taste and texture. Air fryer models can vary in how they cook. Some cook faster than others. Always check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach 165°F or 75°C to be safe. If you find your tenders are not golden yet, cook them for a few more minutes. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your chicken tenders easily. Try different spice blends for a fun twist. For a smoky taste, mix in some chipotle powder. For a zestier kick, use lemon pepper seasoning. Adding herbs also boosts flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can add a nice touch. Dried herbs, such as oregano or basil, work well too. If you want a gluten-free option, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also try crushed cornflakes for a crunchy texture. Nuts, like crushed pecans or walnuts, can add great flavor. They provide a unique crunch that makes your tenders stand out. Mix and match to find your favorite coating! You can switch up the protein in this recipe. Turkey tenders are a great alternative and taste similar to chicken. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try using tofu. Firm tofu works best, and you can marinate it just like chicken. This way, you still get that delicious flavor in each bite. To keep your leftover chicken tenders fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them moist. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. For freezing, wrap each tender tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This prevents freezer burn and keeps them tasty for up to three months. When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the air fryer. It keeps the tenders crispy. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Reheat the tenders for about 5-7 minutes. This warms them through and restores their crunch. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes. Check them to ensure they are hot all the way through. Refrigerated chicken tenders last for about three days. After that, they can start to spoil. Look for any off smells or slimy texture. If you see these signs, it’s best to discard them. Frozen chicken tenders can last much longer, up to three months. Always check for ice crystals or freezer burn when using. If they have changed in color or texture, it’s safer to throw them out. You should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. I prefer to let it sit for 1 hour. This time helps the chicken soak up the flavors and stay juicy. Yes, you can use regular milk if you don't have buttermilk. You can also mix milk with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice to mimic buttermilk. This will keep the chicken tender and tasty. I love serving chicken tenders with honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce. You can also try buffalo sauce for some heat. Each dip adds a new twist to your meal. You can use frozen chicken tenders, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Cook them for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Make sure they reach 165°F (75°C) inside. Yes, air frying is healthier than deep frying. Air frying uses less oil, which means fewer calories and fat. It gives you a crispy texture without all the grease. In this post, I covered how to make tasty air fryer chicken tenders from start to finish. You learned about the main ingredients, cooking supplies, and step-by-step instructions. I shared tips for crispy results and variations to suit your tastes. Storing and reheating options ensure your tenders remain delicious later. Now, you can enjoy making chicken tenders that are easy, healthy, and full of flavor! Try out different spices and dips to keep it fun. Get cooking and impress your friends!

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Indulge in crispy air fryer chicken tenders that are both delicious and easy to make! With simple ingredients like buttermilk, seasoned breadcrumbs, and flavorful spices, these tender, golden bites will be the star of your meal. Perfect for a family dinner or a tasty snack, they are sure to impress. Click through for the full recipe and tips on achieving that perfect crunch! Enjoy a healthier twist on a classic favorite!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken tenderloins

1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Cooking spray

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken tenderloins and buttermilk. Ensure the chicken is fully coated, then cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This helps to tenderize the meat.

    Prepare the Breading Station: In a shallow dish, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. In another dish, place the seasoned breadcrumbs.

      Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. First, dip each tenderloin into the flour mixture, covering it completely, then shake off any excess. Next, dip it back into the buttermilk before finally rolling it in the breadcrumbs to ensure an even coating.

        Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket (you may need to work in batches). Spray the tops of the chicken tenders lightly with cooking spray to help them crisp up.

          Cook: Air fry the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).

            Serve: Once done, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

              - Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 1 hr 15 min | 4 servings

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken tenders on a platter with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard or ranch. Garnish with fresh parsley or slices of cucumbers for an added pop of color!

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