Ah, chicken tenders – the beloved comfort food that never fails to bring a smile to my face! There’s something undeniably magical about biting into a crispy, juicy chicken tender that takes me back to family dinners and carefree weekends. I can remember sitting around the table as a kid, sharing stories and laughter, with a plateful of these mouthwatering delights in front of me. Let me tell you, I was the designated “chicken tender taste tester,” and I savored every bite.
Today, I’m excited to share my quick and easy air fryer chicken tenders recipe with you! In just 20 minutes, you’ll have perfectly crispy and juicy tenders that’ll impress your family and friends. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked chicken the old way. Plus, using an air fryer means less mess and guilt when indulging in this scrumptious dish. Let’s dive into it!
What’s in Air Fryer Chicken Tenders?
Let’s break down these ingredients that come together to create chicken tender perfection!
Chicken Tenderloins: The star of the show! Tenderloins are perfect for air frying – they’re lean, juicy, and cook quickly, making them ideal for a busy weeknight dinner.
Buttermilk: This tangy dairy product is a game changer! Soaking the chicken in buttermilk before cooking ensures every bite is juicy and flavorful. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, no worries! Just mix regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice, and you’re set.
All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of our delicious breading. It helps the other ingredients stick to the chicken and creates that coveted crispy crust when fried.
Breadcrumbs: I prefer panko breadcrumbs because they add extra crunch and texture to the tenders. Regular breadcrumbs work too, but panko is the secret to that perfect bite!
Spices (Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper): A blend of spices gives the chicken tenders a flavor boost. You can adjust the cayenne pepper depending on how much heat you like.
Fresh Parsley: Just a sprinkle on top after cooking adds a lovely touch of color and freshness – plus, it makes the dish look so fancy!
Cooking Spray or Oil: A light coat in the air fryer helps to achieve that golden, crispy exterior without overdoing the calories.
Is Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Good for You?
Absolutely! These tenders have some wonderful qualities but also come with a few considerations.
Chicken Tenderloins: As a lean protein, they’re great for muscle repair and overall health. Plus, they’re lower in fat compared to other cuts of chicken!
Buttermilk: It adds flavor without a lot of extra calories. It’s also a good source of calcium, which we all need!
Breadcrumbs: While they do add carbs to the dish, using panko means you can get that delightful crunch with less than what you’d get from traditional frying.
Of course, it’s all about balance. Enjoying these chicken tenders in moderation, paired with veggies or a light salad, keeps everything in check.
Ingredients List
– 1 pound chicken tenderloins
– 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with a splash of vinegar/lemon juice)
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch)
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Cooking spray or oil (for air frying)
This recipe serves 4, perfect for a cozy family dinner!
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders?
1. **Marinate Chicken**: In a bowl, soak the chicken tenderloins in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes to ensure they are juicy and tender.
2. **Prepare Breading Station**: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. In another shallow dish, place the breadcrumbs.
3. **Bread the Chicken**: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge each tender in the flour mixture, then dip it back into the buttermilk briefly, and finally coat it in the breadcrumbs until fully covered.
4. **Preheat Air Fryer**: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
5. **Air Fry the Tenders**: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer (you may need to cook in batches) and spray the tops lightly with cooking spray or oil.
6. **Cook**: Air fry the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
7. **Garnish and Serve**: Once done, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
All done? Just like magic, you now have crispy, juicy chicken tenders ready to devour in under 20 minutes!
Crunchy Chicken Tips & Serving Suggestions
– **Serving Dips**: I love serving these tenders with honey mustard, ranch, or a spicy sriracha mayo – they complement the flavors perfectly!
– **Healthy Twist**: Toss together a quick salad on the side for a colorful plate and added nutrients.
– **Make It Your Own**: Feel free to experiment with different spices, or even try adding grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for an extra cheesy crunch!
I can’t wait for you to try out this recipe! There’s nothing quite like home-cooked chicken tenders, especially made in an air fryer. They’re sure to be a hit in your household! After you give them a go, drop me a note and tell me how they turned out. Happy cooking!
