Air Fried Chicken Tenders
Crispy, golden, and irresistibly delicious, Air Fried Chicken Tenders are a healthier twist on classic comfort food, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or game day snacking. These juicy chicken tenders are coated in a flavorful trio of seasoned flour, buttermilk, and crunchy panko breadcrumbs, then air-fried to perfection in just 15 minutes. Using minimal oil, the air fryer achieves that crave-worthy crunch without the guilt, making this recipe ideal for those seeking a lighter alternative to deep-frying. Packed with bold seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, every bite is bursting with flavor. Serve them straight from the air fryer with your favorite dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or pair them with a fresh salad for a delicious main dish. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, these homemade chicken tenders will become your new go-to comfort food!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 pieces large eggs
- 0.5 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- as needed cooking spray
Instructions
Gather all ingredients and ensure the chicken tenders are thawed if previously frozen.
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a seasoned flour mixture.
In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs and pour in the buttermilk. Whisk together until well combined.
In a third shallow dish, add the panko breadcrumbs.
Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Dip each tender into the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it is completely coated. Shake off any excess.
Next, dip the floured tender into the egg and buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
Finally, coat each tender with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they adhere well to the chicken.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Carefully place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. This might require cooking in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray to enhance crispiness.
Cook the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 7-8 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 7-8 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2003 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 86.4 g | 111% | |
| Saturated Fat | 21.4 g | 107% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 567 mg | 189% | |
| Sodium | 5541 mg | 241% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 174.0 g | 63% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.3 g | 30% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.2 g | ||
| Protein | 121.6 g | 243% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.6 mcg | 18% | |
| Calcium | 297 mg | 23% | |
| Iron | 11.6 mg | 64% | |
| Potassium | 1480 mg | 31% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
