Savor crispy, golden perfection with these Soy-Free Airfried Chicken Tenders—an irresistible twist on a classic favorite, made healthier and allergen-friendly. Marinated in a tangy blend of buttermilk, egg, and fresh lemon juice, these chicken tenders are infused with zesty flavors before being coated in a spiced flour-cornstarch mixture for a signature crunch. Air-fried to perfection in just 15 minutes, this recipe delivers all the satisfying crispiness you love without the need for excessive oil, making it a great option for guilt-free indulgence. Perfectly tender on the inside and crunch-tastic on the outside, these soy-free beauties are ideal for sharing as a party appetizer or a wholesome family dinner. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces or sides for a crowd-pleasing dish sure to delight every palate.
In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, egg, and lemon juice. Whisk together until well mixed.
Add the chicken tenders to the buttermilk mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to marinate.
In another bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture until fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they do not touch or overlap. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
Cook the chicken tenders for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until golden brown and cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauces or sides.
Calories |
2115 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 87.0 g | 112% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.8 g | 114% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 428 mg | 143% | |
| Sodium | 4120 mg | 179% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 198.7 g | 72% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.0 g | 29% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.2 g | ||
| Protein | 119.1 g | 238% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.5 mcg | 23% | |
| Calcium | 389 mg | 30% | |
| Iron | 11.2 mg | 62% | |
| Potassium | 1680 mg | 36% | |
*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.