Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipes: 5 Crispy Delights

Name: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipes: 5 Crispy Delights
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenders; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; Cooking spray

By:

Christina R. Jones

July 18, 2025

This post may contain affiliate links learn more

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

There’s something so comforting about a plate of crispy chicken tenders, isn’t there? I remember cozy evenings at home, the aroma of golden-brown tenders wafting through the kitchen while I eagerly awaited dinner. The best part? With my air fryer chicken tenders recipes, I can recreate that crispy exterior and juicy interior without all the guilt of deep frying! These tenders are not only easy to whip up, but they’re also a healthier alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor. I love how simple ingredients transform into a family favorite, and the best part is, they cook in a fraction of the time. So grab your buttermilk and breadcrumbs, and let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!

air fryer chicken tenders recipes - detail 1

Ingredients List

To make these irresistible air fryer chicken tenders, you won’t need any fancy ingredients—just some simple staples. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 lb chicken tenders, trimmed and patted dry for a better coating.
1 cup buttermilk, which not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the chicken. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, letting it sit for about 5 minutes.
1 cup breadcrumbs, preferably panko for that extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work too if that’s what you have on hand.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour, which helps the coating stick and gives it that perfect golden color.
1 tsp garlic powder, to add a punch of flavor that you’ll love.
1 tsp paprika, for a hint of smokiness and beautiful color.
1/2 tsp salt, to enhance all the flavors.
1/2 tsp black pepper, for a little kick.
Cooking spray, to ensure those tenders come out crispy and golden without sticking to the basket.

Having all these ingredients prepped and ready to go makes the cooking process so much smoother. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this list handy for your next family dinner!

How to Prepare Instructions

Now, let’s get down to the fun part: preparing those crispy air fryer chicken tenders! Don’t worry; I’ll walk you through each step to make it super easy.

Marinating the Chicken

First things first, we need to marinate our chicken tenders in buttermilk. This step is crucial, folks! The buttermilk not only flavors the chicken but also tenderizes it, making every bite juicy and delicious. Just toss the chicken tenders into a bowl or a resealable bag with 1 cup of buttermilk, making sure they’re well-coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have a bit more time, letting them sit longer can really enhance that flavor!

Preparing the Air Fryer

While the chicken is soaking up all that goodness, it’s time to preheat your air fryer. Set it to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is key here because it ensures that the tenders cook evenly and get that perfect crispy texture. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!

Coating the Chicken Tenders

Once your chicken is ready, it’s time to coat those tenders! In a separate bowl, mix together your breadcrumbs, flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This blend is where the magic happens! Take each chicken tender and coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure you press it in a bit to get an even layer – we want maximum crunch here!

Cooking the Chicken Tenders

Now for the exciting part! Spray the air fryer basket with a little cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated tenders in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to crowd them. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning. Keep an eye on them as they cook, and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and irresistible!

Serving Suggestions

Once cooked, serve your chicken tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces – think honey mustard, ranch, or even a spicy sriracha mayo! They also pair beautifully with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad. Whatever you choose, I promise these tenders will be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes of marinating and 12 minutes of cooking time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Easy to Make: This recipe doesn’t require any complicated techniques. If you can mix and coat, you can make these tenders!
Crispy Texture: The air fryer gives you that satisfying crunch without deep frying, making every bite a delight.
Healthier Option: Enjoy your favorite chicken tenders with less oil, making them a guilt-free indulgence.
Customizable: Feel free to experiment with spices and seasonings to suit your taste. Want a kick? Add cayenne pepper! Prefer something milder? Just leave out the paprika!

Tips for Success

Ready to elevate your air fryer chicken tenders to the next level? Here are some pro tips that will help ensure your tenders turn out perfect every time!

Double Coat for Extra Crunch: If you want a super crispy exterior, don’t be shy! After the first coat of breadcrumbs, dip the tenders back into the buttermilk and then coat them again in the breadcrumb mixture. This double layer will give you that extra crunch that’s simply irresistible.
Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to mix things up! Try adding your favorite spices to the breadcrumb mixture, like Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper for a kick, or even some grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. The sky’s the limit!
Ensure Even Spacing: When placing the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket, make sure they’re not overcrowded. Giving them room to breathe means they’ll cook evenly and get that gorgeous golden color all around. If necessary, cook them in batches!
Don’t Skip the Spray: A light spray of cooking spray on both the basket and the tenders before cooking is essential for that crispy finish. It helps achieve that fried-like texture without the excess oil.
Let Them Rest: After cooking, let the tenders rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making them even juicier when you take that first bite!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress your family and friends with the best air fryer chicken tenders they’ve ever tasted. Happy cooking!

Nutritional Information Section

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into these air fryer chicken tenders! Each serving, which is about three tenders, offers a satisfying balance of flavors and nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

Calories: 300
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 500mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 25g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use. If you have special dietary needs or are watching your intake, make sure to adjust accordingly. But overall, you can enjoy these tenders knowing they’re a tasty and relatively healthy choice for any meal!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making the perfect air fryer chicken tenders? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear, along with my best answers:

Can I use frozen chicken tenders? Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken tenders, but you’ll want to adjust the cooking time. It’s best to cook them for about 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C), flipping halfway. Just make sure they reach that safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving!
How do I store leftovers? If you have any tenders left (which is rare, trust me), let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Just remember to reheat them in the air fryer to regain that crispy texture!
What dipping sauces pair well with these tenders? The possibilities are endless! I love serving them with honey mustard, ranch dressing, or a zesty barbecue sauce. For something a little spicier, try sriracha mayo or a tangy buffalo sauce. You really can’t go wrong here!

If you have any other questions or need more tips, feel free to reach out. I always love sharing the joy of cooking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve made a delicious batch of air fryer chicken tenders, and now you have some leftovers? No worries! Proper storage will keep them tasty and ready for your next meal. Here’s how to do it:

First, let the chicken tenders cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Cooling is important because it prevents condensation from forming, which can make your tenders soggy. Once they’re cool, layer them in the container, separating them with parchment paper if you want to keep them from sticking together.

Stored this way, your chicken tenders can last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just remember to label the container with the date so you know when they were made. If you’re not planning to eat them within that time, consider freezing them! They freeze beautifully. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. They’ll be good for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

Now, when it comes time to reheat, you’ll want to bring back that crispy texture that makes these tenders so irresistible. The air fryer is your best friend here! Preheat it to 375°F (190°C), then place your tenders in the basket in a single layer. Heat them for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re heated all the way through and crispy again. You can also use an oven if you prefer; just place them on a baking sheet and reheat at the same temperature for about 10-12 minutes.

And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your air fryer chicken tenders for days to come without sacrificing that delicious crunch. Happy eating!