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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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Golden and crispy chicken tenders cooked in the air fryer for a healthier twist on a classic favorite—juicy inside with a perfectly seasoned, crunchy coating.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb chicken tenders or chicken breasts cut into strips
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken tenders and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight).
  2. In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, then coat each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  5. Place tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
  6. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F/74°C).
  7. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Use panko breadcrumbs for a crispier texture.
  • For extra flavor, add dried herbs like oregano or thyme to the breadcrumb mix.
  • Can be frozen after cooking and reheated in the air fryer for a quick meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, crispy chicken, healthy chicken strips, panko chicken, easy dinner

Find it online: https://yumcove.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-tenders/