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- 1 pound chicken tenderloins - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoky paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for an extra kick) - Cooking spray for crisping To make crispy air fryer chicken tenders, gather these tools: - Large bowl for marinating - Shallow dishes for breading - Air fryer - Cooking spray - Tongs for handling chicken - Meat thermometer for checking doneness When choosing chicken tenderloins, look for these signs: - Bright pink color without dark spots - No foul smell; fresh chicken should smell clean - Firm texture; it should not feel slimy - Check the sell-by date to ensure freshness Buying from a trusted source can also help. Aim for organic or pasture-raised options if possible. This way, you can enjoy better flavor and nutrition in your meal. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To start, I take one pound of chicken tenderloins. I place them in a large bowl. Next, I pour one cup of buttermilk over the chicken. I make sure every piece is covered. I cover the bowl and put it in the fridge. I let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps make the chicken juicy and flavorful. While the chicken marinates, I prepare my breading station. In a shallow dish, I mix one cup of all-purpose flour with one teaspoon of garlic powder, one teaspoon of onion powder, one teaspoon of smoky paprika, one teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper for some heat. In another shallow dish, I add one cup of panko breadcrumbs. This setup makes it easy to coat the chicken. Once the chicken is marinated, I take each piece out of the buttermilk. I let any extra liquid drip off. I then dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, making sure it's well coated. After that, I dip it back into the buttermilk quickly. Finally, I roll it in the panko breadcrumbs. I press gently to help the crumbs stick well. This step is key for those crispy edges. Now, it’s time to preheat the air fryer. I turn it on and set it to 400°F (200°C). I let it heat for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and gets nice and crispy. After preheating, I arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. To help them crisp up, I lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. I cook the tenders for about 10-12 minutes. Halfway through, I flip them to ensure even cooking. They should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once the chicken is done, I carefully take them out of the air fryer. I let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices inside. For serving, I like to plate the crispy chicken tenders on a nice platter. I often garnish with fresh parsley for color. I serve them with tasty dipping sauces like honey mustard or BBQ. You can find the full recipe in the earlier section. To get that perfect crunch, start by marinating your chicken tenderloins in buttermilk. This helps keep them juicy. After marinating, make sure to coat them well. Use a mix of flour and panko breadcrumbs. Panko gives a light and airy crunch. Lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray before air frying. This small step makes a big difference in crispiness. Feel free to play with flavors! You can add different spices to the flour mix. For a kick, try adding chili powder or Italian herbs. If you love garlic, increase the garlic powder in your mix. You can even experiment with lemon zest for a fresh twist. Adjust the seasoning to fit your taste. This makes each batch unique! One common mistake is overcrowding the air fryer basket. Make sure to arrange the tenders in a single layer. This helps them cook evenly. Another mistake is skipping the preheating step. Preheating helps achieve that golden brown color. Lastly, avoid flipping the tenders too early. Wait until they have a good crust before turning them over. Following these tips will make your chicken tenders a hit! {{image_4}} To make spicy air fryer chicken tenders, add more heat! Use extra cayenne pepper or try a spicy seasoning blend. You can also add hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade. This will give your chicken a bold kick. Be sure to taste the mixture before marinating the chicken. Adjust the spice level to your liking. The result will be flavorful, crispy tenders that pack a punch. For a gluten-free option, swap out the all-purpose flour. Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead. This keeps the crunch while ensuring it’s safe for gluten-sensitive eaters. You can also try crushed cornflakes or rice cereal for a fun texture. Just make sure to read labels on all ingredients to avoid gluten. This variation means everyone can enjoy crispy chicken tenders. If you prefer a baked option, you can still use your air fryer. Follow the same steps for marinating and coating. Instead of cooking at 400°F, try 375°F for a longer cook time. This helps them cook through without burning. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F. Baked air fryer chicken tenders can still be crispy and delicious! For the full recipe, just check the earlier section. To keep your crispy air fryer chicken tenders fresh, store them in an airtight container. Let them cool to room temperature first. This step prevents condensation, which can make them soggy. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best flavor and texture, eat them sooner rather than later. When you want to enjoy the chicken tenders again, reheating them properly is key. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken tenders in the basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps to keep them crispy. You can also use an oven for reheating. Just place them on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. If you want to save some chicken tenders for later, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, reheat from frozen in your air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Enjoy them fresh, even after freezing! You should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For best results, I recommend going up to 2 hours. This time allows the chicken to soak up the buttermilk, making it tender and flavorful. Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenderloins. However, you must thaw them first. Thawing ensures they cook evenly. I suggest placing them in the fridge overnight or using the microwave for quick thawing, but don’t cook them straight from frozen. Several sauces taste amazing with air fryer chicken tenders. You can try: - Honey mustard - Smoky BBQ sauce - Creamy ranch dressing - Spicy ketchup These sauces add a fun twist to every bite! Yes, preheating the air fryer is important. It helps the tenders cook evenly and get that crispy texture we love. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes before adding the chicken. You can check if the chicken is cooked through by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, check that the juices run clear when you cut into the chicken. No pink should be showing. You learned how to make delicious air fryer chicken tenders. We discussed the right ingredients, tools, and tips to choose fresh chicken. I walked you through each step, from marinating to serving. Remember to explore different flavors and avoid common mistakes. Proper storage will keep your tenders tasty for later. Try new ideas like spicy or gluten-free versions. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Make mealtime a hit with these Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders! Juicy chicken tenderloins marinated in buttermilk and coated in a delicious blend of seasonings and panko breadcrumbs create the ultimate crunchy bite. Ready in just 30 minutes, these tenders are perfect for the whole family.
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Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken tenderloins

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoky paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for an extra kick)

Cooking spray for crisping

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken tenderloins in a large bowl. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. This process helps to tenderize the chicken and impart flavor.

    Prepare the Breading Station: In a shallow dish, mix together the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoky paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. In a separate shallow dish, add the panko breadcrumbs. This setup will make the coating process more efficient.

      Coat the Tenders: Take each marinated chicken tender out of the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge the chicken tender in the flour mixture, making sure it is evenly coated. Dip it back into the buttermilk briefly, then roll it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they adhere well for a delightful crunch.

        Preheat the Air Fryer: Turn on your air fryer and preheat it to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps to achieve a consistent crispness on the chicken tenders.

          Cook the Chicken: Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. To enhance the crunchiness, lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Cook the tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. They should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

            Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and allow them to rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 30 mins | Serves 4

                - Presentation Tips: Plate the crispy chicken tenders attractively on a platter lined with parchment paper. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve alongside a variety of dipping sauces such as honey mustard, smoky BBQ, or creamy ranch for a delightful meal experience.