Description

These crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are golden on the outside and juicy on the inside. They’re a healthier twist on classic fried tenders, made with simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick dinner or a kid-friendly meal!

Ingredients

1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs

Cooking spray or olive oil spray

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Instructions

In a bowl, combine chicken tenders, buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well, cover, and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the fridge for more flavor).
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
Remove tenders from marinade. Dredge each piece in flour, dip in egg, then coat with panko. Press gently to help the coating stick.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Spray both sides of the chicken tenders with cooking spray. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed).
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F).

Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce

Notes

For extra crispy tenders, toast the panko breadcrumbs in a dry pan for a few minutes before breading.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.

Want it spicy? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade.