Enjoy this childhood favorite - crispy air fryer chicken tenders that offer that irresistible crunch with every bite. Simple to prepare, marinate, bread, and air fry to golden perfection!
If you've purchased pre-cut chicken tenders, skip this step!Use paper towels to pat the chicken dry. Use a sharp knife to slice the chicken in half horizontally and create two thin cutlets. Slice the cutlets into 1-inch-long chicken pieces.
In a medium-large bowl, combine the buttermilk and spices (garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper), and mix well.
Add the chicken tenders and toss them until well (and evenly) coated.
Cover the dish and refrigerate it to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes (if you're low on time), up to 8 hours.
Bread the tenders
Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF/200ºC. Spray the basket with cooking oil.
In a wide shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In another wide shallow bowl, mix well the breadcrumbs, panko, and spices (paprika, salt, and black pepper).
Arrange your dredging station - place the marinated chicken next to the bowl with the breadcrumbs, and that next to the bowl with the eggs.
Dip the marinated chicken tenders in the breadcrumbs. Then dredge them in the egg mixture. Then press them again into the breadcrumbs on all sides, shaking off any excess.
Air fry
Place the breaded tenders into the air fryer basket in a single layer with a bit of space in between. Cook in multiple batches if necessary.
Air fry at 400ºF/200ºC for 10-12 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway.If your pieces are thicker or larger, you may need to air fry for 14-16 minutes.To ensure they’re safely cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature has reached 165ºF/74ºC.
Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer, serve with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy!
Storage instructions
Store: Allow them to cool (for no longer than 2 hours), then transfer them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.Reheat: Reheat them in the microwave (in 20-30 second increments), or air fry them at 350ºF/175ºC until heated and crispy.Freeze: Freeze the chicken tenders cooked or uncooked (then cook from frozen). Flash freeze them, not touching, on a tray until solid (about 2-3 hours). Transfer them to a freezer-safe Ziplock and into the freezer for up to 3 months. Cook them from frozen OR, for the pre-cooked meat, thaw overnight first.
Video
Notes
Experiment with flavors: By swapping out the spices/seasonings you use in the breading, you can easily adjust the flavor. I.e., lemon pepper, Italian seasoning, Cajun, adding parmesan cheese, etc.Check the blog post for dipping sauce suggestions!