Go Back
Chicken tenders have established themselves as a family favorite across the globe, cherished for their versatility, ease of preparation, and mouthwatering flavor. Whether served as a quick weeknight dinner, a fun snack for kids, or an appetizer for a gathering, these golden, crispy bites of chicken never fail to please. The appeal of chicken tenders lies not only in their taste but also in their adaptability to various cooking methods, with the air fryer emerging as a revolutionary tool in modern kitchens.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders in 20 Minutes

Try making these delicious crispy air fryer chicken tenders for an easy family favorite that everyone will adore! Perfectly seasoned and coated, these tenders come out golden and crunchy with less oil than traditional frying methods, making them a healthier option. Whether as a quick dinner, a party appetizer, or a kid-friendly snack, this recipe combines simplicity with mouthwatering flavor. Discover how air frying can transform your cooking and enjoy tender, juicy chicken in no time!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken breasts, cut into strips

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for spice)

Cooking spray or olive oil spray for crisping

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, soak the chicken strips in buttermilk for at least 10 minutes to tenderize and add moisture.

    Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well.

      Panko Coating: In another shallow dish, add the panko breadcrumbs. You can toast them lightly in a pan for extra crispness if desired.

        Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. First, dredge each strip in the flour mixture, then dip it back into the buttermilk, and finally coat it with the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well.

          Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

            Air Fry the Tenders: Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray to promote crisping.

              Cook the Tenders: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

                Serve: Let the chicken tenders rest for a couple of minutes. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 4 servings