Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders in Minutes

Craving a hassle-free meal that’s crispy, tender, and downright irresistible? Look no further than these mouthwatering Effortless Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Trust me, this recipe is a game-changer when it comes to achieving that perfect crunch without the guilt of deep-frying. The secret? A buttermilk marinade that works its magic, leaving every bite juicy on the inside and delightfully crispy on the outside.

I stumbled upon these air fryer chicken tenders in my quest for a healthier yet equally delicious alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. The results were mind-blowing—my family now prefers these homemade tenders over takeout, and even the toughest food critics in the neighborhood can’t resist them. Whether you’re cooking up a storm for a hungry crowd or simply looking for a quick weeknight dinner, these Effortless Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are sure to hit the spot every time.

With the perfect blend of flavors and textures, these chicken tenders are not just a meal but a memorable experience that brings everyone together at the table. From the crispy coating to the juicy center, this recipe has all the elements of a crowd-pleaser. So, roll up your sleeves, fire up that air fryer, and get ready to savor a plateful of golden-brown goodness that’s bound to become a family favorite in no time.

Table of Contents

Quick Benefits

Juicy and Tender: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk makes it incredibly juicy and tender on the inside.
Crispy and Crunchy: The air fryer gives the chicken tenders a super crispy and crunchy shell without the need for deep-frying in heavy oil.
Customizable Flavors: Easily customize the flavor of the chicken tenders by adding different seasonings to the flour mixture, catering to everyone’s taste preferences.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve the chicken tenders with various dips and sides like coleslaw, salads, fries, or mac and cheese, making them a versatile meal option for the whole family.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders in Minutes Recipe

Deliciously Crispy: These chicken tenders are guaranteed to have a perfectly crispy shell, thanks to the magic of the air fryer, giving you that satisfying crunch without all the heavy oil from deep-frying.
Juicy and Tender: The buttermilk marinade ensures that the chicken remains incredibly juicy and tender on the inside, providing a delightful contrast to the crispy exterior.
Kid-Friendly: Kids love these chicken tenders even more than takeout, with many claiming they’re tastier than restaurant versions. It’s a sure way to please even the pickiest eaters.
Versatile Flavor Options: You can customize the flavor by experimenting with different seasonings in the flour mix, such as ranch powder, cayenne, or Italian herbs, giving you the freedom to tailor each batch to your liking.
Easy to Prepare and Reheat: These tenders can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to air fry them. Leftovers can be easily reheated in the air fryer, retaining their crispy texture.
Pairs Well with Various Sides: Whether served with crunchy coleslaw, a quick salad, roasted veggies, or classic fries, these chicken tenders can be accompanied by a wide range of sides to suit any meal.
No Air Fryer, No Problem: Don’t have an air fryer? No worries! You can still enjoy these delicious chicken tenders by baking them in the oven for a slightly healthier alternative that still packs plenty of flavor.

Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders in Minutes

1 teaspoon of black pepper.
1 1/2 tablespoons of paprika.
3 cups of all-purpose flour.
1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon of salt, separated.
Juice from a single lemon.
Cooking spray.
Fresh parsley, chopped for topping.
1 1/2 to 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
1 1/2 tablespoons of garlic powder.
1 1/2 tablespoons of baking powder.
2 cups of buttermilk.
Your favorite BBQ dipping sauce.

Pro Tips for Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders in Minutes

For the crispiest chicken tenders, remember not to skip the buttermilk marinade. It’s the key to juicy and flavorful chicken. Also, lightly spray the breaded strips with cooking oil before air frying to ensure they turn golden brown all over. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation for even crisping – cook in batches if necessary. Keep finished tenders warm in the oven while you finish cooking the rest.

Experiment with different flavors by adding ranch powder, Italian herbs, or cayenne to the flour mixture for a unique twist on the classic recipe. If you’re short on buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk. To maintain the crispy texture, reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes. Serve these delicious chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce, alongside sides like coleslaw, salad, or fries for a complete meal. If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the tenders in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes for an equally tasty alternative.

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders in Minutes

Step 1: Get Air Fryer Ready

Spray oil lightly on the inside of the air fryer basket.

Step 2: Mix Marinade

Combine buttermilk, lemon juice, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of salt in a bowl.

Step 3: Slice and Marinate Chicken

Slice the chicken into 1/2 inch thick and 3-4 inch long strips. Marinate for at least an hour or overnight in the fridge.

Step 4: Create Breading Mixture

Combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Stir in approximately 1/4 cup of the marinade until crumbly chunks form.

Step 5: Bread Chicken Pieces

Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Coat each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture.

Step 6: Air Fry the Chicken

Place 4-5 tenders in the air fryer, spray with cooking oil, and air fry at 350°F for 6 minutes. Flip and continue cooking for another 6 minutes until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 7: Finish Up and Serve

Repeat the process with the remaining chicken pieces. Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm with BBQ sauce.

Storage Tips

To store the finished air fryer chicken tenders, place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. These tenders can stay tasty for up to four days in the fridge. When reheating, simply pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to crisp up the breading again. They make a convenient and delicious option for packed lunches or quick snacks when reheated.

For longer storage or meal prep, you can bread the chicken and keep it chilled in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. While the tenders are at their crispiest when freshly made, preparing them ahead of time allows for a speedy meal option later on. If using the oven instead of an air fryer, bake the tenders at 400°F on a baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them once during the process. This alternative method will not achieve the same level of crispiness as air frying but will still result in tasty chicken tenders.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can use regular milk as a substitute. Simply add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar for every cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly, creating a quick fix buttermilk for marinating the chicken.

Feel free to customize the seasoning in the flour mixture to your preference. Experiment with adding ranch powder, Italian herbs, cayenne pepper, or any other spices you enjoy to give the chicken tenders a unique flavor twist.

If you don’t own an air fryer, you can still make delicious chicken tenders by baking them in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them once halfway through. While they may not get as crispy as air-fried ones, they will still turn out flavorful and satisfying. Serve the tenders with your favorite sides like salad, roasted veggies, fries, or use them in wraps for a versatile meal option.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive serving suggestion, set up a DIY chicken tender bar for your family or guests. Offer a variety of dipping sauces such as BBQ, ranch, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce. Include an assortment of toppings like shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, diced tomatoes, and pickled jalapeños. Let everyone customize their chicken tenders with their favorite flavors for a personalized dining experience.

To elevate your chicken tenders into a complete meal, consider serving them with a refreshing side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers tossed in a light vinaigrette. For a heartier option, pair the tenders with crispy sweet potato fries or loaded mac and cheese. This balanced combination of crispy chicken tenders and fresh sides will satisfy everyone’s cravings and make for a memorable dining experience.

FAQs for Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders in Minutes

Can I substitute buttermilk with regular milk in this recipe?

If you’re running out of buttermilk, you can use regular milk as a substitute. Just add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar (about a tablespoon for every cup of milk), wait five minutes, and you’re good to go with a quick fix buttermilk.

How long should I marinate the chicken in the buttermilk?

Give the chicken at least an hour in the fridge to marinate and absorb the flavors. You can let it sit overnight for even more tenderness, but avoid marinating for more than 24 hours to prevent the chicken from becoming mushy.

Can I prepare the chicken tenders ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bread the chicken ahead of time and keep it chilled until you’re ready to cook. To reheat and bring back the crunch, simply pop the leftovers back in the air fryer when needed.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No air fryer? No problem! You can still enjoy these chicken tenders by baking them in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them once during the cooking process. While they may not get as crispy as in an air fryer, they will still taste delicious.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Effortless Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a game-changer for busy weeknights or when you’re craving some classic comfort food. The buttermilk marinade and perfectly seasoned coating ensure juicy, crispy perfection every time. Whether you’re enjoying them with a crowd or just for a cozy family dinner, these chicken tenders are sure to become a household favorite.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasonings or try different dipping sauces to make these chicken tenders your own. With simple tips like not overcrowding the air fryer and giving the chicken a buttermilk soak, you’ll have a foolproof recipe that will have everyone coming back for more. So whip up a batch of these Effortless Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, and get ready to savor the smiles and satisfaction they bring to your table.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders in Minutes

Crispy air fryer chicken tenders coated in seasoned flour, juicy inside, and super crunchy outside—a simple and delicious weeknight meal the whole family will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time48 Minutes

Total Time58 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings (12 big chicken tenders)

Ingredients

1 teaspoon of black pepper.
1 1/2 tablespoons of paprika.
3 cups of all-purpose flour.
1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon of salt, separated.
Juice from a single lemon.
Cooking spray.
Fresh parsley, chopped for topping.
1 1/2 to 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
1 1/2 tablespoons of garlic powder.
1 1/2 tablespoons of baking powder.
2 cups of buttermilk.
Your favorite BBQ dipping sauce.

Instructions

Get Air Fryer Ready: Spray oil lightly on the inside of the air fryer basket.
Mix Marinade: Combine buttermilk, lemon juice, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of salt in a bowl.
Slice and Marinate Chicken: Slice the chicken into 1/2 inch thick and 3-4 inch long strips. Marinate for at least an hour or overnight in the fridge.
Create Breading Mixture: Combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Stir in approximately 1/4 cup of the marinade until crumbly chunks form.
Bread Chicken Pieces: Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Coat each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture.
Air Fry the Chicken: Place 4-5 tenders in the air fryer, spray with cooking oil, and air fry at 350°F for 6 minutes. Flip and continue cooking for another 6 minutes until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Finish Up and Serve: Repeat the process with the remaining chicken pieces. Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm with BBQ sauce.