Golden brown, crispy, and packed with flavor—air fryer chicken tenders are the perfect solution for anyone craving a satisfying meal without the hassle of deep frying. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for a quick and easy recipe that delivers restaurant-quality crispiness, this method is a game-changer.
With an air fryer, you can achieve perfectly crispy chicken tenders using a fraction of the oil, making them a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried tenders. Plus, the process is quick, easy, and mess-free, making it an excellent choice for busy home cooks.
This guide covers everything you need to know about making the best air fryer chicken tenders, from tips for achieving the ultimate crunch to flavor variations and serving suggestions.
Why Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Are a Must-Try
1. Perfectly Crispy Without Deep Frying
Deep frying may give you that signature crunch, but it also involves a lot of oil, mess, and extra calories. The air fryer circulates hot air around the chicken, crisping up the breading while keeping the inside tender and juicy. The result? Golden-brown chicken tenders with a crispy crust and a juicy interior—all without excessive oil.
2. Healthier and Lighter Than Traditional Fried Chicken
By cutting out deep frying, air-fried chicken tenders contain significantly less fat and calories than their fast-food or homemade fried counterparts. The secret to keeping them crispy without deep frying? A well-seasoned breading and just a light spray of oil.
3. Quick and Easy to Make
Unlike oven-baked tenders, which require preheating and longer cooking times, air fryer chicken tenders cook in just 12-15 minutes. This makes them a great option for busy weeknights, last-minute meals, or meal prep.
4. Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
Few meals are as universally loved as crispy chicken tenders. Whether you’re making them for kids, picky eaters, or a gathering of friends, this dish is always a hit. Pair them with a variety of dipping sauces, and you’ve got a meal that everyone can customize to their liking.
5. Endless Flavor and Seasoning Possibilities
One of the best things about homemade chicken tenders is that they are highly customizable. From classic crispy tenders to spicy, herb-seasoned, or even parmesan-crusted versions, the flavor possibilities are endless.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into ½-inch-thick strips)
For the Breading:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tablespoons baking powder
- 1 ½ tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 ½ tablespoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
For Cooking & Serving:
- Nonstick spray for cooking
- Parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or other dipping sauces
Directions
- Prepare the Marinade – Combine buttermilk, lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Submerge chicken strips in the mixture, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for extra tenderness).
- Prepare the Breading – Mix flour, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, and kosher salt. Stir in ¼ cup of the buttermilk marinade to create small lumps in the flour mixture for extra crunch.
- Bread the Chicken – Remove chicken strips from the marinade, dredge them in the flour mixture, and set aside on a baking sheet.
- Air Fry the Chicken – Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray. Arrange breaded chicken tenders in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Spray the tops with oil.
- Cook Until Golden & Crispy – Air fry at 350°F for 6 minutes, flip, spray with oil again, and air fry for another 6 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- Serve & Enjoy – Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm with BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Total Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
Secrets to the Crispiest Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
While air frying is simple, there are a few key techniques that can take your chicken tenders from good to exceptionally crispy:
1. Use Buttermilk for Extra Juiciness
Marinating the chicken in buttermilk before breading tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor, ensuring every bite is juicy and delicious. The slight acidity in buttermilk breaks down the proteins in the chicken, making it more tender.
2. Don’t Skip the Lumps in the Breading
A little extra texture in the flour mixture helps create a crunchier coating. Adding a bit of buttermilk to the flour and mixing it until small lumps form will result in crispy, flaky edges when air-fried.
3. Lightly Spray with Oil for a Golden Crust
While air frying requires much less oil than deep frying, a light spray of oil is still essential. It helps the breading crisp up evenly and prevents dry spots on the chicken tenders.
4. Cook in a Single Layer for Even Crisping
Overcrowding the air fryer basket can prevent proper air circulation, leading to unevenly cooked chicken. Arrange the tenders in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece for optimal crispiness.
5. Flip the Tenders Halfway Through Cooking
For an evenly crispy texture, flip the chicken tenders midway through cooking. This ensures that both sides develop a golden-brown crust.
Creative Variations for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
If you want to switch things up, here are a few delicious ways to customize your air fryer chicken tenders:
1. Spicy Buffalo Chicken Tenders
- Toss the cooked tenders in a mix of hot sauce and melted butter for classic Buffalo-style tenders.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
2. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
- After cooking, sprinkle the tenders with a mix of grated parmesan, garlic powder, and parsley.
- Serve with garlic aioli or marinara sauce.
3. Cajun-Style Chicken Tenders
- Add Cajun seasoning to the breading for a spicy, smoky flavor.
- Serve with remoulade sauce or chipotle mayo.
4. Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Tenders
- Drizzle cooked tenders with a sweet honey mustard glaze for a tangy, sticky coating.
5. Asian-Inspired Sesame Chicken Tenders
- Toss the tenders in a mix of soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and sesame seeds after air frying.
The Best Dipping Sauces for Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders and dipping sauces go hand in hand. Here are some must-try sauces to pair with your crispy tenders:
- Classic Ranch Dressing – Creamy and cool, a perfect contrast to crispy tenders.
- Honey Mustard Sauce – Sweet, tangy, and irresistible.
- BBQ Sauce – Smoky, slightly sweet, and always a favorite.
- Buffalo Sauce – Spicy with a buttery richness.
- Garlic Aioli – Creamy with a hint of garlic and lemon.
- Sriracha Mayo – A spicy, creamy kick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Use Frozen Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer?
Yes! If using frozen, adjust the cooking time by adding 2-3 extra minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
2. How Do I Store and Reheat Leftover Chicken Tenders?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.
3. Can I Make These Chicken Tenders Gluten-Free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a crispy coating.
4. Can I Freeze the Chicken Tenders for Later?
Absolutely! Bread the chicken and freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and air fry straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
5. Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will make even juicier chicken tenders. Just slice them into strips and follow the same process.
6. How Do I Prevent My Chicken Tenders from Drying Out?
- Marinate in buttermilk for added moisture.
- Don’t overcook—use a meat thermometer and remove the chicken once it reaches 165°F.
Conclusion: The Best Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, Every Time
Air fryer chicken tenders deliver everything you love about fried chicken without the excess oil. They’re crispy, juicy, and incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for quick dinners, meal prep, or even party snacks.
By following the right techniques—using buttermilk, perfecting the breading, and cooking them properly in the air fryer—you’ll get restaurant-quality tenders every time. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces, try out different seasoning variations, and enjoy a meal that’s both delicious and easy to make.
So, preheat that air fryer and get ready for the best homemade chicken tenders you’ve ever had!
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Best Air Fryer Chicken Tenders for Quick Dinners
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 16–20 chicken tenders 1x
Description
If you’ve ever dreamed of making crispy, juicy chicken tenders at home without the mess of deep frying, this recipe is for you! These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are perfectly golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor thanks to a buttermilk marinade and a seasoned breading. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re perfect for family dinners, quick snacks, or party appetizers. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, and watch them disappear faster than you can cook them!
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken
- 1 1/2 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into 1/2-inch-thick strips
For the Breading
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
For Cooking and Serving
- Nonstick spray for cooking
- Parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or other dipping sauces
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- In a medium bowl, combine the buttermilk, lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Step 2: Slice and Marinate the Chicken
- Slice the chicken breasts into strips about 1/2 inch thick and 3–4 inches long. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Submerge the chicken strips in the buttermilk marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for extra tenderness and flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Breading
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, and kosher salt.
- Add 1/4 cup of the buttermilk marinade to the flour mixture and stir to create small lumps. These lumps will give the breading a crispy texture.
Step 4: Bread the Chicken Tenders
- Remove each chicken strip from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Coat the chicken strips in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breading sticks to all sides.
- Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet or plate until ready to cook.
Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray.
- Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between each piece.
- Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray to help the breading crisp up.
- Set the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 6 minutes. Flip the tenders, spray again with cooking spray, and cook for an additional 6 minutes.
- Repeat in batches until all the chicken tenders are cooked.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish the chicken tenders with chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve warm with BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Make Ahead: You can bread the chicken tenders in advance and refrigerate them for up to 2 hours before air frying.
- Customize the Spices: Add cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or swap paprika for smoked paprika for a richer flavor.
- Cooking in Batches: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you’ll need to cook the tenders in 3–4 batches. Keep cooked tenders warm in a 250°F oven while finishing the rest.
- Freezing Option: Bread the tenders and freeze them uncooked. Air fry directly from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes to the cooking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour for marinating)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes per batch
- Category: Main Course, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
