Quick & Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe for Kids

Crispy golden chicken tenders in the air fryer burst with flavor and crunch that will make your taste buds dance.

These tender morsels deliver a healthier twist on a classic comfort food without sacrificing any deliciousness.

Seasoned with a perfectly balanced blend of spices, the air fryer chicken tenders cook quickly and evenly.

The exterior becomes wonderfully crisp while the inside stays juicy and tender.

Minimal oil means you get all the satisfaction of fried chicken with fewer calories.

Everyone from kids to adults will love these simple yet mouthwatering chicken tenders.

Serve them alongside your favorite dipping sauce and watch them disappear in minutes.

Prepare to transform your weeknight dinner with this easy and irresistible recipe.

Why Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Are So Crispy

• Whip up these chicken tenders quickly with minimal prep, transforming ordinary meals into something deliciously exciting.
• Air fryer technique guarantees perfectly crispy exterior and juicy interior without complex cooking skills, making restaurant-quality results accessible to everyone.
• Flexible recipe allows endless seasoning variations, letting you experiment with different spice blends, herbs, and marinades to match your taste preferences.
• Universally loved finger food that satisfies picky eaters and grown-ups alike, making it perfect for family dinners, game nights, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients for Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Tender, lean meat strips that provide the base for this crispy air fryer dish.

• Buttermilk, Lemon Juice: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds a tangy flavor to enhance the meat's juiciness.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out the natural flavor of the chicken.

• All-Purpose Flour, Baking Powder: Creates a light, crispy coating that gives the chicken tenders a golden and crunchy exterior.
• Seasonings: Adds depth and complexity to the breading, making the chicken tenders more flavorful.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a bright, green garnish and subtle fresh flavor.
• BBQ Sauce: Classic dipping sauce that complements the crispy chicken tenders with a sweet and tangy profile.

• Nonstick Spray: Ensures the chicken tenders do not stick to the air fryer basket during cooking.

What You Need to Make Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer

• Air Fryer: Essential for crispy, healthier chicken tenders without deep frying.
• Mixing Bowls: Medium-sized bowls for preparing marinade and breading mixture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for marinade and seasoning ingredients.
• Knife: Sharp chef's knife for slicing chicken into even strips.
• Cutting Board: Clean surface for safely cutting chicken.
• Tongs: Helpful for handling and turning chicken strips in air fryer basket.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending marinade and mixing breading ingredients smoothly.

Step by Step Instructions for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare Air Fryer Basket

Grab your air fryer and give the basket a quick spritz with nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Whip Up Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Buttermilk
• Fresh lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended and ready to work their magic.

Step 3: Transform Chicken

Slice chicken into tender strips, making sure they’re roughly half an inch thick.

Submerge the chicken in the marinade, covering every inch.

Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 4: Create Crispy Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Your favorite seasonings

Pour a splash of the marinade into the dry ingredients to create those delightful little flavor bumps.

Step 5: Bread the Chicken

Carefully coat each marinated chicken strip in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring a complete and even coverage.

Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection

Place the breaded chicken strips in the air fryer basket.

Cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping halfway through.

Aim for a golden-brown exterior and an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 7: Plate and Enjoy

Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color.

Serve hot with a side of tangy barbecue sauce for dipping.

Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Let chicken soak in buttermilk mixture overnight for extra tenderness and deep flavor penetration.
• Generously spray air fryer basket with nonstick spray to ensure crispy chicken tenders don't cling to surface.
• Add small amount of marinade to flour mixture for perfectly uneven, crunchy breading that browns beautifully.
• Use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches safe 165F, guaranteeing juicy and fully cooked tenders.
• Experiment with different spice blends like cajun, ranch, or herbs de provence for unique flavor profiles.

Creative Chicken Tender Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Swap flour breading with crushed pork rinds or ground almonds to reduce carbohydrates and maintain crispy texture.
• Spicy Cajun Variation: Add cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to breading mixture for a zesty kick.
• Greek-Inspired Tenders: Mix oregano, dried mint, and lemon zest into breading for Mediterranean flavor profile.

Ideas for Serving Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Party Plate Pairing: Serve these crispy chicken tenders with classic BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or tangy honey mustard for dipping. Guests will love the variety of flavor combinations.
• Sidekick Suggestions: Complement the tenders with creamy coleslaw, crispy french fries, or a fresh garden salad to create a balanced and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
• Family-Style Fun: Arrange tenders on a large platter with multiple dipping sauces, scattered fresh herbs, and lemon wedges. This makes for an interactive and exciting dinner experience that brings everyone together.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining chicken tenders into wraps, salad toppers, or chop and mix into mac and cheese for a delicious next-day meal that reduces food waste.

How to Store Chicken Tenders and Keep Them Crunchy

• Place cooled chicken tenders in an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual tenders in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe bag, remove air, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Preheat air fryer to 350F, arrange tenders in single layer, cook for 3-4 minutes until crispy and heated through, checking internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Place tenders on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, heat in 30-second intervals, rotating halfway, until warm throughout.

FAQs

• Why marinate chicken tenders?

Marinating helps tenderize the meat, adds flavor, and keeps chicken moist during cooking. The buttermilk and lemon juice break down proteins, making the chicken more tender and juicy.

• Can I use different seasonings in the breading?

Absolutely! You can customize the flour mixture with garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, or dried herbs to create your preferred flavor profile. Experiment with spices that complement your taste.

• How do I know when chicken tenders are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 165°F at the thickest part. The air fryer ensures even cooking and helps prevent undercooking.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy air fryer chicken tenders blend Southern-style seasoning with golden, crunchy perfection. Quick preparation and healthy cooking make this dish a family favorite for weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5–2 lbs chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Dry Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 tablespoons baking powder
• 1.5 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1.5 tablespoons paprika

Liquid and Garnish:

• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Cooking spray
• Parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the air fryer by coating the basket with a light, even layer of nonstick spray to prevent chicken from sticking.
2. Create a tangy marinade by whisking together buttermilk, fresh lemon juice, salt, and ground black pepper in a mixing bowl.
3. Cut chicken into uniform half-inch strips, then submerge completely in the marinade. Refrigerate for minimum 1 hour or overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
4. Develop a crispy coating by combining flour, baking powder, and selected seasonings in a separate bowl. Incorporate a small portion of marinade to create a slightly lumpy, textured breading mixture.
5. Remove chicken strips from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Thoroughly coat each strip in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
6. Arrange breaded chicken strips in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook at 350°F for approximately 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and exterior is golden brown and crispy.
7. Transfer cooked chicken tenders to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve alongside tangy BBQ sauce for dipping.

Notes

• Create a crispy coating by thoroughly patting chicken dry before breading to ensure maximum crunch and prevent soggy tenders.
• Customize seasoning blend with your favorite herbs like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or dried oregano for personalized flavor profiles.
• Use gluten-free flour or almond flour for a low-carb version that still delivers deliciously golden chicken tenders.
• Prevent overcrowding in the air fryer basket by cooking in batches, allowing hot air to circulate and achieve even, crispy results.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg