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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the air fryer by coating the basket with a light, even layer of nonstick spray to prevent chicken from sticking.
- Create a tangy marinade by whisking together buttermilk, fresh lemon juice, salt, and ground black pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Cut chicken into uniform half-inch strips, then submerge completely in the marinade. Refrigerate for minimum 1 hour or overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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