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- 1 pound chicken tenders - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs - Cooking spray These simple ingredients create a tasty dish. The chicken tenders stay moist with buttermilk. The flour and spices give them flavor and crunch. Panko breadcrumbs add a nice texture. When choosing chicken, look for fresh tenders. This helps ensure a juicy bite. Buttermilk is key, as it tenderizes the meat. You can mix in different spices for more flavor. Be sure to have cooking spray on hand. It helps the tenders crisp up nicely in the air fryer. {{ingredient_image_1}} Marinating chicken in buttermilk is key. The buttermilk makes the chicken tender and tasty. It adds moisture and flavor. I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes. You can marinate for up to 2 hours for even better results. Next, mix the dry ingredients. In a shallow dish, stir together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. This mix adds flavor to the chicken. Set up another dish with panko breadcrumbs. The panko gives the tenders a nice crunch. Now it's time to coat the chicken. First, take a chicken tender out of the buttermilk. Let the excess buttermilk drip off. Dredge it in the flour mixture, shaking off any extra flour. Dip it back in the buttermilk briefly. Then, coat it with the panko breadcrumbs. Press down gently to help the crumbs stick. This step is key for even coverage. Before you cook, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. If you have too many, cook them in batches. Spray the tops of the chicken tenders lightly with cooking spray. Air fry them for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time. This ensures they cook evenly. The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). After cooking, remove the chicken from the air fryer. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices settle. Serve with your favorite dips like ranch or honey mustard for extra flavor. For the best taste, you can use yogurt or milk if you lack buttermilk. These substitutes work well to tenderize the chicken. To kick up the flavor, try adding hot sauce or lemon juice to the marinade. This adds a nice zing that makes every bite exciting. To keep your chicken tenders crispy, avoid letting them sit too long after breading. If they sit, they can soak up moisture and get soggy. You can use crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs instead of panko if you want a different texture. Both options still bring great crunch. When cooking, it’s best to work in batches. This helps the chicken cook evenly without crowding the basket. Make sure the air can move around the chicken. This ensures each piece gets that golden brown outside and juicy inside. Pro Tips Marination is Key: Allowing the chicken tenders to marinate in buttermilk not only adds flavor but also ensures they stay juicy and tender after cooking. Panko for Extra Crunch: Using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs provides a light and crispy texture that elevates the chicken tenders. Avoid Overcrowding: When air frying, make sure to arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Cook in batches if necessary. Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. {{image_2}} You can easily change the flavor of your chicken tenders. Try adding different spices like cajun or Italian herbs. These spices give a fun twist to the taste. Just sprinkle them in the flour mix for a bold kick. You can also experiment with marinades. Honey mustard brings a sweet and tangy flavor. Teriyaki adds a nice, savory touch. Marinate your chicken tenders for at least 30 minutes to soak in those flavors. If you don’t have an air fryer, no worries! You can oven-bake or pan-fry these chicken tenders. For oven-baking, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the breaded tenders on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also adapt this recipe for other proteins. Chicken breast works well, just cut it into strips. If you prefer a plant-based option, use tofu. Press the tofu to remove water, then coat it like the chicken. Enjoy your crispy delight with any protein you choose! To keep your chicken tenders fresh, follow these steps: - Let the chicken cool down first. This helps prevent moisture build-up. - Place the tenders in an airtight container. This keeps them safe from air and moisture. - You can also use a zip-top bag. Just remove as much air as possible before sealing. - Store the chicken tenders in the fridge. They stay good for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, here’s how to reheat them: - The best way is to use the air fryer again. This keeps them crispy. - Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). - Place the tenders in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overcrowding. - Heat for about 5-6 minutes. Flip them halfway for even warmth. - Check that they reach a safe temperature of 165°F (74°C). This method ensures your chicken tenders taste great, just like when they were fresh! Cook chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes at 400°F (200°C). The exact time can change based on size. Thicker tenders may need an extra minute or two. Always check that the inside reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety. Yes, you can cook frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer. Increase the cooking time to about 15-18 minutes. Check that they are golden and hot inside. No need to thaw them first; just place them in the basket. Many sauces go great with chicken tenders. Here are a few tasty options: - Ranch dressing - Honey mustard - BBQ sauce - Buffalo sauce - Ketchup These sauces add flavor and fun to your meal. Enjoy dipping! This article detailed how to make delicious air-fried chicken tenders. You learned about the key ingredients, from buttermilk to panko breadcrumbs. I shared tips on marinating, breading techniques, and cooking times for perfect results. You can also explore flavor twists and alternative cooking methods. Now, it’s time to enjoy your tasty chicken tenders. With these insights, you’ll impress everyone at your table. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Enjoy deliciously crispy air fryer chicken tenders that are easy to make and packed with flavor! This crispy chicken tenders recipe features buttermilk chicken tenders coated in panko for the perfect crunch. Ideal for quick dinners or snacks, these easy air fryer recipes will become a family favorite. Try this delightfully simple recipe today and savor every bite! Don't forget to save this for later! #AirFryerChickenTenders #CrispyChickenTenders #ButtermilkChickenTenders #EasyAirFryerRecipes
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Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken tenders

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

Cooking spray

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, place the chicken tenders and pour the buttermilk over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to tenderize the chicken and enhance flavor.

    Prepare the Breading: In a shallow dish, mix the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. In another shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.

      Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip them back into the buttermilk briefly, then coat with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

        Air Fry the Chicken: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket (you may need to do this in batches).

          Cook the Chicken: Spray the tops of the chicken tenders lightly with cooking spray. Air fry for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

            Serve: Once done, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

              Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4