Air Fried Chicken Tenders

Crispy, golden, and irresistibly tender, these Air Fried Chicken Tenders are a healthier take on a family favorite without sacrificing flavor or crunch! Coated in a perfectly seasoned blend of flour, eggs, buttermilk, and panko breadcrumbs, these chicken tenders are air fried to perfection with minimal oil, making them a guilt-free indulgence. Infused with savory spices like paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, every bite is bursting with flavor and texture. With a quick prep time of 20 minutes and just 15 minutes in the air fryer, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or game-day snacks. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s as wholesome as it is delicious! Keywords: air fried chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, healthy chicken tenders, air fryer recipe.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 pieces large eggs
• 0.5 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0 as needed cooking spray

Directions

Step 1

Gather all ingredients and ensure the chicken tenders are thawed if previously frozen.

Step 2

In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a seasoned flour mixture.

Step 3

In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs and pour in the buttermilk. Whisk together until well combined.

Step 4

In a third shallow dish, add the panko breadcrumbs.

Step 5

Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Dip each tender into the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it is completely coated. Shake off any excess.

Step 6

Next, dip the floured tender into the egg and buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.

Step 7

Finally, coat each tender with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they adhere well to the chicken.

Step 8

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.

Step 9

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 10

Carefully place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. This might require cooking in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 11

Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray to enhance crispiness.

Step 12

Cook the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 7-8 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 7-8 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 13

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 14

Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	800.7 grams (800.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2003

Total Fat 86.40g	111%
Saturated Fat 21.40g	107%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.20g
Cholesterol 567mg	189%
Sodium 5541mg	241%
Total Carbohydrate 174.00g	63%
Dietary Fiber 8.30g	30%
Total Sugars 12.20g
Protein 121.60g	243%

Vitamin D 143IU	717%
Calcium 297mg	23%
Iron 12mg	64%
Potassium 1480mg	31%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.7%

Protein: 24.8%

Carbs: 35.5%