This Chicken Tenders Air Fryer Recipe is so good – are just as crispy and juicy as deep-fried ones but so much better! These taste better than frozen chicken tenders or even restaurant ones – and they’re the perfect easy dinner that satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
If you love classic chicken tenders that are crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside then you will love this recipe! These are easier than cooking in an oven and chicken strips are something kids love. Skip the chicken nuggets and use chicken tenderloin to make breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer!
This recipe is so easy and a great way to enjoy a favorite fried food without the guilt. I’m sharing all of my best tips so you can make the most delicious air fryer chicken tenders!
How to make Chicken Tenders in The Air Fryer
- Just like you would for fried chicken, you will want to marinate the chicken first. All you do is combine buttermilk with paprika and Worcestershire sauce and marinate the chicken in it for two hours. Marinating the chicken does a few things:
- The buttermilk is acidic which means it will break down the chicken so it’s very tender once it’s cooked. It gives it the best texture! Buttermilk also adds a tangy flavor to the meat.
- The Worcestershire sauce adds salt so the chicken is perfectly seasoned and also ups the savory flavor of the chicken. It’s hard to explain but it’s often referred to as “umami” which is a specific savory taste.
- Once the chicken is marinated you’ll combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and salt in a shallow dish, like a pie plate.
- Be sure to shake off the excess buttermilk before dredging the tenders. Cook the chicken tenders in the air fryer for four to six minutes and then flip the pieces over and cook them for another four to six minutes.
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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Combine buttermilk, paprika and Worcestershire sauce in a measuring cup. Put chicken tenders in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour the buttermilk mixture over the chicken and make sure all chicken is fully covered. Let it marinate for 2 hours. Take the chicken out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature.
- In a shallow dish (pie plates work great) combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, salt and olive oil. Mix together well.
- Remove chicken one a time and shake off any excess buttermilk mixture. Then dredge the chicken tender into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure they are fully covered. Gently shake off any excess and place in the air fryer basket.
- Set the air fyer to 385 degrees. Add as many chicken tenders that you can fit in the air fryer basket. Cook for 4-6 minutes on each side. Make sure the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Using a meat thermometer check that the chicken is at 165°. Repeat the process for the remaining chicken tenders.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
- Try different dipping sauces. We used Ranch dressing but you can try many store bought sauces that will be delicious or try making your own sauce.
Recipe Nutrition
What to Serve with Chicken Tenders
Use your favorite dipping sauce! We love ranch dressing, but your favorite BBQ sauce, honey mustard, sweet and sour sauces are delicious, too. Sometimes we have a mix of sauces so everyone can choose their favorite.
If you are making them for dinner add a side of French fries, your favorite cooked vegetable or a side salad to make it a complete meal.
I have to get an air fryer. You recipes all sound so good.
Absolutely fantastic!
At what temperature are these air fried? TY
My question as well.
Set the air fryer to 385℉
I have a air fryer on my stove would these work in my oven air fryer
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