Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ditch the deep fryer for these air fryer chicken tenders, the best way to get crispy chicken strips without the extra fat. This quick air fryer recipe is a hit for both kids and adults.
Prep
10 min
Cook
12 min
Total
22 min
Servings
4
Calories
320
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- 1
Soak chicken in buttermilk 15 minutes.
- 2
Whisk flour with seasonings; place panko in a second bowl.
- 3
Dredge each tender in flour then panko.
- 4
Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Spray basket and tenders.
- 5
Air fry 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- 6
Serve with dipping sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving · 320 calories
protein
34g
carbs
22g
fat
9g
fiber
1g
sugar
2g
sodium
560mg
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead?+
Yes — slice them into 1-inch strips and add 2–3 minutes to the cook time.
How do I keep the breading from falling off?+
Pat the chicken dry before dredging and press the panko firmly into each tender.
How do I reheat air fryer tenders?+
Reheat at 375°F for 3–4 minutes to keep them crispy.
Recipe by Sarah Mitchell
Professional home cook · Tested in a real American kitchen
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