Air-Fried Chicken Tenders
Air-Fried Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Seasoned Flour
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking
- as needed cooking spray
Instructions
- 1
Place the chicken tenderloins in a medium bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to marinate.
⏱️ 5 min
- 2
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the seasoned flour. In a shallow dish or a large resealable plastic bag, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all spices are evenly distributed.
⏱️ 5 min
- 3
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
⏱️ 3 min•🌡️ 375
- 4
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Do not rinse. Working in batches, dredge each chicken tenderloin in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure a thick, even coating. Shake off any excess flour.
⏱️ 5 min
- 5
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. You will likely need to cook in multiple batches.
⏱️ 2 min
- 6
Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray. Air fry for 9 minutes, then flip the tenders, spray the other side, and air fry for another 7-9 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
⏱️ 9 min•🌡️ 375
- 7
Remove the cooked chicken tenders from the air fryer and repeat with any remaining batches. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
⏱️ 1 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Air-Fried Chicken Tenders
For the Chicken Tenders
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Seasoned Flour
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking
- as needed cooking spray
Instructions
- 1
Place the chicken tenderloins in a medium bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to marinate.
⏱️ 5 min - 2
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the seasoned flour. In a shallow dish or a large resealable plastic bag, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all spices are evenly distributed.
⏱️ 5 min - 3
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
⏱️ 3 min•🌡️ 375 - 4
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Do not rinse. Working in batches, dredge each chicken tenderloin in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure a thick, even coating. Shake off any excess flour.
⏱️ 5 min - 5
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. You will likely need to cook in multiple batches.
⏱️ 2 min - 6
Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray. Air fry for 9 minutes, then flip the tenders, spray the other side, and air fry for another 7-9 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
⏱️ 9 min•🌡️ 375 - 7
Remove the cooked chicken tenders from the air fryer and repeat with any remaining batches. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
⏱️ 1 min