Name: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: 7 Crispy Recipes to Try
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 chicken tenders (or 2 chicken breasts cut into 4 pieces each); 1/2 cup flour; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1 cup crushed cornflakes; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; salt & pepper (to taste); Cooking spray; 2 carrots (peeled and chopped); 3 celery stalks (chopped); 1/2 cup honey; 1 tbsp buffalo sauce (or more to taste); 1 pinch chili flakes (optional)

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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a game changer for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious yet healthy. Skip the drive-thru and whip up these crispy, flavorful tenders right in your kitchen. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also utilizes an air fryer, ensuring that you can enjoy a guilt-free meal without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack or a family dinner, these tenders are versatile and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

If you’re looking for quick and healthy meal options, Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are the way to go. Here are six reasons why you’ll love this recipe:

Quick cooking time—perfect for busy evenings.
Healthier than traditional fried chicken due to less oil usage.
Crispy texture without the guilt, thanks to the air fryer.
Great for meal prep; these tenders can be made ahead of time.
Kid-friendly—perfect for picky eaters.
Easy customization with various marinades and seasonings.

Plus, this recipe falls under the Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe category, making it a guilt-free choice for your family.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Gather these items:

8 chicken tenders (or 2 chicken breasts cut into 4 pieces each)
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 cup crushed cornflakes
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
salt & pepper (to taste)
Cooking spray
2 carrots (peeled and chopped)
3 celery stalks (chopped)
1/2 cup honey
1 tbsp buffalo sauce (or more to taste)
1 pinch chili flakes (optional)

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Step-by-Step

Step 1: Add flour, paprika, and garlic powder to a bowl, mixing to combine. Add buttermilk to another bowl and crushed cornflakes to another bowl. Coat each chicken tender in the flour mixture, then coat in buttermilk, coating in crushed cornflakes last. Meanwhile, preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add to the air fryer basket, spraying with cooking spray and seasoning generously with salt. Air fry for 5-7 minutes per side depending on how full the air fryer basket is.
Step 3: Meanwhile, make the hot honey sauce by mixing honey, buffalo sauce, and chili flakes in a large bowl. When chicken is done, drizzle sauce overtop then serve with carrots and celery and your fave dipping sauces. Enjoy!
Step 4: Preheat oven to 425°F. Add flour, paprika, and garlic powder to a bowl, mixing to combine. Add buttermilk to another bowl and crushed cornflakes to another bowl. Coat each chicken tender in the flour mixture, then coat in buttermilk, coating in crushed cornflakes last.
Step 5: Add each coated tender to a parchment-lined baking sheet, spraying with cooking spray and seasoning generously with salt. Bake for 7-8 minutes per side.
Step 6: Meanwhile, make the hot honey sauce by mixing honey, buffalo sauce, and chili flakes in a large bowl. When chicken is done, drizzle sauce overtop then serve with carrots and celery and your fave dipping sauces. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Keep these in mind to ensure your chicken tenders turn out perfectly every time:

Make sure the air fryer isn’t crowded; cook in batches if necessary for even cooking.
For extra crunch, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of cornflakes.
Experiment with different spices in the flour for unique flavors.

These tips will help elevate your game when it comes to making Crispy Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: 7 Crispy Recipes to Try - Air Fryer Chicken Tenders - main visual representation

Best Ways to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These tenders are incredibly versatile! Here are some great serving ideas:

Pair with a side of fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ.
Make a delicious sandwich using your favorite bread or wraps.

Try them as an appetizer or a main course; they’re perfect for any occasion!

How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

You can easily store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F until they’re heated through. This method will help maintain their crispiness, making them perfect for meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

What’s the secret to perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenders?

The secret lies in the coating. Ensure the chicken is well-coated in flour, buttermilk, and cornflakes for that perfect crunch. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer for even cooking.

Can I make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just reheat them in the air fryer before serving.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Air Fryer Chicken Tenders?

Common mistakes include not preheating the air fryer and overcrowding the basket. Both can lead to uneven cooking and soggy tenders.

Variations of Air Fryer Chicken Tenders You Can Try

Feel free to customize your tenders! Here are some variations:

Try different marinades like teriyaki or lemon-garlic for unique flavors.
For a healthier twist, make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders without breading.
Add spices like cumin or chili powder for a flavorful kick.

These variations can cater to different tastes while keeping the dish within the Gluten Free diet if needed.

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making baked chicken tenders for a different twist. If you’re interested in meal prep, chicken noodle soup is a great option to consider!