If you know anything about me at all at this point, it’s that I love Air Fryer Recipes. And while there are so many things you can cook in the air fryer, chicken may be one of my favorites (don’t know where to start? Check out my 15 Air Fryer Recipes for Beginners!) These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders go to show just how amazing air fryers are. Juicy tenders are marinated in a mixture of buttermilk and Sriracha, dredged in breading and seasonings, and cooked in the air fryer until tender in the middle and perfectly golden and crispy on the outside. Serve them with these Air Fryer Potato Wedges, Air Fryer Frozen French Fries, or Garlic Mashed Potatoes for a classic comfort food combo.
Ingredients Needed:
Buttermilk: I use low fat buttermilk but regular will work as well. Sriracha Sauce: add more or less to taste. Chicken Tenders: you’ll need 1 ½ pounds of chicken tenders for this recipe. Breadcrumbs: we’re using both regular seasoned breadcrumbs and Panko breadcrumbs to coat the chicken. All-Purpose Flour: the base of the breading which helps absorb moisture so the breadcrumbs can work their magic. Seasonings: a simple blend of salt, black pepper, and paprika is all the breading needs to give the chicken just the right amount of flavor. Oil Spray: we’re using oil spray to lightly grease the air fryer basket and to spray the outside of the chicken to help it get nice and golden.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Tips and Notes for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Marinate it! Marinating the chicken for 20-30 minutes in buttermilk and Sriracha is optional, but definitely recommended. The acidity in the buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and the Sriracha adds a layer of delicious spicy flavor. Use both breadcrumbs. The seasoned breadcrumbs add flavor while the Panko is what gives the chicken that golden color and extra crispy crunch. Preheat the air fryer. You want the air fryer to be hot before you add in the chicken. If it’s heating up with the chicken inside, the outside can burn before the inside is cooked all the way through. Spray the chicken. Lightly coating the chicken in cooking spray helps it get golden and crispy. Don’t stack. The chicken tenders need room to breathe so they can get crispy all the way around. Check the temp. The internal temp should be 165ºF. Check it before serving!
Serving Suggestions
These chicken tenders are delicious served on their own with a side of ketchup, mustard or honey mustard, Ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or BBQ sauce for dipping! You can also make them into a meal by pairing them with Roasted Veggies, Mac and Cheese, Air Fryer Broccoli, Roasted Potatoes, or Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta!
More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes to Try
Air Fryer Chicken Legs
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Boneless Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
JUICY Air Fryer Chicken Breast
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