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In recent years, air fryer recipes have surged in popularity, transforming the way home cooks approach frying. These innovative kitchen appliances allow for the enjoyment of crispy, golden-brown foods without the excessive oil typically required for traditional frying. When it comes to family favorites, few dishes can rival the appeal of chicken tenders. Enter the Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders—an irresistible combination of flavor and crunch that promises to be a hit at the dinner table.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Discover the joy of crispy air fryer chicken tenders with this ultimate recipe! These tenders are a healthier alternative to traditional frying, offering flavor-packed crunch with less oil and mess. Ideal for quick dinners or game day snacks, they're sure to please both kids and adults. With a simple marination in buttermilk for added tenderness and customizable seasonings, you can create a dish that's not just delicious but also nutritious. Make mealtime exciting again!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into even strips

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 cup panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten until homogenous

Cooking spray or olive oil spray for a healthy crisp

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken strips with the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to ensure all the chicken pieces are coated evenly with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For enhanced flavor, marinate overnight.

    Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour, seasoning lightly with a pinch of salt for flavor. In the second bowl, beat the eggs and set aside. In the third bowl, pour in the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring they are ready for a crunchy coating.

      Bread the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken strips from the refrigerator. Working one strip at a time, first dredge in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, then finally coat it thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently for an even layer. Repeat for all strips, ensuring maximum coverage for extra crispiness.

        Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure a hot cooking environment that promotes even crisping.

          Arrange the Chicken: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer within the basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Cook in batches if necessary, depending on the size of your air fryer.

            Air Fry the Tenders: After arranging the chicken, lightly spray the tops of the tenders with olive oil spray to encourage golden browning. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

              Serve: Carefully remove the golden chicken tenders from the air fryer and serve hot. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing for a delightful meal.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken tenders on a rustic wooden platter and garnish with fresh parsley leaves for a pop of color. Include small bowls of various dipping sauces for an inviting spread.