These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are quick, easy, and so good! Juicy chicken tenders are soaked in buttermilk and Sriracha, lightly breaded, and air fried until golden and crispy.
2tablespoonssriracha sauce(use 1 tablespoon for less sriracha flavor)
1½lbchicken tenders
1cupPanko bread crumbs
½cupseasoned bread crumbs
½cupall purpose flour
1teaspoonsalt
¾teaspoonpaprika
¼teaspoonblack pepper
oil spray
Instructions
In a large glass dish or bowl, combine buttermilk and sriracha. Add chicken tenders and marinate for 20-30 minutes (optional but adds lots of flavor)
In a large, shallow baking dish, stir together Panko, bread crumbs, flour, salt, paprika and pepper.
Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F.
Take chicken tenders out of buttermilk marinade and place them into the dry breading mixture one at a time, pressing the bread crumbs into the chicken firmly. Place on a plate and repeat until all are done.
Open air fryer, grease with non-aerosol oil spray and place chicken tenders in, leaving space between each one (you may have to do two batches). Spray chicken with oil spray.
Cook for 10-12 minutes until both sides are golden and crispy and internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees F, flipping once if needed. Repeat until all chicken is cooked.
Notes
*Nutrition information is estimated because some of the marinade and breading will not be consumed. Tips:
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!
Storage:Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are best right away, but leftovers will last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for 1-2 months. To freeze, place in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze. Once hardened, transfer to a container. When you're ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm in the air fryer at 350ºF until heated through and re-crisped.