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Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to prepare your air fryer correctly to ensure your chicken tenders turn out perfectly crispy and flavorful. Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step that many home cooks overlook.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders for Family Fun

Discover the joy of crispy air fryer chicken tenders with this simple and nutritious recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, these tenders are made with lean chicken breasts and coated in a flavorful panko breadcrumb crust. The marination in buttermilk ensures juicy, tender meat while the air frying technique delivers a delicious crunch without excess oil. Follow our step-by-step guide and impress family and friends with this healthier take on a classic dish. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauces for an irresistible treat!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tsp vinegar)

Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Optional: Dipping sauces (honey mustard, ranch, BBQ)

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: Begin by soaking the chicken strips in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor and tenderness, you can marinate them overnight in the refrigerator. The buttermilk will help to keep the chicken juicy while adding a subtle tang.

    Prepare the Breading Station: Set up your breading station with three shallow bowls:

      - In the first bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a seasoned flour mixture.

        - In the second bowl, have the beaten eggs ready for dipping.

          - In the third bowl, pour the panko breadcrumbs, perfect for achieving a crispy texture.

            Bread the Chicken Strips:

              - Remove the marinated chicken strips from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off.

                - First, dredge each strip in the seasoned flour, ensuring you coat them completely while shaking off any excess flour.

                  - Next, dip the flour-coated chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, ensuring they are well coated.

                    - Finally, press the chicken strips firmly into the panko breadcrumbs, making sure they are fully covered. Set the breaded strips aside on a plate.

                      Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating is essential for achieving that delicious crispiness as the chicken cooks evenly.

                        Cook the Chicken Tenders: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. Spray the tops of the tenders lightly with more cooking spray to enhance crispness.

                          Air Fry the Chicken: Cook the chicken tenders in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. They should be golden brown and crispy, with an internal temperature reaching 165°F (74°C). If you're cooking in batches, keep the cooked tenders warm in a low oven until all batches are done.

                            Serve and Enjoy: Once finished, allow the chicken tenders to rest for a couple of minutes to retain their juiciness. Serve them alongside your choice of dipping sauces—honey mustard pairs beautifully. Gather your family and enjoy this delightful meal together!

                              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 45 minutes | 4 servings

                                Optional Presentation Tips: Arrange the chicken tenders on a serving platter, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a pop of color, elevating the dish both visually and flavor-wise. Enjoy!