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In the world of comfort food, few dishes are as universally loved as chicken tenders. When paired with a zesty ranch dip, these crispy delights become the perfect snack or meal option for any occasion. This article will guide you through the creation of crispy air fryer chicken tenders that are not only healthier but also bursting with flavor. Using a simple marinade and a three-step breading process, you'll achieve a satisfying crunch without the excess oil of traditional frying. Additionally, we'll introduce a homemade zesty ranch dip that complements the tenders beautifully, making this dish a must-try for families and gatherings alike.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Dip

Discover the joy of making crispy air fryer chicken tenders, a healthier twist on a beloved comfort food. This recipe guides you through a simple marination and breading process, ensuring each tender is flavorful and crunchy. Pair them with a homemade zesty ranch dip for the ultimate snack or meal. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, these tenders are sure to impress everyone. Enjoy tasty bites that bring satisfaction and smiles to your table.
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Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Tenders:

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

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup Panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)

2 large eggs, beaten

Cooking spray or olive oil spray

For the Zesty Ranch Dip:

½ cup Greek yogurt

½ cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon dried dill

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Add the chicken strips to the bowl, ensuring they are fully submerged in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight, to enhance flavor and tenderness.

    Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three bowls for the breading process. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, lightly beat the eggs until well mixed. In the third bowl, pour in the Panko breadcrumbs.

      Bread the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Allow excess marinade to drip off. Dredge each strip in the flour, shaking off any excess flour. Dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, and then coat thoroughly with the Panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well. Repeat the process until all the chicken tenders are breaded.

        Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes, ensuring it reaches the desired cooking temperature.

          Cook the Chicken Tenders: Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray to promote a golden, crispy coating. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until the tenders are golden brown and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F.

            Create the Zesty Ranch Dip: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the ranch dip by mixing the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Stir until all ingredients are well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference.

              Serve: Once the chicken tenders finish cooking, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes. Serve the crispy tenders hot alongside the flavorful zesty ranch dip for dipping.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                  Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes marination) | Servings: 4

                    Presentation Tips:

                      For an attractive presentation, arrange the chicken tenders on a serving platter with the zesty ranch dip in a small bowl in the center. Garnish the platter with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill for a pop of color and added freshness.