Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are everything you want in a quick dinner or snack — crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfect for dipping. Marinated in buttermilk and coated with a flavorful crunch, they cook fast in the air fryer with less oil and less mess. Kid-friendly, party-ready, and weeknight easy!

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenderloins (or chicken breasts cut into 1-inch strips)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (low sodium)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• ½ cup seasoned bread crumbs
• ½ cup crushed cornflakes
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours).
2. In one bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. In a second bowl, whisk egg with 1 tablespoon water.
4. In a third bowl, combine bread crumbs and crushed cornflakes.
5. Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Pat dry.
6. Dredge chicken in flour mixture.
7. Dip into egg mixture.
8. Coat thoroughly in bread crumb mixture.
9. Spray chicken lightly with cooking spray.
10. Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
11. Arrange chicken in a single layer.
12. Air fry for 11 minutes, flipping halfway if needed.
13. Cook until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Serving & Storage Tips

• Serve with ranch, honey mustard, BBQ, buffalo sauce, or ketchup
• Pair with fries, coleslaw, mac & cheese, or a fresh salad
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes
• Freeze cooked tenders for up to 2 months

Variations

1. Parmesan Crusted – Add ½ cup grated parmesan to breading
2. Spicy Buffalo – Toss cooked tenders in buffalo sauce
3. Honey Garlic – Drizzle with honey and garlic butter
4. Italian Style – Use Italian seasoning and parmesan
5. BBQ Crunch – Mix BBQ seasoning into flour
6. Panko Upgrade – Swap breadcrumbs for panko
7. Cheesy Ranch – Add ranch seasoning and cheddar powder
8. Lemon Pepper – Use lemon pepper seasoning
9. Cornmeal Crunch – Replace cornflakes with cornmeal
10. Gluten-Free – Use GF flour and GF breadcrumbs
11. Low-Carb – Almond flour + crushed pork rinds
12. Asian-Inspired – Add ginger powder and sesame seeds
13. Cajun Extra Heat – Add cayenne or hot paprika
14. Kids’ Mild – Skip Cajun seasoning entirely
15. Everything Bagel – Add everything bagel seasoning to breading

FAQs

1. Can I skip the buttermilk?
   Yes, use milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice.
2. Can I use frozen chicken?
   Thaw completely before marinating.
3. Do I need to flip them?
   Optional, but flipping helps even browning.
4. Why use cornstarch?
   It adds extra crispiness.
5. Can I bake these instead?
   Yes, bake at 425°F for 18–22 minutes.
6. How do I keep them crispy?
   Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
7. Can I prep ahead?
   Yes, bread chicken and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
8. What air fryer size works best?
   5–6 quart air fryers are ideal.
9. Are these kid-friendly?
   Absolutely — just reduce seasoning.
10. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes, cook in batches for best results.

These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a healthier alternative to fried chicken without sacrificing flavor or crunch. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, game day, or meal prep, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast. Don’t forget the dipping sauces!

Print