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