Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
11 mins
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Additional Time
30 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 1 min
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Servings
4
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Calories
409 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Lunch, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Description
This recipe involves soaking chicken tenders in buttermilk to tenderize and add moisture before coating them with a blend of seasoned flour, cornstarch, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. After an egg wash, the tenders are coated with a combined mixture of breadcrumbs and crushed cornflakes that provides a crunchy crust once air fried. The air fryer crisps the coating at 390°F for about 11 minutes, cooking the chicken fully without oil immersion.
The result is a golden, crunchy exterior with a moist, tender interior. The seasoning adds a mild heat, and the crushed cornflakes contribute extra texture. This method reduces excess fat from frying while delivering a crispy finish. Cooking tenders in batches is recommended to avoid overcrowding and ensure even crisping. Reheating cooked tenders briefly in the air fryer restores crispness.
Patting the chicken dry after marinating helps the coating adhere properly and prevents sogginess. Using crushed cornflakes that are finely processed ensures even coating without large flakes falling off during cooking. Monitor cooking time to avoid overcooking, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenderloin or chicken breasts cut into 1" strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning low sodium
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 egg
- ½ cup seasoned bread crumbs
- ½ cup corn flakes crushed
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Marinate chicken tenders in buttermilk at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
- Combine flour, cornstarch, seasonings and salt & pepper to taste in a bowl. Whisk egg with 1 tablespoon water in a separate bowl and combine seasoned breadcrumbs and cornflakes in a 3rd bowl.
- Remove chicken tenders from the buttermilk allowing any excess to drip off. Pat dry with paper towel.
- Dredge chicken in the flour mixture to lightly coat it. Dip in egg and finally dip into the bread crumb mixture.
- Spray chicken with cooking spray.
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F. Add chicken tenders to the air fryer in a single layer and cook 11 minutes.
Notes
- Cook chicken tenders in small batches to maintain crispiness and even cooking.
- After all tenders are cooked, reheating them together in the air fryer for 2 minutes restores crispness.
- Dry the chicken thoroughly after buttermilk marination to help the breading stick well and prevent sogginess.
- Pulse bread crumbs and cornflakes finely for even coating and better adherence on the chicken.
- Do not overcook; ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for safety and juiciness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 409 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 409 | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 52g | 17% |
| Protein | 33g | 66% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 120mg | 40% |
| Sodium | 627mg | 26% |
| Potassium | 628mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 996IU | 20% |
| Vitamin C | 8mg | 9% |
| Calcium | 108mg | 11% |
| Iron | 11mg | 61% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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