Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders

There’s something so comforting about homemade Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders. I remember the first time I made them—it was one of those busy weeknights where nothing seemed appealing for dinner. I had some tender chicken in the fridge and decided to whip up something quick and crispy. The aroma of the chicken cooking in the air fryer filled my kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. These tenders turned out golden brown and perfectly crispy, just like I had hoped. They were a hit with my family, and I loved knowing they were healthier than the fried version. Now, they’ve become a regular in our household, perfect for any occasion! Every bite reminds me of that delightful evening, and I can’t wait to share this recipe with you!

Let me tell you why these Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders are a cut above the rest. They’re not just easy to make; they deliver a crunch that rivals traditional frying without all that oil. Plus, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or when you have guests over. You’ll impress everyone with the flavor and texture. The secret? A marinate that includes dill pickle juice and whole milk, which makes the chicken incredibly tender and flavorful. And you won’t believe how simple it is to prepare! Our kids love them, and they’re a fantastic addition to any dipping sauce—think honey mustard or spicy ranch! You can also make a big batch for game day or family gatherings and keep them warm in the air fryer while the rest cook. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become your go-to meal!

Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders Shopping List

When it comes to the Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders, the ingredients are not just components but key players in creating a delicious dish. Each one works harmoniously to infuse flavor and achieve that perfect crunch. You’ll find that the combination of dill pickle juice, whole milk, and the crunchy coating is what elevates these tenders from ordinary to extraordinary. Gather these quality ingredients, and let’s get cooking!

• Dill pickle juice – ½ cup: This tangy liquid acts as a marinade, infusing flavor while keeping the chicken tender and juicy.
• Whole milk – ½ cup: Adds creaminess to the marinade, enhancing the chicken’s texture and flavor.
• Garlic powder – ½ tsp: A subtle yet impactful seasoning that rounds out the flavor profile.
• Onion powder – ½ tsp: Offers a savory depth that complements the other ingredients wonderfully.
• Chicken tenders – 2 lbs: The star of the dish, these are naturally juicy and cook perfectly in the air fryer.
• Egg – 1 large: Acts as a binder, helping the flour and coating stick to the chicken.
• All-purpose flour – 1 cup: Provides a crispy outer layer that gives the tenders that crunch we all crave.
• Baking powder – 2 tsp: A secret ingredient that helps achieve extra crispiness.
• Crushed corn flakes – 1 ¼ cups: Adds a deliciously crunchy texture that makes these tenders irresistible.
• Seasoned breadcrumbs – ½ cup: Enhances the flavor and adds even more crunch to the coating.
• Salt – ½ tsp: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in each bite.

Recipe Steps for Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders

Get ready to experience the joy of cooking with these simple yet delicious steps for the Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders. I love how easy it is to prepare these tenders, and I’m sure you will too. Let’s dive into the cooking process, where I’ll guide you step by step through achieving a delightful meal.

1. First, whisk together the dill pickle juice, whole milk, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large bowl. This marinade is key to ensuring the chicken remains tender and flavorful. When mixing, you should see a nice blend of colors; that’s a good sign that the flavors are coming together.

2. Next, add in the chicken tenders and let them marinate for 20 to 30 minutes. This step is crucial. Allowing the chicken to soak in the marinade not only enhances flavor but also helps to keep it moist during cooking.

3. Once the time is up, remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, but don’t toss that marinade just yet! Pat the chicken dry with some paper towels. This ensures that the coating adheres properly.

4. Take the reserved marinade and add in the egg. Whisk to combine. You’re creating a delicious wet mixture that will help your coatings stick.

5. In a separate shallow bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. This mixture will create the first layer of crunch on the chicken.

6. In another bowl, mix the crushed corn flakes, seasoned breadcrumbs, and salt. This crunchy mixture is absolutely delightful and adds that signature texture we love in tenders.

7. While you’re prepping, preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. This is a key step to ensure your chicken cooks evenly and gets that crispy exterior.

8. Now it’s time to coat the chicken tenders. First, dip each piece in the flour mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated, then into the egg mixture, and finally, into the crunchy cornflake mixture. Ensure they are well-coated for maximum flavor and texture.

9. Place the coated chicken in the basket of your air fryer in a single layer. They should not touch; this allows air to circulate and ensures even cooking. A quick spritz with non-stick spray will help achieve that golden brown finish.

10. Cook for 11 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is crucial for ensuring your meal is both safe and delicious!

11. Once they are done, serve immediately or place the cooked tenders on a wire rack until all batches are ready. If you need to reheat, just pop them back in the air fryer for 1 to 2 minutes to warm through. Enjoy!

Expert Tips about Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders

Cooking the perfect Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders can be simple with the right guidance. Here are some expert tips to ensure that your tenders turn out superb every time. Follow these to impress your family and friends!

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure they cool completely before sealing them.
• Freezing: You can freeze uncooked, breaded tenders for up to three months. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag.
• Pairing: These tenders go well with a variety of dipping sauces—try honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce for a tasty twist!
• Cooking in the Oven: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these tenders in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Coating Variations: Feel free to experiment with the coatings! You can use panko breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips for a different texture.
• Flavor Enhancements: Add spices or herbs to the coating mixture, such as paprika or dried herbs, for an extra flavor boost.

Serving Options for Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders

When it comes to enjoying your Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders, the serving options are plentiful. Here’s how you can serve and enjoy them:

• With Dipping Sauces: Pair your tenders with a selection of dips like honey mustard, ranch, or spicy ketchup for a flavorful experience.
• As a Main Course: Serve the tenders with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad for a hearty dinner.
• In a Wrap: Place the tenders in a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite sauce for a quick and delicious wrap.
• Game Day Snack: Perfect for game days, serve these tenders as finger food with plenty of sauces for dipping.
• Kids’ Lunchboxes: Slice the tenders into strips for an easy addition to your kid’s lunchboxes; they love them cold too!
• Seasonal Pairings: In summer, pair these tenders with a light coleslaw or fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders are truly special due to their perfect balance of crunch and flavor, making them a delightful option for any meal. Give this recipe a try tonight, and you’ll understand why this dish has quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy the crunchy goodness and savor every bite!

Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders

Craving a quick and easy dinner? These Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders are the ultimate comfort food. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, they're perfect for any weeknight meal or game day snack. Try this easy recipe tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 42 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• ½ cup Dill pickle juice
• ½ cup Whole milk
• ½ tsp Garlic powder
• ½ tsp Onion powder
• 2 lbs Chicken tenders
• 1 large Egg
• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• 2 tsp Baking powder
• 1 ¼ cup Crushed corn flakes
• ½ cup Seasoned breadcrumbs
• ½ tsp Salt

Equipment

• Skillet
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl
• Air Fryer

Method

 

1. Whisk together the dill pickle juice, whole milk, garlic powder and onion powder in a large bowl. Add in the chicken tenders and let marinate for 20 minutes, no more than 30 minutes. Remove chicken pieces from marinade (do not discard marinade) and pat dry with paper towels.
2. To the marinade add in the egg and whisk to combine.
3. In a separate shallow bowl combine the flour and baking powder. In another bowl combine the cornflakes, breadcrumbs and salt.
4. Meanwhile preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees F for 5 minutes.
5. Coat the chicken tenders in the flour, then dip in the egg mixture and then coat in the cornflake mixture. Place the coated chicken in the basket of your air fryer in a single layer, so they are not touching each other. Give a quick spritz with non-stick spray.
6. Cook for 11 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Serve immediately, or place on a wire rack until all batches are cooked. Reheat for just 1 to 2 minutes in air fryer to warm all chicken tenders together.

Notes

• Preheat your oven: to 425 degrees F for baking should you choose that method.
• Arrange crumb coated chicken: on a wire rack placed inside a lined baking sheet for even cooking.
• Give a quick spritz: of non-stick spray and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping the chicken tenders halfway through cooking.

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Meet Audrey Hayes

I’m Audrey! I founded Cozy Daily Recipes to help you find joy in the kitchen every single day. I personally test and approve every recipe we publish to ensure it’s worthy of your table. Whether I'm slow cooking a Sunday roast or whipping up a quick lunch, my goal is to make your cooking life easier and more delicious.