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overhead view white plate with Air Fryer Buttermilk Chicken Tenders and dipping sauce
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3.72 from 45 votes

Air Fryer Buttermilk Chicken Tenders

Marinated in seasoned buttermilk, breaded and air fried using almost no oil - crispy coating outside - juicy chicken inside.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Marinate15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer buttermilk chicken tenders, air fryer chicken tenders, air fryer chicken, air fryer recipe, chicken tenders, fried chicken
Servings: 4
Calories:

Equipment

  • Air fryer

Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken tenders or chicken breasts sliced into tenderloins
  • 1 cup buttermilk OR see body of post/how to make buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • cooking spray
  • parchment paper lined baking sheet

Instructions

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  • If you’re using chicken breasts, slice them into about 1 1/2″ wide strips.
  • In a medium bowl blend buttermilk, salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder. Add chicken pieces, turning to coat well. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes up to 3-4 hours.
  • Set up a dredging station in 3 bowls:  flour in one, beaten eggs in the second bowl and panko in the third.
  • Remove tenders from the marinade one at a time shaking any excess. Working one piece at a time, dredge chicken in flour, shaking off excess then dip in egg and last in panko.
  • Transfer to the parchment paper lined baking sheet, gently pressing the breading down on the top of each one. Repeat until all the chicken is coated.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400° then spray the tenders with cooking spray and add a light sprinkle of salt.
  •  Add chicken pieces to the air fryer basket oiled side down in a single layer.
  • Spray the opposite side then cook 10-12 minutes total or until they reach an internal temperature of 165° turning them over halfway through.
  • If they don’t all fit without overcrowding, air fry in batches then when all chicken is cooked, return finished tenders to the air fryer and heat 1-2 minutes at 350°.