Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make chicken dish that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, this recipe for air-fried chicken tenderloins is perfect for you. Coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and air-fried to perfection, these tenders are not only healthier but also quick to prepare, making them great for weeknight meals or gatherings.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1.5 – 2 lbs. chicken tenderloins (about 12-16 pieces)
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
One 1-ounce packet ranch seasoning (optional)
1 egg
1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)
3/4 cup milk + 1 1/2 teaspoons vinegar
2 1/2 cups plain breadcrumbs
2 1/2 tablespoons seasoning mix (e.g., McCormick rotisserie chicken seasoning)
Avocado oil spray
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves about 4 people
Enjoy this tasty and easy-to-make air-fried chicken tenderloins recipe, perfect for any occasion!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare Dipping Stations:
– In the first bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and ranch seasoning (if using). Mix well to ensure all dry ingredients are evenly incorporated.
– In the second bowl, mix the milk and vinegar together, letting it sit for about 5 minutes. This will create a homemade buttermilk substitute. After 5 minutes, add the egg and hot sauce (if using) to this mixture, and whisk until well combined.
– In the third bowl, thoroughly mix the plain breadcrumbs with the seasoning mix.
Flatten Chicken Tenderloins:
– Take each chicken tenderloin and place it on a cutting board. Using the flat side of a knife or a meat mallet, gently flatten or fan out the tenderloins to ensure even cooking.
Coat the Chicken:
– Begin by dredging each flattened tenderloin in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour to ensure a light coating.
– Next, dip the floured tenderloin into the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess liquid to drip off back into the bowl.
– Finally, roll the tenderloin in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well to the chicken.
Air Fry:
– Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping.
– Generously spray the chicken tenders with avocado oil spray to achieve even browning during cooking.
– Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Serve:
– Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces for an enjoyable meal.
Notes
– For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the hot sauce before coating.
– Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the buttermilk mixture according to your heat preference.
– Ensure the air fryer is not overcrowded to achieve the best crispiness.
– The cooking time may vary slightly based on the thickness of the tenderloins, so check for doneness if unsure.
Cook techniques
Preparing Dipping Stations
Set up three separate bowls for the coating process: one for the flour mixture, one for the buttermilk mixture, and one for the breadcrumb mixture. This organized setup allows for a smooth and efficient breading process.
Flattening Chicken Tenderloins
Gently flatten the chicken tenderloins to ensure even cooking and a perfect texture. Use the flat side of a knife to achieve a uniform thickness.
Coating Chicken Tenderloins
Dredge each tenderloin in the flour mixture first, ensuring all sides are coated. Then dip it in the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off before coating it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
Air Frying Chicken Tenders
Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Generously spray with avocado oil to promote even browning. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through for optimal results.
Serving
Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken tenderloins?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenderloins. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before coating and cooking.
What can I substitute for ranch seasoning?
If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can use your favorite seasoning blend or a mix of herbs like parsley, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Is there a gluten-free option for the flour and breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
What is a good dipping sauce for these chicken tenders?
Popular dipping sauces include ranch, buffalo sauce, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
Can I bake these chicken tenders instead of air frying?
Yes, you can bake the chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Conclusion
This crispy air-fried chicken tenderloin recipe provides a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. With its simple preparation and customizable seasoning, it’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a gathering with friends and family. Enjoy your golden brown chicken tenders with a variety of dipping sauces to elevate the taste experience!
Chicken Tender Wraps
Wrap the air-fried chicken tenders in a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite sauce for a hearty lunch or dinner.
Chicken Tender Salad
Slice the cooked chicken tenders and toss them in a fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a ranch dressing for a light meal.
Spicy Chicken Tenders
Enhance the heat by increasing the amount of hot sauce in the buttermilk mixture or adding sliced jalapeños to the serving platter.
Chicken Tender Sliders
Serve the chicken tenders on mini buns with coleslaw and pickles for a fun slider option at your next party.
Italian Chicken Tenders
Coat the chicken tenders in Italian seasoning and serve them with marinara sauce for a delicious twist.
Chicken Tender Nachos
Layer tortilla chips with shredded chicken tenders, cheese, and toppings like guacamole and salsa for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
