Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: Your Guide to Juicy, Homemade Perfection

Say goodbye to greasy, deep-fried chicken tenders and hello to these incredibly easy, crispy, and juicy air fryer chicken tenders made right at home! We’ll dive into the secret to their irresistible texture and flavor: a simple buttermilk soak for maximum juiciness and a unique cornflake coating that delivers the ultimate crunch. Get ready to elevate your chicken tender game!

Are you craving that satisfying crunch of perfectly cooked chicken tenders without the guilt and mess of deep-frying? Look no further! These air fryer chicken tenders are a game-changer, offering an unparalleled crispness on the outside and an incredibly tender, juicy interior. They are, quite simply, the best homemade chicken tenders you’ll ever make.

I love serving these golden-brown beauties with my signature house sauce (recipe below!), but their versatility means they pair wonderfully with any of your favorite dipping sauces. Think classic ketchup, creamy ranch, spicy buffalo sauce, tangy honey mustard, or even a sweet and sour sauce. For a quick and easy meal, I sometimes tuck them into a warm tortilla with some fresh veggies for a delicious chicken wrap. This recipe is not only incredibly easy but also remarkably adaptable to different tastes and occasions.

And don’t worry if you haven’t jumped on the air fryer bandwagon yet! While an air fryer produces truly exceptional results, I’ve also included clear instructions on how to achieve deliciously crispy chicken tenders in your conventional oven. No special equipment needed to enjoy this fantastic dish!

For years, chicken strips were my go-to order at any fried chicken restaurant. But let’s be honest, the deep-fried variety, while undeniably tasty, often leaves you feeling a bit heavy. I used to joke about balancing it out with a salad, as if the greens could magically cancel out all the fried goodness. We all wish it worked that way, right? A salad for lunch means you can automatically add fries to dinner, and it’s practically a health food!

While we can dream, these air fryer chicken fingers offer a much healthier and more practical solution. By utilizing the circulating hot air of an air fryer, we drastically cut down on excess oil without sacrificing that beloved crispy, crunchy breaded exterior. You get all the flavor and texture you love, with significantly less fat – a win-win in every bite!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenders:

Crafting these delectable chicken tenders requires a handful of simple, readily available ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the desired flavor and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• Chicken Tenderloin: For this recipe, chicken tenderloins are my top recommendation. Their natural shape and tenderness yield the best, most consistent results. However, if you only have chicken breasts on hand, don’t fret! You can easily slice them thinly lengthwise into uniform strips to create “mock” tenders. Sometimes, you might even find tenderloins that are exceptionally large – these are often referred to as “dyno-sized” tenders, and they work perfectly too!
• Buttermilk: This is the secret weapon for incredibly juicy and tender chicken. Soaking the chicken in buttermilk before coating it helps relax the protein fibers, resulting in a noticeably more succulent bite. The natural acidity in buttermilk also helps the coating adhere better. If buttermilk isn’t readily available, you can create a simple substitute: combine 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles, then use as directed.
• Seasonings: A robust flavor profile is key for any great chicken tender. Our blend includes kosher salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder. I always season the buttermilk mixture with some salt to ensure the chicken is seasoned from the inside out. The remaining salt, along with the garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder, is incorporated into the flour mixture. This ensures the seasonings adhere directly to the chicken and develop their full flavor without burning during the air frying process.
• All-Purpose Flour: The flour forms the foundational layer of our crispy coating. When mixed with the seasonings, it creates a flavorful base that adheres to the buttermilk-soaked chicken, preparing it for the egg wash and ultimate crunchy exterior.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adding grated Parmesan to the flour mixture introduces a wonderful savory, umami depth to the tenders. As the chicken cooks, the Parmesan melts, contributing to both flavor and a slightly richer crust without the risk of burning, unlike larger shreds of cheese.
• Crushed Cornflakes: This is where the magic happens for that ultimate crunch! Forget panko breadcrumbs for these tenders – while great for many dishes, crushed cornflakes provide an unparalleled crispy texture that truly shines in the air fryer. They create a distinct, satisfying crunch that sets these tenders apart from any other. To crush them, you can place them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin or pulse them briefly in a food processor. Aim for a coarse, irregular crumb rather than a fine powder.
• Cooking Spray (Oil Spray): A light spritz of oil spray is essential for achieving that beautifully golden-brown and extra crispy exterior in the air fryer. It helps the cornflake coating become irresistibly crunchy and ensures an even cook.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer:

Making these air fryer chicken tenders is a straightforward process, broken down into a few easy steps. Follow these instructions closely for the best, crispiest results:

1. Soak the Chicken in Buttermilk: Begin by combining the buttermilk and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt in a medium bowl or a large zip-top bag. Stir well until the salt dissolves. Add the chicken tenderloins to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged and coated. Allow them to soak for at least 15-20 minutes at room temperature. For even more tender and flavorful results, you can cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for up to 6 hours. This buttermilk bath is a crucial step for achieving maximum juiciness.
2. Set Up Your Dredging Station: Preparation is key for a smooth coating process. You’ll need three shallow bowls or dishes. In the first bowl, whisk together the two large eggs with 1 tablespoon of water until well combined. In the second bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan cheese, the remaining ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder; whisk thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. In the third and final bowl, place your coarsely crushed cornflakes. Having these stations ready will make the dredging process efficient and mess-free.
3. Dredge the Chicken Tenders: This step is all about creating that perfect crispy coating. To avoid a messy, batter-covered hand, adopt the “dry hand, wet hand” technique.
   • First, using a “dry hand,” remove a chicken tender from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
   • Dip this tender into the flour mixture. Use your “dry hand” to gently press and turn the chicken, ensuring it’s completely coated with the flour mixture. Shake off any excess.
   • Next, switch to your “wet hand” and dip the flour-coated chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully covered. Let excess egg drip off.
   • Finally, transfer the egg-dipped tender back to the cornflake mixture, using your “dry hand.” Press the cornflakes firmly onto all sides of the chicken until it’s thoroughly coated. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken tenders, placing each coated tender on a clean plate until ready to air fry. This technique helps keep your hands cleaner and ensures an even coating.
4. Air Fry for Ultimate Crispiness: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking, I highly recommend lining your air fryer basket with parchment paper designed specifically for air fryers – it makes a huge difference! Once preheated, arrange 3-6 dredged chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Crucially, do not overcrowd the basket. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of crisping it, resulting in a less crunchy and longer cooking time. Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with oil spray. Air fry for 6 minutes, then flip each tender, spray the other side with oil, and continue cooking for another 3-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160-165°F (71-74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part. The cornflake coating doesn’t darken much during air frying, so relying solely on visual cues isn’t enough – always use a thermometer for safety and doneness. Repeat in batches until all tenders are cooked.
5. Alternatively, Bake in the Oven: If an air fryer isn’t available, you can still achieve crispy tenders in your oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Lightly spray the wire rack with oil spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer on the wire rack, ensuring they are not touching. Spray the tops of the tenders generously with oil spray. Bake for 14-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through and spraying the other side with oil. Continue baking until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Chicken Tenders:

Here are answers to some common questions you might have when making these delicious tenders:

1. What’s in your house dipping sauce? My house dipping sauce is incredibly easy and adds a fantastic sweet and tangy kick! Simply whisk together 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of your favorite BBQ sauce, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1½ to 3 teaspoons of Sriracha (adjust to your spice preference), and ¼ cup of mayonnaise in a small bowl until completely smooth and combined. It’s truly addictive and complements the crispy tenders perfectly!
2. Can I skip dipping them in the buttermilk? While technically you *can* skip this step, I strongly advise against it. The buttermilk soak is crucial for several reasons: it deeply tenderizes the chicken, infuses it with extra flavor, and helps the flour mixture adhere much better, leading to a more consistent and crispy coating. Even a quick 15-20 minute soak makes a noticeable difference in the final product’s juiciness and flavor. For the best results, don’t skip this essential step!
3. Can I use a gluten-free baking mix and gluten-free cornflakes for this recipe? Absolutely! I’m confident that a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose baking mix will work beautifully as a 1:1 replacement for the regular flour in this recipe. Similarly, gluten-free cornflakes should also provide that desirable crunch. However, different gluten-free products can sometimes behave slightly differently under heat. I recommend air frying just one chicken tender at 380°F (195°C) as a test. Observe closely to ensure the gluten-free cornflakes don’t brown or burn too quickly before the chicken is fully cooked through. If you notice they are browning rapidly, simply reduce your air fryer’s temperature to 370°F (188°C) for the remaining batches to ensure a perfectly cooked tender with a golden, crispy crust.
4. What would you serve with these crispy tenders? The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to pairing sides with these versatile chicken tenders! For a classic comfort meal, any kind of potato is a winner. Consider serving them with crispy garlicky roasted potatoes, classic french fries, tater tots, aromatic rosemary roasted potatoes, hearty baked potatoes, or rich cheesy scalloped potatoes. Beyond potatoes, a fresh side salad adds a refreshing contrast, such as my favorite Caesar salad, an everyday kale crunch salad, crisp coleslaw, or a creamy, addictive macaroni salad for maximum comfort. If you’re aiming for a complete Southern-inspired meal, serve them alongside fluffy buttermilk biscuits or the savory cheddar and garlic variety – absolutely divine!

If you like this recipe, you might also enjoy these:

• Hot Honey Pretzel Chicken Fingers
• Sticky Baked Chicken Bites in Honey Sriracha Sauce
• Parmesan Chicken Cutlets in Lemon Butter Sauce
• Super Crispy Garlic Parmesan Wings
• Crispy Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken