Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- ¾ cbuttermilk
- 2 tspworcestershire sauce
- ½ tsppaprika
- 1 lbchicken tenders
- 1 ½ cpanko
- ¼ cgrated parmesan
- 1 tbspolive oil
- kosher salt
- ¼ cmayonnaise
- 3 tbspyellow mustard
- 2 tbsphoney
- 1 tbspdijon mustard
Directions
- 1
For the chicken: Combine the buttermilk, Worcestershire sauce and paprika in a resealable plastic bag. Add the chicken, making sure it is completely coated. Seal the bag and place in a bowl. Let marinate at room temperature for 1 hour.
- 2
Meanwhile, stir together the panko with the Parmesan, olive oil and 1 teaspoon salt in a shallow baking dish or pie plate.
- 3
For the dipping sauce: Stir together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, honey and Dijon in a small bowl and set aside.
- 4
Preheat a 3.5-quart air fryer to 390 degrees F. Remove 1 piece of chicken at a time from the bag, shaking off excess buttermilk. Place in the panko and press gently with your hands to adhere the panko evenly. Gently shake to remove the excess and place in the air fryer basket. Repeat with enough chicken to fill the basket (about 4 pieces) and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 7 minutes on each side. Repeat with the remaining chicken and serve warm with the dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
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About this Recipe
Say goodbye to greasy takeout and hello to these incredible Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, your new favorite weeknight supper. This recipe transforms a classic into a healthier, kid-friendly delight, all without sacrificing that irresistible crispy crunch.
The magic lies in the air fryer, which circulates hot air to achieve a beautifully golden and crisp coating, mimicking deep-frying with significantly less oil. We first marinate the chicken tenders in a buttermilk mixture, ensuring every bite is incredibly juicy and tender, a secret weapon against dry chicken.
You're in for a real treat: perfectly cooked chicken tenders with a wonderfully crunchy panko and Parmesan crust and a surprisingly moist, flavorful interior. The buttermilk marinade, infused with a hint of paprika and Worcestershire sauce, creates a subtle depth of flavor that complements the savory coating. This dish is designed to please even the pickiest eaters, making healthier eating fun and delicious for the whole family.
Feel free to experiment with the coating by adding different spices like garlic powder or onion powder to the panko. If you don't have Parmesan, you can omit it or try a different hard cheese. For the dipping sauce, adjust the honey and mustards to your preference for a sweeter or tangier honey mustard.
These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight supper, especially when paired with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. Serve them with the homemade honey mustard dipping sauce for the ultimate family-friendly meal.