Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Only 3 Ingredients!
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Looking for a quick and tasty meal? Air fryer chicken tenders are your answer! With just 3 ingredients and less than an hour, you can make crispy, juicy tenders that everyone will love. These tenders are ready in only 49 minutes, including prep and cooking time.
You’ll need buttermilk, panko breadcrumbs, and chicken tenderloins. The air fryer makes them golden and crunchy without extra oil. It’s a simple recipe that’s great for busy families or anyone who wants a yummy, no-fuss meal.
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make these easy air fryer chicken tenders:
- 1 cup fat-free buttermilk
- 1 cup Italian seasoned panko bread crumbs
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
That’s it! Just three simple ingredients for delicious crispy tenders.
Want to spice things up? You can swap out 1/4 cup of the buttermilk for your favorite hot sauce. This will give your tenders a nice kick.
Make sure to have these tools on hand:
- Air fryer
- 2 medium bowls
- Kitchen tongs or fork
- Wire rack with sheet pan
With these ingredients and tools, you’ll be ready to make tasty chicken tenders in your air fryer. The recipe serves 4 people and each serving has about 211 calories.

Instructions
Marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. You can add hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Take the tenders out of the marinade. Let excess liquid drip off on a wire rack.
Coat each tender in panko breadcrumbs. Place them back on the rack.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
Put the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray them with cooking spray.
Cook for 6 minutes. Flip the tenders over and spray again.
Finish cooking until they reach 165°F inside. This usually takes about 6 more minutes.
Your crispy chicken tenders are now ready to enjoy! Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce.
Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations
You can easily change up this recipe to suit your tastes. Try these simple swaps:
- Swap buttermilk for regular milk or non-dairy milk
- Use plain breadcrumbs instead of Italian seasoned
- Try chicken breasts cut into strips instead of tenderloins
Want to add more flavor? Mix these into your breadcrumbs:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For a healthier option, skip the breading. Just marinate the chicken and air fry as directed.
You can also make these gluten-free. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
Try different dipping sauces to change things up:
- BBQ sauce
- Honey mustard
- Ranch dressing
- Buffalo sauce
These variations let you enjoy chicken tenders in new ways. Get creative and make them your own!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
For extra crispy tenders, spray them with oil before cooking. This helps the breading turn golden and crunchy.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
Shake the basket halfway through cooking to help the tenders cook evenly on all sides.
Try different seasonings in the breadcrumbs for variety. Garlic powder, paprika, or ranch seasoning can add great flavor.
To store leftovers, let the tenders cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
When reheating, use the air fryer again. Cook at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until hot and crispy.
For a healthier option, skip the breading. Season the chicken directly and air fry for a low-carb meal.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce for extra flavor.
Make a big batch and freeze some for later. Reheat frozen tenders in the air fryer at 375°F for 6-8 minutes.