Ingredients
1 lb chicken tenderloins
1 cup buttermilk (or dairy-free alternative)
1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
2 large eggs
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Olive oil spray
Instructions
1. Place chicken tenderloins in a bowl with buttermilk and let marinate for 30 minutes.
2. Set up a breading station with three bowls: flour + spices, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
3. Dip each tender in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, coating well.
4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 3 minutes.
5. Place tenders in the basket in a single layer. Lightly spray with oil.
6. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and internal temp is 165°F.
7. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces or sides.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if needed.
For extra crisp, mix grated Parmesan with breadcrumbs.
Gluten-free? Use almond flour and gluten-free panko.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 min.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 tenders
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg