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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: Easy Game Day Platter Recipe

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These crispy air fryer chicken tenders are quick, easy, and perfect for game day. A buttermilk brine and seasoned panko coating create a shatteringly crunchy exterior with juicy, tender meat inside.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds chicken breast tenders (or boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips about 1 inch wide)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds depth)
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Olive oil spray (or any high-heat cooking spray)

Instructions

  1. Brine the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Add the chicken tenders, making sure they’re fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  2. Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne (if using), oregano, thyme, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.
  3. Set Up Your Dredging Station: Place your bowl of brined chicken, the coating dish, and a clean plate or cooling rack nearby.
  4. Coat the Chicken: Working with one tender at a time, let the excess buttermilk drip off slightly, then place it in the coating mixture. Press firmly so the coating adheres, then flip and press again. Shake off any excess and place the coated tender on your rack or plate. Repeat with all the tenders.
  5. Let the Coating Set: Once all tenders are coated, let them rest for 5-10 minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  6. Spray the Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
  7. Arrange the Tenders: Place the coated tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd. Cook in batches if needed.
  8. Spray and Cook: Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with olive oil spray. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes. Flip each tender using tongs, spray the other side lightly, and cook for another 4-6 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is deep golden brown.
  9. Rest Before Serving: Transfer the cooked tenders to a clean plate or wire rack. Let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don’t skip the buttermilk soak—it tenderizes the meat and helps the coating stick. Shake off excess coating to avoid a doughy layer. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Flip halfway through for even browning. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. Keep warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack if making a large batch.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, game day recipe, crispy chicken tenders, buttermilk chicken, easy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-tenders-easy-game-day-platter-recipe/