Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

If you’re craving a crispy, juicy, and flavorful chicken snack that’s quick and easy to make, look no further than these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Perfectly seasoned and air-fried to golden perfection, they offer the ideal balance of crunch and tenderness without the mess of deep frying. Using a simple marinade of pickle juice and milk, the chicken stays incredibly moist, while a unique flour coating with a hint of powdered sugar and spices adds a subtle sweetness and spice that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re packing them for lunch, serving them for dinner, or offering a fun appetizer at your next gathering, these tenders deliver unbeatable taste and texture every single time.

Why It Works Every Time

There are a few key reasons why these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders turn out fantastic every time you make them:

• Pickle juice and milk marinade: The acid in the pickle juice tenderizes the chicken while the milk adds moisture, making the tenders incredibly juicy inside.
• Balanced seasoning: The combination of paprika, chili powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt creates a perfect flavor profile that’s both savory and slightly spicy.
• Powdered sugar in the flour mix: This unexpected ingredient adds a subtle sweetness that helps develop a golden-brown crust and balances the spices.
• Baking powder in the coating: This little trick lightens the crust, making it delightfully crispy and airy without being dense or greasy.
• Air frying method: The air fryer circulates hot air quickly around the tenders, crisping them up without excess oil, resulting in a healthier and cleaner cooking process.

Your Shopping Guide

Before you get started, here’s what you’ll need to gather for this recipe:

• Chicken tenders (2 lbs): Fresh, boneless chicken tenders are the star of the show.
• Pickle juice (1/2 cup): Use the juice from your favorite pickles for that tangy marinade.
• Milk (1/2 cup): Whole or 2% milk works best to keep the coating moist and tender.
• Eggs (1 large): Helps bind the coating to the chicken.
• All-purpose flour (1 cup): The base for the crispy coating.
• Powdered sugar (3 tablespoons): Adds subtle sweetness and aids browning.
• Spices: Paprika (1/2 teaspoon), chili powder (1/2 teaspoon), freshly ground black pepper (1 teaspoon), salt (1/2 teaspoon).
• Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): For that perfect crispy texture.

Gear Checklist

To achieve the best results, make sure you have these tools on hand:

• Air fryer: Essential for crisping the tenders without deep frying.
• Mixing bowls: For marinating and coating the chicken.
• Whisk or fork: To combine the wet ingredients smoothly.
• Shallow dish or plate: For the flour and spice mixture.
• Tongs: To handle the chicken tenders easily and safely.
• Wire rack (optional): For cooling the tenders after cooking to keep them crispy.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the 1/2 cup pickle juice, 1/2 cup milk, and 1 large egg. Whisk together until fully blended. Add the 2 pounds of raw chicken tenders to the marinade, making sure each piece is submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate and the chicken to tenderize.

Step 2: Prepare the Flour Coating

While the chicken marinates, mix together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder in a shallow dish. Stir well to combine all the dry ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Tenders

Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each tender in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating on all sides. Place the coated tenders on a plate or tray, ready for air frying.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes. This ensures the tenders start cooking immediately with a crisp crust.

Step 5: Air Fry the Tenders

Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the tenders from the air fryer and let them rest on a wire rack or paper towels for a minute to keep them crispy. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Fresh Takes Through the Year

• Spring: Pair your tenders with a light cucumber and dill yogurt dip for a refreshing contrast.
• Summer: Serve alongside a tangy watermelon and feta salad for a bright, seasonal meal.
• Fall: Add a smoky chipotle mayo dipping sauce to complement the warming spices.
• Winter: Warm things up by serving the tenders with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and steamed greens.

Author’s Commentary

One of my favorite things about this Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe is its simplicity combined with incredible flavor. The use of pickle juice in the marinade not only tenderizes but adds a unique zing that lifts the whole dish. Incorporating powdered sugar in the flour mix was a game-changer for me—it gives the crust a wonderful caramelized color and a slight sweetness that balances the spices perfectly. If you love comfort food that’s quick and fuss-free, these tenders will become your go-to.

• Feel free to swap out spices or add garlic powder for an extra layer of flavor.
• If you prefer a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• These tenders pair beautifully with pasta dishes like Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta for a hearty meal.

Leftovers & Meal Prep

Leftover Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are just as tasty reheated. For best results, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to maintain their crispiness. They also keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them perfect for meal prep.

• Slice leftover tenders and toss them into a salad for a protein boost.
• Dice and add to wraps or sandwiches for a quick lunch option.
• Use chopped tenders in pasta bakes like the Chicken Bacon Ranch Penne Bake for easy weeknight dinners.

Reader Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Just slice chicken breasts into strips about the size of tenders, and follow the same marinating and coating steps. Cooking time may be slightly longer depending on thickness, so check for doneness.

Do I need to flip the tenders while air frying?

Yes, flipping halfway through ensures even cooking and browning on both sides, resulting in uniformly crispy tenders.

Can I make these tenders gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly, but the results will still be delicious.

What dipping sauces go well with these chicken tenders?

Classic options like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce are always favorites. For an extra kick, try a chipotle mayo or a tangy yogurt-based dip.

Try These Next

• Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta – A sweet and savory pasta dish that complements crispy chicken beautifully.
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Penne Bake – A creamy, comforting pasta bake featuring tender chicken and crispy bacon.

Let’s Eat

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of biting into perfectly crisp, juicy chicken tenders straight from the air fryer. These tenders are a crowd-pleasing favorite that come together with minimal effort but maximum flavor. Whether you’re serving them for a quick family dinner, an after-school snack, or a game day treat, they’re sure to disappear fast. Pair them with your favorite sides or dipping sauces and enjoy a delicious meal that’s crispy, tender, and bursting with flavor. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly it becomes a staple in your kitchen rotation!

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