Description
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins are a delicious and easy-to-make dish, perfect for a quick meal. These tenderloins are marinated in buttermilk and spices, then coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust and cooked to perfection in an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken tenderloins, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for best flavor.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- In a shallow dish, mix the flour and cayenne pepper (if using). In another shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each tenderloin in the flour mixture, then dip back into the buttermilk, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Arrange the coated chicken tenderloins in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Cook in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For a healthier option, substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour.
- You can also add your favorite herbs and spices to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor, such as Italian seasoning or Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg