If you love crispy, golden chicken but want to keep things lighter and easier, these Air Fried Chicken Tenders are about to become your new favorite obsession. Crisp on the outside, juicy and flavorful on the inside—thanks to a tangy pickle-brined marinade—they’re simply irresistible and cooked to perfection in the air fryer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbelievable Crunch: The air fryer delivers all the crispy, golden goodness of deep-frying—no greasy mess, and no guilt!
- Pickle-Brined Perfection: Soaking the chicken in pickle juice and buttermilk makes every bite irresistibly tender and flavorful.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You don’t need a long grocery list—just a few kitchen staples and a secret swipe of mayo for ultimate crunch.
- Family-Friendly Favorite: These Air Fried Chicken Tenders are a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Air Fried Chicken Tenders is that the ingredient list is delightfully short, but every item packs a punch in flavor and texture. Each component plays an essential role, from juicing up the meat to getting that irresistible crunchy coating just right.
- Chicken breast tenders: Look for the pack labeled “tenders” for the most tender bite, but sliced chicken breast strips work in a pinch too.
- Pickle juice: Don’t toss that pickle jar! The leftover juice works magic to tenderize and flavor the chicken.
- Buttermilk: This creamy addition brings tang and even more tenderness to the marinade.
- Almond flour: A nutty twist for the coating, it adds subtle flavor and a delicate crunch.
- Panko: Japanese-style breadcrumbs create the crispiest, most satisfying crust—especially in the air fryer.
- Garlic powder: For a gentle, savory kick that runs through every bite.
- Paprika: Adds color and a touch of warmth to make your tenders extra inviting.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the wonderful flavors of this simple mix.
- Mayonnaise: A very thin swipe helps the panko mixture stick, and ensures the coating gets wonderfully crispy in your air fryer.
Variations
Once you’ve mastered this recipe, it’s easy to mix things up to suit all sorts of cravings, favorite flavors, or any dietary needs you’re working with. Don’t be afraid to get creative—these Air Fried Chicken Tenders are made for customization!
- Gluten-Free Crunch: Swap out the panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs or extra almond flour to keep things totally gluten-free.
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot paprika to your coating for tenders with serious attitude.
- Dairy-Free Swap: Use your favorite non-dairy milk and a squeeze of lemon juice as a buttermilk substitute.
- Herb Lover’s Delight: Toss in dried oregano, thyme, or parsley to the coating for a savory, garden-fresh twist.
How to Make Air Fried Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Marinate for Maximum Flavor
Start by combining pickle juice and buttermilk in a large bowl, then add your chicken tenders. Give them a gentle toss to fully coat, cover the bowl, and stash them in the fridge for at least 1 hour—though even 30 minutes will do if you’re pressed for time. The longer they soak, the more tender and flavorful your chicken will be!
Step 2: Mix Up the Crunchy Coating
In another bowl, whisk together almond flour, panko, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. This mixture will stick beautifully, delivering that crave-worthy crunch thanks to the almond flour’s nutty notes and the panko’s airy texture.
Step 3: Prep and Bread the Tenders
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F to get things hot! Lightly brush both sides of each chicken tender with mayonnaise—just a thin layer—and then dredge them in the panko mixture. Press gently so every nook and cranny gets a crunchy coat.
Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Shake off any excess coating, then arrange the tenders in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Lightly spritz both sides with olive oil or cooking spray. Cook in batches for 5–6 minutes per side; you’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden, crispy, and steaming hot in the center. Try not to eat them all straight from the basket!
Pro Tips for Making Air Fried Chicken Tenders
- Pickle Juice Magic: Don’t skimp on the pickle juice—this tangy marinade makes your chicken uniquely tender and flavor-packed!
- Mayo “Glue”: The secret swipe of mayonnaise helps your breading stick and crisp up much better than eggs or milk, so don’t skip this little step.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Air fry in batches so hot air can circulate, which is key for even crisping on every single tender.
- Golden Guarantee: Lightly spray both sides with oil before air frying for that signature golden color and crunch—this makes all the difference!
How to Serve Air Fried Chicken Tenders
Garnishes
Try a scatter of fresh chopped parsley, a dusting of smoked paprika for a hint of color, or thinly sliced green onions for a cheerful finish. You can also serve up lemon wedges on the side for a fresh pop that brightens each bite.
Side Dishes
Pair your Air Fried Chicken Tenders with crisp coleslaw, sweet potato fries, a fresh garden salad, or classic mac and cheese for a true comfort meal. For a lighter plate, serve next to roasted veggies or your favorite grain bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
Pack them in a lunchbox with a fun dipping trio, slice tenders over a hearty salad, or build chicken tender wraps with crunchy lettuce and tangy pickles. For game day, pile them into a basket lined with parchment and let everyone dig in!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’ll maintain their juiciness, and you can re-crisp them easily when you’re ready for round two.
Freezing
Lay cooked, cooled tenders in a single layer on a tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. This way, your Air Fried Chicken Tenders won’t stick together, and you can simply grab what you need for a quick snack or meal!
Reheating
Pop them back in your air fryer at 350°F for just a few minutes, and they’ll return to crispy, just-cooked perfection. No air fryer? The oven works well too—just spread them on a rack to keep that glorious crunch.
FAQs
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Can I use regular chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Just slice chicken breasts into uniform strips to mimic tenders. They’ll still soak up all that delicious brine and cook up beautifully in the air fryer.
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Is there a substitute for pickle juice if I don’t have any?
You can use a splash of apple cider vinegar mixed with water and a pinch of salt for a similar tang, but pickle juice brings a uniquely tasty flavor, so try to get your hands on some if you can!
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How do I know when the chicken tenders are fully cooked?
The chicken should be golden, crispy on the outside, and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. There should be no pink in the center—just juicy, cooked-through meat.
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Can I make Air Fried Chicken Tenders ahead of time?
You sure can! Marinate the chicken and prepare the breading in advance, or cook the tenders, freeze, and simply reheat for a quick and delicious meal later on.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hunting for a weeknight win or something crowd-pleasing for your next gathering, you just can’t beat homemade Air Fried Chicken Tenders. They’re simple, so tasty, and they always bring a little bit of joy to the table—give them a try and watch everyone fall in love, one crispy bite at a time!
Print
Air Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 52 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Air Frying
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Air Fried Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. Marinated in pickle juice and buttermilk, coated in a seasoned almond flour and panko mixture, and air fried to perfection, these chicken tenders are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast tenders
- 1 cup pickle juice
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Coating:
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup panko
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine pickle juice and buttermilk. Add the chicken tenders, ensuring they are fully covered. Marinate in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.
- Prepare the Coating: Mix almond flour, panko, garlic powder, paprika, and salt in a bowl.
- Coat the Chicken: Preheat the air fryer. Brush chicken with mayonnaise, coat with panko mixture, and air fry until crispy and golden.
- Serve: Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 324 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 654mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 194mg
