Description
These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are crispy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked using a healthier air frying method. Marinated in a spiced buttermilk and hot sauce mixture, then coated with seasoned flour and crunchy corn flakes, these chicken tenders cook quickly in the air fryer, yielding a golden, crunchy exterior and juicy interior perfect for a quick meal or snack.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce or buffalo sauce
Breading
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons seasoned salt
- Fine sea salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 eggs, whisked with a splash of water
- 2 cups Kellogg’s Corn Flakes crumbs
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a lidded bowl or container, whisk together the buttermilk and hot sauce until combined. Add the chicken tenders, tossing to coat fully. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or ideally overnight, allowing the flavors to infuse and the chicken to tenderize.
- Drain Excess Marinade: When ready to prepare, place the chicken tenders in a colander to drain off the excess buttermilk mixture. This helps the breading stick better during dredging.
- Prepare Breading Stations: Set up three shallow bowls or pie plates. In the first, mix together the all-purpose flour, seasoned salt, sea salt, and black pepper thoroughly. In the second, whisk the eggs with a splash of water. In the third bowl, place the corn flakes crumbs, ready for coating.
- Dredge the Chicken: Coat each chicken tender first in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to cover all sides. Then dip it into the egg wash, ensuring an even coat. Finally, press the chicken tender into the corn flakes crumbs, pressing lightly with your hands to adhere the crumbs securely. Place the breaded tenders on a baking sheet as you go.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: While breading, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes to ensure it reaches the proper cooking temperature for crispy texture.
- Air Fry the Chicken Tenders: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, place the breaded chicken tenders evenly in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 8 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through cooking to promote even crispiness. Repeat with remaining batches.
- Serve: Once golden brown and cooked through, remove the chicken tenders and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces or sides.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight, but 1-2 hours is sufficient if pressed for time.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crisping.
- You can substitute hot sauce with buffalo sauce or your preferred spicy sauce.
- To make corn flakes crumbs, crush the cereal in a bag or food processor until coarse crumbs form.
- If air fryer size is small, cook in batches and keep cooked tenders warm in a low oven.
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray the tenders with cooking oil before air frying.
