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Easy Crunchy Ranch Chicken Tenders (Air Fryer, No Mess)

air fryer ranch chicken tenders - featured image
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These Easy Crunchy Ranch Chicken Tenders are made in the air fryer with no mess. They’re quick, simple, and perfect for busy weeknights, delivering a golden, crispy coating with juicy, tender chicken inside.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs chicken breast tenders (or boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Olive oil spray or avocado oil spray
  • Ranch dressing (for dipping, optional)
  • Honey mustard (for dipping, optional)
  • BBQ sauce (for dipping, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken. If using whole chicken breasts, slice them into 1-inch thick strips. Pat the tenders dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Make the buttermilk marinade. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and ranch seasoning mix until fully combined. Drop the chicken tenders into the mixture, turning to coat each piece. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes (1-2 hours for best results).
  3. Prepare the breading station. In a separate shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Bread the chicken. Working one piece at a time, remove a tender from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Place it in the breadcrumb mixture and press firmly so the coating adheres on all sides. For extra crunch, do a double coat: dip back into the buttermilk and then into the breadcrumbs again.
  6. Arrange the breaded tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Work in batches if needed.
  7. Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with olive oil or avocado oil spray.
  8. Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. At the 6-minute mark, flip each tender and spray the other side with oil. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and coating is deep golden brown and crispy.
  9. Transfer the cooked tenders to a cooling rack or plate. Let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

For extra crunch, double-coat the tenders. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Let the cooked tenders rest on a cooling rack to maintain crispiness. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken tenders, air fryer, ranch, crispy, easy, weeknight dinner, no mess

Find it online: https://tablemira.com/easy-crunchy-ranch-chicken-tenders-air-fryer-no-mess/