Go Back
- 1 lb chicken tenders - 1/2 cup buttermilk - 1 packet ranch seasoning mix - 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch) - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/4 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooking spray The ingredients for Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders are simple but full of flavor. First, you need chicken tenders, about 1 pound. Look for fresh or thawed chicken for the best taste. Next, grab a 1/2 cup of buttermilk. This will help make the chicken tender and add creaminess. The ranch seasoning mix is crucial. One packet gives a burst of flavor that everyone loves. For the crunch, use 1 cup of breadcrumbs. I recommend Panko breadcrumbs. They create a crispier texture that you will enjoy. To spice things up, gather a few seasonings. You will need 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. Add a 1/4 teaspoon of paprika for a hint of warmth. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Don't forget cooking spray! It helps prevent sticking and adds to the crispiness of the chicken. With these ingredients, you're ready to make a dish that is both tasty and satisfying. Feel free to experiment with different spices or herbs. Cooking should be fun and creative! To make the best Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders, start with the marination. In a large bowl, mix 1/2 cup of buttermilk with 1 packet of ranch seasoning. Stir until blended. Next, add 1 lb of chicken tenders to the bowl. Make sure they are fully coated in the mixture. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the breadcrumb mix. In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix this well so the spices are evenly spread. Now, let’s get the air fryer ready. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for a crispy texture. While it heats, prepare the air fryer basket. Lightly spray it with cooking spray. This will help prevent sticking and enhance crispiness. After marinating, take each chicken tender from the buttermilk mixture. Allow excess liquid to drip off. Then, dredge the tender in the breadcrumb mix. Press gently so the crumbs stick well. Place the coated tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they do not overlap. For extra crispiness, spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray. Cook them in the air fryer for about 10 to 12 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken is done when it is golden brown and has an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). After cooking, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. To get the best taste from your Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders, marinate them in the buttermilk mixture for at least 30 minutes. If you have extra time, try marinating for up to 2 hours. This helps the chicken soak up all the ranch flavor. You can also adjust the seasoning by adding more ranch mix or spices to the buttermilk. This way, you can make the flavor suit your taste. Crispiness is key to great chicken tenders. Use cooking spray generously. Spray the air fryer basket lightly before adding the chicken. After coating the tenders in breadcrumbs, spray the tops of the tenders again. For the breadcrumbs, Panko is your best choice. It gives an extra crunch that makes your chicken tenders even better. When serving your chicken tenders, pair them with ranch dressing for dipping. It enhances the ranch flavor and makes each bite better. For sides, think about fresh veggies or a light salad. It balances the meal. To make your dish look nice, garnish the chicken tenders with fresh herbs or parsley. A little color always makes food more inviting! {{image_2}} You can spice up your chicken tenders in a few fun ways. Adding cayenne pepper gives a nice kick. If you want a warm flavor, use cumin. You can also try different seasoning mixes, like taco or Italian blends. Each mix brings a new taste. Experiment to find your favorite. Sometimes, you may not have buttermilk. You can use plain yogurt instead. Mix it with a bit of water to thin it out. If you need a gluten-free option, try crushed rice crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs. They work just as well and keep the crunch. If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken tenders. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. For a classic taste, you can also fry them in oil. Heat enough oil in a pan. Fry the tenders for a few minutes on each side until they are crispy and cooked through. Enjoy finding the method that works best for you! After enjoying your Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders, let them cool down. Proper cooling helps keep them safe to eat later. Place the tenders in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps them fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them can be tricky. To keep the tenders crispy, use your air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about five minutes. This helps restore their crunch. You can also use an oven. Just place them on a baking sheet and heat until warm. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them soft and chewy. Freezing chicken tenders is easy when you follow a few steps. First, let the cooked tenders cool completely. Next, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about one hour. This helps keep them from sticking together. After they freeze, you can transfer them to a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, just reheat straight from the freezer! You should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This time helps the chicken soak up the flavor. For even better taste, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes. Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. However, you need to thaw them first. Place frozen tenders in the fridge overnight. If you're short on time, you can use a microwave. Make sure they are fully thawed before marinating. This ensures they absorb the buttermilk and ranch flavor well. The ideal cooking temperature for chicken tenders is 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps them cook evenly and get crispy. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. Use a meat thermometer to make sure they are cooked through. In this post, we explored how to make tasty chicken tenders using simple ingredients. We covered marinating, coating, and cooking to ensure flavor and crispiness. Remember, the right seasonings and cooking methods can make a big difference. You can also play with flavors and cooking alternatives to suit your taste. Follow these tips, and you'll enjoy delicious chicken tenders every time. Enjoy the cooking, and share your tasty results!

Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders

Satisfy your cravings with these Crispy Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders! This simple recipe features tender chicken marinated in buttermilk and coated in a flavorful ranch seasoning and crunchy breadcrumbs for the perfect crunch. In just 50 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious, healthier version of your favorite chicken tenders. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your mealtime with this easy air fryer delight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken tenders

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 packet ranch seasoning mix

1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch)

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray

Instructions
 

In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and ranch seasoning mix. Stir until well mixed.

    Add the chicken tenders to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).

      In a separate shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure even seasoning.

        Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

          Remove each chicken tender from the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off, and then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the crumbs adhere.

            Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not overlap.

              Spray the tops of the tenders lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness.

                Cook in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

                  Once cooked, remove from the air fryer and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

                    Prep Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 50 mins | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken tenders on a platter with a side of ranch dressing for dipping, and garnish with fresh herbs or parsley for added color.