Air Fryer Buttermilk Chicken Tenders are a healthier, crispier, and more flavorful version of everyone’s favorite comfort food. These chicken tenders are marinated in tangy buttermilk and seasoned spices, then coated in a crunchy breadcrumb mixture and air-fried to golden perfection. The result is tender, juicy chicken on the inside and an irresistible crunch on the outside — all without deep-frying in oil.
This recipe delivers the same mouthwatering satisfaction as traditional fried chicken but with far less mess, grease, and calories. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal, a fun weekend treat, or even a crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties. The air fryer makes the process nearly effortless while still achieving that perfect crispy texture we all crave.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it combines the indulgence of fried chicken with the lightness of air frying. The buttermilk marinade works wonders — it tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor, ensuring every bite is juicy and delicious. The coating crisps beautifully in the air fryer, giving you that satisfying crunch without needing a drop of oil splatter.
It’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve these tenders as a main dish, on top of salads, inside wraps, or even as a protein-packed snack. The balance of flavor and texture makes this dish an all-time favorite in my kitchen.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
This Air Fryer Buttermilk Chicken Tenders recipe is a must-try because it’s everything you love about fried chicken — crispy, golden, and juicy — but made lighter and easier. It’s kid-friendly, adult-approved, and comes together in under 30 minutes once marinated. You get restaurant-quality tenders without the guilt or the greasy aftermath of deep-frying.
It’s also a great introduction to using an air fryer. You’ll be amazed at how perfectly it cooks the chicken while keeping it tender inside. Whether you’re looking for a family dinner or a quick lunch, this recipe will become a go-to favorite.
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus 2 hours marinating time)
- Cooking Time: 12–14 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 360 kcal per serving
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 ½ pounds (680g) chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
For Cooking:
- Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil)
Optional for Serving:
- Honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce
Cooking Directions
- Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken tenders and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best flavor). - Prepare the Breading:
Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls:- One with flour mixed with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- One with beaten eggs.
- One with panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Chicken:
Remove chicken from the marinade. Dredge each piece first in the seasoned flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to help them stick. - Air Fry the Tenders:
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Spray the tops lightly with oil.
Air fry for 6–7 minutes per side or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). - Serve:
Let rest for 2 minutes before serving. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
- Step 1: Combine buttermilk and seasonings in a bowl; add chicken and marinate for 2 hours.
- Step 2: Set up dredging bowls for flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
- Step 3: Coat each piece of chicken in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
- Step 4: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 5: Arrange tenders in the basket, spray lightly with oil, and cook 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Step 6: Check for doneness and serve immediately.
How to Serve
Serve your Air Fryer Buttermilk Chicken Tenders hot and crispy right out of the air fryer. They pair beautifully with classic dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, buffalo sauce, or barbecue sauce.
Perfect Pairings:
- Coleslaw or potato salad
- French fries or sweet potato fries
- Corn on the cob
- A fresh green salad
Recipe Tips
- Don’t skip the marinade: The buttermilk tenderizes and flavors the chicken for juicy results.
- Preheat the air fryer: This ensures even cooking and crispier coating.
- Avoid overcrowding: Cook in batches for consistent browning.
- Use panko breadcrumbs: They give the tenders extra crunch.
- Flip halfway: Ensures both sides get evenly golden and crispy.
Variations
- Spicy Chicken Tenders:
Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade for a spicy kick. - Herb-Seasoned Tenders:
Add 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning to the flour mixture for an herby flavor. - Parmesan Crusted Tenders:
Mix ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese into the panko breadcrumbs before coating. - Gluten-Free Version:
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a celiac-friendly option. - Buffalo-Style Tenders:
Toss cooked tenders in buffalo sauce before serving for a bold, tangy twist.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4–5 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Freezing (Before Cooking): You can freeze breaded but uncooked chicken tenders for up to 2 months. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Air fry straight from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the cooking time.
- Freezing (After Cooking): Cooked tenders can be frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 6–8 minutes.
Special Equipment Needed
- Air fryer (any model, basket or oven style)
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Shallow dishes for dredging
- Meat thermometer (optional but helpful for accuracy)
Conclusion
Air Fryer Buttermilk Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of crispy, juicy, and flavorful — all without deep frying. The buttermilk marinade ensures tender, flavorful chicken, while the air fryer delivers that crunchy texture we crave with minimal oil. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but tasty enough for entertaining guests. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought or fried versions again. It’s comfort food made lighter, faster, and better!
Air Fryer Buttermilk Chicken Tenders
Description
Air Fryer Buttermilk Chicken Tenders are a healthier, crispier, and more flavorful version of everyone’s favorite comfort food.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
For the Breading:
For Cooking:
Optional for Serving:
Instructions
-
Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken tenders and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best flavor).
-
Prepare the Breading: Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: One with flour mixed with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. One with beaten eggs. One with panko breadcrumbs.
-
Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade. Dredge each piece first in the seasoned flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to help them stick.
-
Air Fry the Tenders: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Spray the tops lightly with oil. Air fry for 6–7 minutes per side or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
-
Serve: Let rest for 2 minutes before serving. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
