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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe Easy Homemade with Creamy Ranch Dip

crispy air fryer chicken tenders - featured image
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A quick and easy recipe for crispy air fryer chicken tenders paired with a smooth, homemade creamy ranch dip. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) chicken tenders or chicken breasts sliced into strips
  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour (or substitute with almond flour for gluten-free option)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten (room temperature)
  • 1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs (Japanese-style recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray
  • ½ cup (120ml) mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
  • ¼ cup (60ml) sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: a splash of buttermilk or milk for thinner consistency

Instructions

  1. Pat 1 pound (450g) of chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
  2. In a shallow bowl, combine 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Whisk together.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk 2 large eggs until smooth.
  4. Place 1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
  5. Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dip into beaten eggs, letting excess drip off, and coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. Place on a baking sheet or plate.
  6. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  7. Spray air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Place tenders in a single layer with space between them.
  8. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through (4-5 minutes). Spray tenders lightly with cooking spray after flipping. Cook until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. While tenders cook, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon dried dill, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, salt and pepper to taste. Add buttermilk or milk if thinner dip is desired.
  10. Serve tenders immediately with creamy ranch dip on the side.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for better coating adherence. Spray tenders with cooking spray before and after flipping for extra crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Preheat air fryer to prevent soggy tenders. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F internal temperature. For gluten-free, substitute flour and panko with almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, homemade ranch dip, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, kid-friendly, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-tenders-recipe-easy-homemade-with-creamy-ranch-dip/