Air Fryer Buttermilk Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Buttermilk Chicken Tenders are amazing! If you are looking for a great and easy Air Fryer Chicken Tender packed with flavor, this is a great and easy recipe!

They are crispy on the outside but tender and juicy on the inside, and they would rival any take-out chicken tenders from McDonald’s, Wendy’s, or Burger King. 

These make for an amazing appetizer or a great kid-friendly lunch or dinner. My kids love them, and as soon as they are out of the Air Fryer, they devour them. I usually serve them with my Copycat Chick Fil A Sauce or Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers Dipping Sauce.

Looking for even more Easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes? Some of my favorites are AIR FRYER GENERAL TSO’S CHICKEN RECIPE, AIR FRYER COPYCAT KFC SPICY CHICKEN SANDWICH, AIR FRYER TYSON CHICKEN WINGS or BBQ AIR FRYER CHICKEN BREAST. 

Air Fryer Buttermilk Chicken Tenders

Buttermilk Chicken tenders are exactly what the name implies; they are soaked in buttermilk before battered. The buttermilk gives a great favor to the chicken and makes them extremely tender.

If you do not have buttermilk, to make it: Add 1 cup of milk to a small bowl, then add in either 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or 1 teaspoon of white vinegar, and mix well. That will be your homemade buttermilk mixture, which you can use in this recipe. 

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE BUTTERMILK FRIED CHICKEN TENDERS

• Chicken Tenders
• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• All-Purpose Flour
• Baking Powder
• Seasonings: Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder
• Cooking Spray

HOW TO MAKE AIR FRYER BUTTERMILK FRIED CHICKEN TENDERS

Start by placing the chicken tenders in a large bowl, and then pour the buttermilk over them. Refrigerate for about 20- 30 minutes.

In one bowl, pour the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and baking powder, mix well, and then dunk the chicken from the buttermilk to the flour mixture.

In another bowl, crack the eggs, beat them, and place the chicken from the flour mixture to the egg mixture.

Then back to the flour mixture. As you coat them, please place them in an air fryer greased basket or tray.

Finish your tender, and then set them in the air fryer for 370 degrees F, 7 minutes after 7 minutes, flip and air fry for another 7 minutes. Being sure to coat them in olive oil spray when you first put them in the air fryer and after, when you flip them.

Plate, serve, and enjoy!

Can I bake the tenders?

Yes, you can easily make them in the oven, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Spray your baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. 

Set the baking tray into the oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway. 

How to make homemade buttermilk?

If you do not have buttermilk, you can easily make a batch with a few pantry and refrigerated items. 

Mix one cup of milk with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, mix well, and then use as directed in the recipe below.

What does buttermilk do for fried chicken?

The buttermilk helps to tenderize the chicken by breaking down some of the proteins in the chicken.

The reason is the acid in the buttermilk breaks down the proteins but at the same time provides a thick and rice base later to the chicken tenders.

How long will Air Fryer Chicken Tenders last in the refrigerator?

They will last for bout 1 to 2 days.  After they cool to room temperature, place them into an airtight container or a plastic bag. 

What oil should I use for air frying?

I recommend any high-heat oil. I usually use olive oil in my recipes, but you can use any heat oil, such as Avocado Oil, Peanut Oil, Sesame Oil, or anything with a high smoke point. 

Otherwise, you will find that using vegetable or canola oil will cause a lot of smoke in your kitchen. 

How do I reheat Air Fryer Buttermilk Chicken Tenders?

I usually place them back into the air fryer to reheat, set them in at 330 degrees F, air fryer setting, and heat until warmed through.

You can also microwave them until warmed up.

How long do I marinade the tenders?

I like to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the buttermilk mixture. But you can marinate anywhere from 30 minutes to overnight. 

This makes for a quick and easy make-ahead meal, as when you come home, all you need to do is air fry them up.

Some Other Great & Easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes-

• AIR FRYER COPYCAT KFC SPICY CHICKEN SANDWICH

• BBQ AIR FRYER CHICKEN BREAST

• AIR FRYER TRADER JOE’S FRIED RICE

• AIR FRYER EASY CHICKEN TENDERS

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