Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Ingredients

• 1.5 – 2 lbs. chicken tenderloins (about 12-16 pieces)
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• one 1-ounce packet ranch seasoning (optional, see notes)
• 1 egg
• 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)
• 3/4 cup milk + 1 1/2 teaspoons vinegar
• 2 1/2 cups plain breadcrumbs
• 2 1/2 tablespoons seasoning mix (I use the McCormick rotisserie chicken seasoning)
• avocado oil spray

Steps

1. 1

   1: Combine the flour, salt, and ranch seasoning. 2: Let the milk and vinegar sit together for 5 minutes (you’re making a “buttermilk”). Add it to the eggs and hot sauce; whisk to combine. 3: Stir the breadcrumbs with the seasoning mix.

2. 2

   Smash each of the chicken tenderloins a few times on a cutting board using the flat side of a knife (see video). You want them to be slightly flattened or fanned out.

3. 3

   Dip each chicken tenderloin in flour; shake off excess. Dip in the buttermilk mixture; let excess drip off. Then coat in the breadcrumbs, flipping and gently pressing a few times until the whole surface is covered. Set aside and repeat with all the chicken tenderloins.

4. 4

   Place as many as you can fit into the air fryer, keeping them in one flat layer (mine can usually get 6 in at a time). Spray generously with avocado oil spray until the surface is lightly and evenly moistened with oil – this helps them get that evenly golden brown, fried look.

5. 5

   Air fry at 400 degrees for 7-9 minutes. You want them to be golden brown on the outside, and 165-175 degrees on the inside. Serve with your favorite sauce! SO yummy!