Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Ingredients

• 1.5 – 2 lbs chicken tenderloins (about 12–16 pieces)
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 oz packet ranch seasoning (optional)
• 1 egg
• 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)
• ¾ cup milk + 1½ teaspoons vinegar
• 2½ cups plain breadcrumbs
• 2½ tablespoons seasoning mix (e.g., McCormick rotisserie chicken seasoning)
• Avocado oil spray

Instructions

1. Prep your dipping stations: 1) Mix flour, salt, and ranch seasoning. 2) Combine milk and vinegar; let sit 5 minutes to make buttermilk, then whisk with eggs and hot sauce. 3) Stir breadcrumbs with seasoning mix.
2. Flatten chicken tenderloins: Lightly smash each tenderloin on a cutting board to flatten or fan out slightly.
3. Batter up: Dip each tenderloin in flour (shake off excess), then the buttermilk mixture, and finally the breadcrumbs. Press gently to coat evenly. Repeat with all pieces.
4. Air fry: Place tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket (about 6 per batch). Spray generously with avocado oil spray. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 7–9 minutes until golden and internal temp is 165–175°F.
5. Serve: Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce — crispy, juicy, and so yummy!

Additional Notes