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To start your crispy air fryer ranch chicken tenders, gather these main ingredients: - 1 pound chicken tenders - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix These ingredients make the chicken juicy and flavorful. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken. The ranch seasoning adds that classic taste we all love. Next, we need our seasonings and coatings for extra crunch and flavor: - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch) - 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste Panko breadcrumbs give a nice crisp. The parmesan cheese adds depth. Garlic and onion powder boost the flavor, making every bite tasty. Finally, let’s not forget the cooking essentials: - Olive oil spray This spray helps achieve that golden-brown color. It keeps the chicken from sticking to the air fryer. A little goes a long way in creating crispy chicken tenders. Start by marinating the chicken tenders. In a bowl, pour 1 cup of buttermilk. Add 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning mix to the buttermilk. Mix well. Place the chicken tenders in the bowl. Make sure they are all coated in the mixture. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. For stronger flavors, you can marinate up to 2 hours. Next, get ready for the breadcrumb coating. In another bowl, mix together 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir these ingredients until they are well combined. This mix adds great flavor and crunch to the chicken tenders. Now, it’s time to cook! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Take the marinated chicken tenders out of the fridge. Allow the excess buttermilk to drip off. Then, dredge each tender in the breadcrumb mix. Ensure every piece is fully coated. Place the coated tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray them lightly with olive oil. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Flip the tenders halfway through. They should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). After cooking, let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy your crispy ranch chicken tenders! To get that crunchy bite, use panko breadcrumbs. They give a crispier finish than regular breadcrumbs. Make sure to spray the chicken tenders with olive oil before cooking. This helps them brown nicely. The air fryer cooks by circulating hot air, so the oil creates a perfect crunch. Marinating the chicken is key. Use buttermilk mixed with ranch seasoning. This adds flavor and tenderizes the meat. Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. For even better taste, try marinating for up to 2 hours. This extra time helps the flavors soak in. Flipping the chicken tenders halfway through cooking helps them cook evenly. This step is important to ensure both sides get golden brown. Use tongs to turn them gently. By doing this, you avoid sticking and keep the coating intact. This small step makes a big difference in the final dish. {{image_2}} Want to kick up the heat? You can easily make spicy ranch chicken tenders. Just add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to your buttermilk marinade. Start with half a teaspoon and taste. If you want more heat, add more. This spicy twist pairs well with ranch dip, giving it a bold flavor. Cheddar cheese adds a rich taste to your chicken tenders. Mix shredded cheddar into your breadcrumb mixture. Use about half a cup for a nice cheesy crust. It melts while cooking, making every bite even more delicious. This is perfect for cheese lovers. For a gluten-free option, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. Many brands offer great choices that still give a crispy texture. The process stays the same, ensuring everyone can enjoy these tasty chicken tenders. Just check the labels to ensure they fit your diet. To store leftover chicken tenders, first let them cool. Place them in an airtight container. Use parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating chicken tenders, the air fryer works best. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the tenders in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps them crispy and warm. You can also use an oven. Just bake them at 375°F for 10-15 minutes. To freeze chicken tenders, let them cool completely first. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about 1 hour until firm. Then transfer to a freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. I cook chicken tenders in the air fryer for 12 to 15 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking. This helps them cook evenly and get crispy. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety. Yes, you can use chicken breast. Just cut the breasts into strips. Make them about the same size as chicken tenders. This way, they will cook evenly. The cooking time may be a bit longer, so check them often. Ranch chicken tenders taste great with many sauces. I like to serve them with ranch dressing. Honey mustard is another favorite. You can also try barbecue sauce or buffalo sauce for some heat. These sauces add extra flavor to your meal. In this post, we explored how to make tasty air fryer chicken tenders. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips for the best results. You learned how to achieve a crispy texture and even cooking. We also shared fun variations, storage tips, and answered common questions. With these insights, you can create delicious chicken tenders that everyone will love. Enjoy the cooking process, and don't be afraid to get creative!

Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders

Enjoy a delicious and guilt-free meal with these Crispy Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders! Perfectly marinated and coated for maximum crunch, these tenders are easy to make and packed with flavor. With simple ingredients and quick prep time, they are ideal for a family dinner or a fun snack. Click through to discover the full recipe, and get ready to impress everyone at your table with this tasty dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken tenders

1 cup buttermilk

1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil spray

Instructions
 

In a bowl, combine buttermilk and ranch seasoning mix. Add the chicken tenders, ensuring they are all well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for best flavor).

    In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.

      Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

        Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk mixture, letting the excess drip off.

          Dredge each chicken tender in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they're fully coated.

            Arrange the coated tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with olive oil.

              Cook in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 75°C).

                Once done, allow the tenders to rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 mins | 50 mins | 4 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken tenders with a side of ranch dipping sauce in a small bowl. Garnish with fresh parsley on top for a vibrant touch!