Name: Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 90 min
Ingredients: 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature is fine); 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp paprika; 1 lb chicken tenders (trimmed if needed); 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (freshly grated preferred); 1 Tbsp olive oil (to help breadcrumbs brown); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 3 Tbsp yellow mustard; 2 Tbsp honey; 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard

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Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside—these Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are the kind of weeknight hero recipe that becomes a family favorite fast. They take the comfort of classic breaded chicken and level it up with a perfectly crunchy panko-Parmesan coating and a simple honey-mustard dipping sauce that kids and adults both love. Fun fact: air fryers create that irresistible crisp using a rapid hot-air circulation that was originally inspired by professional convection ovens—so you get great texture with less oil.

If you’re short on time but still want a homemade dinner that feels special, this recipe is for you. It’s simple, quick, and forgiving, and it pairs beautifully with other air fryer favorites—like my spicy twist on appetizers such as air fryer buffalo chicken egg rolls—so you can build a whole menu around it. Give your family a warm, satisfying dinner tonight and watch these tenders disappear.

What is Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders?

What’s in a name? Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders basically tells the truth: simple preparation, cooked in the air fryer, and perfectly tender. Where did the name come from—was it an optimistic promise or a culinary prophecy? Maybe both. Who knew that a few pantry staples could result in something so crunchy and comforting that someone might declare, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Maybe it’s the nostalgic feel of chicken tenders from childhood, upgraded to delicious adult standards. Try them and you’ll see why the name fits—then make them again next week.

Why You’ll Love This:

Crunch that sings: The panko-Parmesan combination browns beautifully in the air fryer for extraordinary texture without deep-frying.
Budget-friendly crowd pleaser: Chicken tenders are economical, stretch easily for family meals, and cost far less than takeout.
Flavor-packed with minimal fuss: A quick buttermilk marinade tenderizes and flavors the meat, while the honey-mustard dip adds tangy-sweet contrast.

Compared to a heavier fried chicken dinner or a saucy entrée, these tenders are lighter on oil but heavy on satisfaction—if you like straightforward, delicious weeknight meals, also check out the full write-up on easy air fryer chicken tenders for more variations. Ready to make them? Let’s get cooking.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is easy because the steps are simple: marinate, dredge, air-fry, and serve. The buttermilk marinade gently breaks down the chicken for juicy, tender bites while the panko-Parmesan crust crisps up to golden-brown perfection. Total active prep time is about 15 minutes, with a 1-hour marinating period and roughly 14 minutes cooking time per batch (7 minutes per side). Expect about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish, most of which is hands-off.

Ingredients

1 cup buttermilk (room temperature is fine)
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp paprika
1 lb chicken tenders (trimmed if needed)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan (freshly grated preferred)
1 Tbsp olive oil (to help breadcrumbs brown)
Kosher salt to taste (plus 1 tsp used later in panko mix)
1/2 cup mayonnaise (for dipping sauce)
3 Tbsp yellow mustard (for dipping sauce)
2 Tbsp honey (for dipping sauce)
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard (for dipping sauce)

Directions

In a resealable plastic bag, combine 1 cup buttermilk, 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tsp paprika. Add the 1 lb chicken tenders, making sure each piece is completely coated. Seal the bag, place it in a bowl in case of leaks, and let marinate at room temperature for 1 hour so the chicken becomes tender and flavorful.
While the chicken marinates, stir together 1 cup panko, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1 Tbsp olive oil, and 1 teaspoon salt in a shallow baking dish or pie plate. The oil helps the crumbs turn golden in the air fryer.
Make the dipping sauce by stirring together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 3 Tbsp yellow mustard, 2 Tbsp honey, and 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Taste and adjust honey or mustard to preference, then set aside in the refrigerator until serving.
Preheat a 3.5-quart air fryer to 390F for a few minutes. Working one piece at a time, remove chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess buttermilk so the crumbs will stick evenly. Place a tender into the panko mixture and press gently with your hands so the coating adheres. Shake off any loose crumbs and arrange tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket—do not overcrowd. Cook for about 7 minutes, flip each piece, and cook another 7 minutes until golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 165F. Repeat with remaining chicken. Serve warm with the honey-mustard dipping sauce.

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

What to Serve With

Crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to brighten the meal
Oven-roasted or air-fried sweet potato fries for a sweet-savory combo
Classic coleslaw for crunch and tang
Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a simple side
For drinks, lemonade or a light iced tea pairs nicely for a family-friendly meal; for adults, a chilled pale ale or dry white wine complements the flavors

Top Tips for Perfecting

If you don’t have buttermilk, stir 1 Tbsp white vinegar or lemon juice into 1 cup milk and let sit 5 minutes to sour—it’s a great substitute.
Don’t skip the shake-off step before dredging; excess liquid creates clumps and prevents even crisping.
Use fresh grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting characteristics—pre-grated can be drier.
If your air fryer basket tends to stick, lightly spray with oil or brush a little on the basket before arranging tenders.
To keep cooked tenders crisp while finishing other batches, place them on a wire rack in a 200F oven for up to 15 minutes rather than stacking them.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked tenders on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350F for 3–5 minutes, flipping once, until warmed through and crisp. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crunchy coating—microwaves make crumbs soggy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes. Slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1/2- to 3/4-inch strips and follow the same marinade and cooking method. Thicker pieces may need an extra minute or two per side in the air fryer.

Do I have to marinate the chicken?
Marinating for at least an hour yields the best tenderness and flavor, but if you’re short on time, a 15–30 minute dip in the buttermilk mixture will still improve juiciness.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely. Swap the panko for a gluten-free breadcrumb or crushed gluten-free cereal and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.

Is it safe to cook straight from the fridge?
Cold chicken straight from the fridge cooks fine, but letting it sit for about 10–15 minutes while you prepare other components helps produce a more even cook.

How do I know they are fully cooked?
Use an instant-read thermometer—internal temperature should reach 165F. The crust should be golden and the juices clear.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; overcrowding traps steam and prevents crisping.

Conclusion

These Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are proof that quick, simple cooking can still be delicious and satisfying—perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend meals. The crunchy panko-Parmesan coating, tender buttermilk-marinated chicken, and honey-mustard dipping sauce combine into a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to scale and customize. If you want a similar crispy chicken inspiration from another trusted source, check out Crispy Golden Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Skinnytaste for more ideas. Try this recipe tonight, and don’t forget to share it with family and friends.