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- 1 lb chicken tenderloins - 1 cup buttermilk Chicken tenderloins are lean and cook quickly. They soak in buttermilk, which makes them juicy and tender. This marination step is key for flavor and texture. - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 tsp garlic powder - 1 tsp onion powder - 1 tsp paprika - 1/2 tsp black pepper The flour forms the base for the breading. Garlic and onion powder add a savory touch. Paprika gives a hint of warmth, while black pepper adds a bit of spice. Mixing these well ensures each tender gets a great flavor. - 1 1/2 cups fine panko breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup everything bagel seasoning - Olive oil spray Panko breadcrumbs are light and crisp. They create a crunchy texture when fried. The everything bagel seasoning adds complex flavors, making these tenders special. A light spray of olive oil helps achieve that golden brown finish. Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. You can also marinate it for up to 2 hours in the fridge. Marinating helps the chicken stay juicy and adds flavor. Set up three bowls for breading. In the first bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. In the second bowl, pour in the leftover buttermilk. In the third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with everything bagel seasoning. This setup makes breading easy and organized. After marinating, pull out each chicken tender. Let any extra buttermilk drip off. First, coat the chicken in the flour mix, covering all sides. Then, dip it back into the buttermilk. Finally, coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to help the crumbs stick well to the chicken. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This should take about 5 minutes. Preheating is key for getting a nice, crispy outside on the chicken. Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray the tops lightly with olive oil spray. Cook the tenders for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety. Once cooked, take the chicken tenders out and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch or honey mustard. Enjoy them plain or with colorful veggies for a fun presentation! To make sure your chicken tenders turn out crispy, use olive oil spray. This spray coats the chicken lightly. It helps the breadcrumbs crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Aim to spray the tops just before cooking. This step is key for that crunchy bite you want. Remember, too much oil can make them soggy, so use it wisely. If you want to try something different for marinating chicken, you have options. You can use yogurt instead of buttermilk. Yogurt adds a nice tang and helps tenderize the chicken. Another choice is to use pickle juice. It gives a unique flavor and keeps the chicken moist. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different liquids for fun flavors! Panko breadcrumbs are great, but you can use substitutes if needed. Regular breadcrumbs work well, but they might not be as crunchy. Crushed cornflakes or crushed crackers can add a fun twist. For a healthier option, try ground oats. Each substitute brings its own flavor and texture, so choose what you like best! {{image_4}} You can add fun twists to your chicken tenders. Try different seasoning blends. For a spicy kick, mix in cayenne pepper. If you love herbs, add dried dill or thyme. You can also use taco seasoning for a zesty flavor. Experimenting keeps the dish exciting. You don't have to use only chicken tenderloins. Chicken breasts work well too. Just cut them into strips for even cooking. If you want a change, use turkey tenderloins. They give a leaner option with similar taste. You can even try fish or tofu for a new experience. If you need a gluten-free option, switch to gluten-free breadcrumbs. They work just as well. You can find these in most stores. They will still give you that crunchy coating. Just check the pack to ensure they fit your diet. Enjoy your tasty meal without worry! To keep your chicken tenders fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool completely first. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. The less air that gets in, the better they will stay. Reheating chicken tenders can be tricky. You want them hot and crispy, not soggy. The best way to reheat them is in the air fryer. Set it to 375°F and cook for about 5-7 minutes. This helps keep that crunchy texture. You can also use an oven. Just place them on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. If you want to save some for later, freezing works great. First, let the chicken tenders cool completely. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat them in the air fryer for the best results. You should marinate chicken tenders for at least 30 minutes. This helps them soak up the buttermilk and become tender. For the best flavor, you can marinate up to 2 hours in the fridge. This extra time allows the chicken to absorb more flavor. Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko is better. Panko gives a crispier texture. Regular breadcrumbs can be fine and may not provide as much crunch. The taste will change slightly, but they will still be good. Some great dipping sauces are: - Ranch dressing - Honey mustard - BBQ sauce - Ketchup - Garlic aioli These dips add a burst of flavor and enhance your meal. You can also get creative and mix your own sauces! Yes, you can bake these chicken tenders. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F internally. To keep chicken tenders crispy, serve them right after cooking. If you need to hold them, keep them on a wire rack in a warm oven. Avoid covering them, as that traps steam and makes them soggy. Use olive oil spray before cooking for extra crispiness too. This blog post covered how to make crispy chicken tenders using simple ingredients and easy steps. We explored marination, breading, and air frying to get the best results. I shared tips on ensuring crispiness, offered variations, and provided storage options. With this guide, you can perfect your chicken tender recipe. Experiment with flavors and enjoy your delicious creations. Dive in and make your next meal a hit!

Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders

Savor the deliciousness of Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders! Juicy and crispy, these tenderloins coated in a flavorful everything bagel seasoning make for the perfect snack or meal. Dive into this easy recipe that combines buttermilk marination and a crunchy panko crust for a delightful dish in just 30 minutes. Click through for the full recipe and impress your family with this tasty treat! #AirFryerRecipes #ChickenTenders #EasyCooking #HealthyEating
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken tenderloins

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 1/2 cups fine panko breadcrumbs

1/4 cup everything bagel seasoning

Olive oil spray

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: Begin by placing the chicken tenderloins into a bowl, then pour the buttermilk over them, ensuring they are fully submerged. Allow the chicken to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes at room temperature, or for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. This step will help tenderize the meat and impart flavor.

    Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three separate bowls for breading. In the first bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper until evenly combined. In the second bowl, pour in any remaining buttermilk, which can be used for an additional dipping step. In the third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the everything bagel seasoning, ensuring an even distribution of flavor.

      Bread the Chicken: After marination, take each chicken tender out of the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, coating all sides, then dip it back into the buttermilk, and finally coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb-everything bagel mixture. Press gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well to the chicken.

        Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This should take about 5 minutes and is essential for achieving a crispy exterior.

          Air Fry the Chicken: Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray to promote extra crispiness during cooking. Cook the tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety and optimal taste.

            Serve: After cooking, carefully remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and allow them to rest for a couple of minutes. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or honey mustard, or savor their deliciousness on their own!

              Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4 servings

                - Presentation Tips: Arrange the chicken tenders on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of additional everything bagel seasoning for a beautiful finishing touch. Serve alongside colorful sliced vegetables for an eye-catching display.