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32 min
|
easy
|
high-protein
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 20 min | 12 min | 32 min |
These air fryer crack chicken tenders come out insanely crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with almost no oil.
A parmesan and ranch coating gives every bite bold, savory flavor that tastes like your favorite restaurant appetizer.
They are perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or anytime you need a kid-friendly meal everyone will actually eat.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Cover and refrigerate the sauce while you prepare the chicken, so the flavors can blend and thicken slightly.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes, so the chicken starts cooking in a hot basket.
Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with cooking spray to help prevent sticking and promote browning.
In a medium bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, grated parmesan, ranch seasoning mix, and olive oil until smooth.
Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss until every piece is thoroughly coated in the creamy mixture.
For extra flavor and juiciness, let the coated tenders rest in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes.
In a separate shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and panko breadcrumbs.
Stir well so the spices and starches are evenly distributed through the crumbs, which helps the crust cook evenly.
Working one piece at a time, lift a tender from the mayonnaise mixture, letting any excess drip back into the bowl.
Place the tender into the dry coating and press on each side so the crumb mixture sticks well.
Set the coated tenders on a plate or tray, leaving a little space between each piece.
Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket, leaving a bit of space.
Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to help the crust crisp and turn a deep golden color.
Cook at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches 165°F and the coating is crisp.
Transfer the hot chicken tenders to a serving platter and let them rest for 3 to 5 minutes so juices settle.
Serve the tenders with the chilled ranch honey sauce on the side, or drizzle it over the top just before eating.
| Energy | 698 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 46 | g |
| Total Fat | 40 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 37 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
These air fryer crack chicken tenders bring that restaurant-style crunch with a cozy ranch flavor right to your own kitchen.
Try serving them with crisp celery sticks, carrot coins, and extra ranch honey sauce for a fun, wing-night style platter.
For a full meal, pair the tenders with roasted potatoes or a simple chopped salad to balance the rich, crispy chicken.
These sides complement the meal beautifully.
Natalie, Essex: My kids asked for something fun for dinner, and I decided to try these air fryer crack chicken tenders. They came out super crispy and juicy, and that ranch honey sauce was a big hit. A definite keeper!
: Happy to hear that, Natalie!
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