Crispy Air Fryer Loaded Chicken Tenders with Ranch Coating
These crispy air fryer chicken tenders are coated with a flavorful ranch seasoning and panko breadcrumb mixture, delivering a crunchy, juicy snack that’s quick and easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, they offer indulgent taste without the mess of deep frying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) chicken tenders, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 packet (about 1 oz or 28g) ranch seasoning mix, store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup (90g) panko breadcrumbs (Japanese-style preferred)
- ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
- Cooking spray
- Optional: pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prep the coating stations: In one bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with half of the ranch seasoning mix.
- In a second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
- In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining ranch seasoning and optional garlic powder or paprika.
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Dredge each tender first in the flour mixture, shaking off any extra, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the ranch-panko mixture. Press the coating firmly to ensure it sticks well.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it warm up for about 3 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer without overlapping.
- Spray the tops gently with cooking spray to encourage golden crispiness.
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking so juices redistribute before serving.
Notes
Pat chicken dry before coating to avoid soggy breading. Preheat air fryer for best crispiness. Spray tenders lightly with cooking spray before and during cooking to mimic deep frying oiliness. Avoid overcrowding the basket; cook in batches if needed. Reheat leftovers in air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness. For gluten-free, substitute panko with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, use dairy-free ranch seasoning or homemade herb blend.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4 chicken tend
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Protein: 35
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