Go Back
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins - 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar) - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1 cup panko bread crumbs - 4 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Cooking spray You will need fresh chicken tenderloins for this recipe. They are juicy and tender. Buttermilk gives a great flavor and helps the chicken stay moist. If you don't have buttermilk, just mix milk and vinegar. For the breading, you want all-purpose flour, eggs, and panko bread crumbs. I love panko because it makes the chicken crispy. Everything bagel seasoning adds a nice, savory touch. Don’t forget salt and pepper! They bring out the flavors. A light spray of cooking spray helps the tenders crisp up in the air fryer. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to make a delicious meal! Soak your chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This step is key. The buttermilk will make the chicken juicy and tender. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar. This works great too! Next, set up your breading station. Use three shallow dishes. In the first dish, pour in 1 cup of all-purpose flour. In the second dish, beat 2 large eggs and set them aside. In your third dish, mix 1 cup of panko bread crumbs with 4 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the mix. Make sure everything is well combined. After marinating, take the chicken tenders out of the buttermilk. Let the excess liquid drip off. First, dredge each tender in the flour. Shake off the extra flour. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs for a good coat. Finally, roll it in the seasoned panko mixture. Press gently so the crumbs stick well. Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This is important for crispy results. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This prevents the chicken from sticking. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer. Do not overcrowd them. Now, it’s time to cook! Air fry the chicken tenders for 10 to 12 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time. They are done when they look golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Carefully remove them and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful chicken tenders! To get the best texture, I recommend double coating your chicken tenders. Start by dredging the chicken in flour. Next, dip it in the egg, then coat it well with the panko mixture. For that extra crunch, repeat the egg and panko steps. This gives you a thicker layer of crispy goodness that will make each bite satisfying. Air fryers work best when they have space to breathe. Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer. If you overcrowd the basket, the air won’t circulate well. This can lead to uneven cooking. If you have more tenders than fit, cook them in two or more batches. Each batch will turn out golden and crispy. Using cooking spray is key for a non-stick result. Lightly spray the air fryer basket before adding the chicken. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier. I also recommend giving the tops of the tenders a light spray before cooking. This simple step enhances browning and crispiness, making your chicken tenders look and taste amazing. {{image_4}} You can easily change the flavor of your chicken tenders. Here are some ideas: - Italian Seasoning: Use a mix of dried herbs like oregano and basil. - Spicy Cajun: Add cayenne pepper and paprika for a kick. - Lemon Pepper: Mix lemon zest with black pepper for a fresh taste. - BBQ Rub: Use your favorite BBQ spice blend for a smoky flavor. Experimenting with these seasonings can make your dish unique and fun. If you don't have an air fryer, baking or pan-frying works well too. Here’s how: - Baking: - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Place the breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet. - Lightly spray with cooking spray. - Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. - Pan-Frying: - Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. - Cook the breaded chicken tenders for 3-5 minutes on each side. - Make sure they are golden and cooked through. Both methods give you crispy chicken tenders without an air fryer. How you serve your chicken tenders can change the meal. Here are some fun ideas: - Dipping Sauces: Try ranch, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce. Each sauce adds a new flavor. - Sides: Pair with a fresh salad, sweet potato fries, or steamed veggies for balance. - Wraps: Serve in a tortilla with lettuce, tomato, and sauce for a tasty wrap. These variations can make your meal exciting and suit different tastes. To keep your chicken tenders fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This helps prevent drying out. Ideally, eat leftovers within three days for the best taste. To reheat, I suggest using the air fryer. It keeps the tenders crispy. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5 minutes. Flip them halfway to warm evenly. If you use the microwave, place the chicken on a plate. Heat for 1 to 2 minutes, but it may not stay crispy. You can freeze the chicken tenders for later. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each tender in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped tenders in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. To defrost, move them to the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the air fryer for best results. Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenderloins. However, thaw them first. Thawing helps the meat cook evenly. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or use the microwave. After thawing, follow the same marinating and breading steps. This ensures you get the best flavor and texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with vinegar. Use one cup of milk and add one tablespoon of vinegar. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken. You can also use plain yogurt or sour cream mixed with water. These alternatives keep the chicken tender and flavorful. Many sauces pair well with everything bagel chicken tenders. Here are some favorites: - Honey mustard - Barbecue sauce - Ranch dressing - Buffalo sauce - Ketchup These sauces add extra flavor and make each bite even more enjoyable. This blog post shared the best ways to make crispy chicken tenders using an air fryer. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for texture, and even storage methods. You now have the tools to create tasty chicken tenders at home. Try experimenting with different seasonings or dipping sauces to find your favorite flavor. With practice, you will master this simple yet delicious dish. Enjoy your chicken tenders, and don’t forget to share your success!

Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders

Discover the deliciousness of Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders! These crispy, juicy tenders are marinated in buttermilk for extra flavor and coated with a savory everything bagel seasoning. Perfectly air-fried to golden perfection in under 45 minutes, these tenders are a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Click through for the full recipe and impress your family with this easy dish tonight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins

1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar)

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1 cup panko bread crumbs

4 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Cooking spray

Instructions
 

Start by marinating the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This step will help tenderize the meat and infuse moisture, ensuring a juicier final product.

    While the chicken is soaking, prepare your breading station using three shallow dishes:

      - In the first dish, pour in the all-purpose flour.

        - In the second dish, beat the eggs and set aside.

          - In the third dish, combine the panko bread crumbs with everything bagel seasoning, and sprinkle in a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to distribute the seasoning evenly.

            After marinating, take the chicken tenders out of the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each tender in the flour, making sure to shake off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs for a good coating, and finally, coat thoroughly with the seasoned panko mixture. Press gently to help the crumbs adhere.

              Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) so it’s hot and ready to crisp up the chicken.

                Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded for even cooking.

                  To enhance crispiness, give the tops of the chicken tenders a light spray of cooking spray before cooking.

                    Air fry the chicken tenders for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. They are done when they are golden brown and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

                      Carefully remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute before serving.

                        - Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

                          - Serving Suggestions: Serve your crispy chicken tenders with a side of your favorite dipping sauce and a fresh green salad to complete the meal. Enjoy!