These Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders are crispy, simple to prepare, and much healthier than the fried alternative. Family friendly and kid approved, these are ready to enjoy in under 15 minutes!
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Are you an air fryer fan? Honestly, I was quite skeptical until I actually bought one. I kept seeing posts and pictures, but didn’t really see the point of another kitchen appliance. It wasn’t until we went over to our friends house for dinner and they made French fries in theirs, that I knew….I needed one.
Yes, French fries sold me on it! In fact, frozen French fries nonetheless. Crazy, right? My family LOVES French fries, but preparing homemade takes time that we don’t always have. Even preparing store bought fries takes time to fully crisp up in the oven. Using the air fryer though, takes no time and they are perfectly crispy. In fact, my kids compared them to McDonald’s….which is their fav, so definitely a compliment!
After mastering fries (its more method than recipe), we decided to move on to chicken tenders. I have typically bought frozen, pre-breaded, chicken tenders from the store and used those for my kids. After a few trial runs (aka major fails), this recipe is our new go to.
Perfectly crisp, packed with flavor, and incredibly simple to make…..I’ll never go back to frozen tenders again! You can play around with the seasonings to add some variety or even serve with my Southern Comeback Sauce!
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Why You’ll LOVE these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Simple and Quick- ready to devour in under 20 minutes
- Tastes like they’ve been deep fried, but they haven’t- same juicy, crispness as deep fried, but no frying needed
- Just as good reheated- simply reheat the leftovers in the air fryer when ready to enjoy round two
- Uses simple ingredients- uses only a few ingredients, which you may already have on hand
Ingredients for Ranch Chicken Tenders
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
- Chicken- tenders are easier to use as they are already sliced, however, you can also use chicken breast cut into strips
- Breadcrumbs- I use Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, any type works though
- Egg/Water- this will help the coating stick to the chicken as well as keep the chicken moist
- Ranch Seasoning- adds great flavor, you can also make a homemade version of Ranch seasoning if desired
- Spray Oil- canola, olive, or avocado oil are all great options
How to make Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders
Just a few simple steps are needed to make these incredibly crisp, tender, chicken tenders…
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In a shallow container, combine the water and egg. Set aside.
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Pour the breadcrumbs into a separate shallow container.
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Sprinkle the Ranch seasoning evenly over chicken tenders, coating thoroughly.
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Dip each seasoned chicken tender into theegg mixture followed by the breadcrumbs. Coat both sides.
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Place coated chicken tenders in a single layer inside the air fryer.
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Once coated and chicken is in single layer (you may have to break into batches), cook at 400 degrees for 12 minutes. Flip tenders over halfway through cook cycle and spray with a bit of cooking spray.
- Repeat cooking cycle if needing to do batches otherwise serve immediately!
What to Serve with Ranch Chicken Tenders
I typically serve these chicken tenders with some French fries or BBQ Baked Beans. I like to keep this meal super kid friendly and easy! Another great option would be to serve these tenders with a salad or some fresh fruit/vegetables! My kids go crazy over my Parmesan Roasted Brussel Sprouts, so perhaps give those a try!
Dipping Sauce Options
With so many sauces available, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few of our favorites…
- Southern Comeback Sauce– a creamy, Southern sauce perfect to dip your tenders into
- Alabama White BBQ Sauce– if you love BBQ sauce, this recipe is a must try
- Copycat Chick Fil A Sauce– a tried and true at home version of the classic favorite
- Ketchup
- Ranch
- Hot Sauce
- Buffalo Sauce
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Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into tenders *I had about 8 strips from 2 large breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoon water
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 packet Ranch seasoning
- Cooking spray (olive oil or canola oil)
Instructions
- In a shallow container, combine the mayonnaise, water, and egg. Set aside.
- Pour the breadcrumbs into a separate shallow container.
- Sprinkle the Ranch seasoning evenly over chicken tenders, coating thoroughly.
- Dip each seasoned chicken tender into the mayo mixture followed by the breadcrumbs. Coat both sides.
- Place coated chicken tenders in a single layer inside the air fryer.
- Once coated and chicken is in single layer (you may have to break into batches), cook at 400 degrees for 12 minutes. Flip tenders over halfway through cook cycle and spray with a bit of cooking spray.
- Repeat cooking cycle if needing to do batches otherwise serve immediately!
Sharon says
When do you use the canola spray?
Kristin says
Sorry about that, I have edited the recipe to reflect that into the directions!
Carol says
I found that the breading was coming
Off of the chicken.
Why is that?
Kristin says
Try patting the chicken down prior to dipping in the mayo. Perhaps it was too wet before starting? The mayo is thicker than the typical egg mixture, so it shouldn’t fall off. You can also try omitting some of the liquid from the mayo mixture to make it thicker.
Ruby says
I’d love to try this recipe. Was there a specific brand used on breadcrumbs and ranch seasoning?
Can’t wait to make this for my picky eater who happens to love chicken tenders.
Kristin says
It is quite tasty! For the Ranch seasoning, I typically use Hidden Valley. As for the breadcrumbs, I use Vigo brand, or Italian breadcrumbs, store brand! Hope you enjoy!