Ingredients
- For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- For the Buttermilk Ranch:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced chives (see notes)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- To make the Chicken Tenders: Mix together the buttermilk and chicken bouillon powder in a large bowl. Add the chicken tenders and ensure they are fully submerged in the buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight is best for extra tenderness).
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, letting any excess buttermilk drip off. Coat each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the chicken is well-coated.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Add the breaded chicken to the basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Spray the chicken with cooking spray to ensure a crispy, golden crust.
- Cook the chicken at 400°F for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying again with cooking spray. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve the chicken immediately with buttermilk ranch on the side or drizzled over the top.
- To make the Buttermilk Ranch: In a small bowl or mason jar, combine the mayonnaise, buttermilk, sour cream, dill, chives, parsley, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir to combine.
- Refrigerate the ranch for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Taste before serving and adjust with more salt if desired.
Notes
- For the ranch, fresh chives give a brighter flavor, but dried chives can be substituted if needed.
- If you prefer a spicier ranch, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- The chicken tenders can also be baked in the oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes if you don’t have an air fryer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fried
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
