Best Air Fryer Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipes

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AIR FRYER CHICKEN TENDERS



Air Fryer Chicken Tenders image

This weeknight supper is a kid-friendly and healthier alternative to your run-of-the-mill chicken fingers.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h45m

Yield about 8 pieces

Number Of Ingredients 12

3/4 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 pound chicken tenders
1 1/2 cups panko
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon olive oil
Kosher salt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons yellow mustard
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Steps:

  • For the chicken: Combine the buttermilk, Worcestershire sauce and paprika in a resealable plastic bag. Add the chicken, making sure it is completely coated. Seal the bag and place in a bowl. Let marinate at room temperature for 1 hour.
  • Meanwhile, stir together the panko with the Parmesan, olive oil and 1 teaspoon salt in a shallow baking dish or pie plate.
  • For the dipping sauce: Stir together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, honey and Dijon in a small bowl and set aside.
  • Preheat a 3.5-quart air fryer to 390 degrees F. Remove 1 piece of chicken at a time from the bag, shaking off excess buttermilk. Place in the panko and press gently with your hands to adhere the panko evenly. Gently shake to remove the excess and place in the air fryer basket. Repeat with enough chicken to fill the basket (about 4 pieces) and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 7 minutes on each side. Repeat with the remaining chicken and serve warm with the dipping sauce.

AIR-FRYER CHICKEN TENDERS



Air-Fryer Chicken Tenders image

I added all of the components of a loaded baked potato-cheddar, potato, bacon, sour cream and chives-to my air-fryer chicken tenders recipe. Every kid will love this quick and easy dish! -Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup potato sticks, crushed
1/2 cup crushed cheese crackers
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
2 teaspoons minced fresh chives
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon sour cream
1 pound chicken tenderloins
Additional sour cream and chives

Steps:

  • Preheat air fryer to 400°. In a shallow bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients. In another shallow bowl, whisk butter and sour cream. Dip chicken in butter mixture, then in crumb mixture, patting to help coating adhere., In batches, arrange chicken in a single layer on greased tray in air-fryer basket; spritz with cooking spray. Cook until coating is golden brown and chicken is no longer pink, 7-8 minutes on each side. Serve with additional sour cream and chives.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 256 calories, Fat 14g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 84mg cholesterol, Sodium 267mg sodium, Carbohydrate 6g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 29g protein.

RANCH CHICKEN TENDERS



Ranch Chicken Tenders image

Chicken seasoned with dry ranch mix, then breaded and baked, makes for some tasty tenders! For a more intense ranch flavor, serve with additional ranch dressing for dipping.

Provided by Melissa Conger

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Chicken     Chicken Breast Recipes

Time 40m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ pound skinless, boneless chicken breast
1 (1 ounce) package dry ranch salad dressing mix (such as Hidden Valley Ranch®)
1 large egg
1 tablespoon milk
¾ cup plain bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place butter in 9x13-inch baking dish and let melt in the preheating oven.
  • Slice chicken breast against the grain into thin strips.
  • Place ranch dressing mix in a small bowl. Whisk egg and milk together in a second bowl. Place bread crumbs in a third bowl.
  • Dredge each chicken strip in ranch dressing mix, then coat in egg mixture and cover with bread crumbs; arrange in the prepared baking dish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Gently turn chicken pieces over and bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), about 15 minutes longer.
  • Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 461.8 calories, Carbohydrate 36.7 g, Cholesterol 188.7 mg, Fat 19 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 32.5 g, SaturatedFat 9.4 g, Sodium 1372.4 mg, Sugar 3.1 g

AIR FRYER RANCH CHICKEN TENDERS



Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tenders image

Our air fryer ranch chicken tenders recipe is all the buzz. This crunchy treat is easy to whip up and pairs well with any of our Hidden Valley® dipping sauces.

Provided by Hidden Valley

Categories     Appetizers

Time 40m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 eggs
kosher salt
1-1½ cups panko crumbs
2 teaspoons Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Seasoning & Salad Dressing Mix Shaker
1¼ pounds chicken tenders
olive oil spray
Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Dressing

Steps:

  • Spray the basket of a 3.5-quart air fryer with cooking spray and set the air fryer to 400°F.
  • In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs with salt and pepper, to taste. On a plate, mix the panko crumbs with the ranch seasoning mix.
  • Dip each chicken tender into the eggs, then press into the panko, making sure to coat all sides. Spray the tenders with olive oil spray (or other oil spray) on both sides.
  • In batches (you'll get 4-6 per basket), cook the chicken tenders for about 6-8 minutes on each side, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the outside is crisp and golden. Serve immediately with ranch dressing, for dipping.

Nutrition Facts :

Air Fryer Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipes Explained

If you are a foodie or someone who loves cooking, then you might have heard about air fryers. The latest gadget in town that helps you fry food with less oil is the air fryer. An air fryer is a must-have kitchen appliance that cooks your food in a healthier and easy way, especially if you are a chicken lover.

One of the most popular and delicious air fryer recipes is the cheddar ranch chicken tenders. This recipe is not only easy to make, but it also requires only a few ingredients. Unlike traditional chicken tenders that are deep-fried, these air fryer chicken tenders use very little oil. They are crispy, full of flavor, and guilt-free.

Ingredients Needed for Air Fryer Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tenders
  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup Cheddar cheese, grated
  • 2 tbsp Ranch seasoning
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions to Make Air Fryer Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tenders

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. In a shallow bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs, grated cheddar cheese, and Ranch seasoning.

3. In another bowl, beat the egg with a fork.

4. Dip the chicken tenders in the beaten egg and then coat them with the breadcrumb mixture. Press the mixture firmly onto the chicken tenders so that it sticks well.

5. Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket. Drizzle the olive oil on top of the chicken tenders.

6. Cook the chicken tenders for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken tenders mid-way to ensure even cooking.

7. Once the chicken tenders are done, remove them carefully from the air fryer basket with tongs.

8. Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper to taste.

Benefits of Air Fryer Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tenders

1. Healthier: One of the obvious benefits of air fryer cheddar ranch chicken tenders is that they are healthier than deep-fried chicken tenders. Since air fryers use only a small amount of oil or no oil at all, these chicken tenders are lower in calories and fat.

2. Easy to make: Another benefit of air fryer cheddar ranch chicken tenders is that they are easy and quick to make. You only need a few ingredients, and the recipe can be customized to suit your taste buds.

3. Delicious: Air fryer cheddar ranch chicken tenders are delicious and full of flavor. The Panko breadcrumbs and cheddar cheese create a crispy and cheesy crust, while the Ranch seasoning adds a tangy and savory flavor.

4. Versatile: Air fryer cheddar ranch chicken tenders can be served as a snack, appetizer, or a main course. They are perfect for a party, game day, or a family dinner.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a healthy, easy, and delicious chicken tenders recipe, then you should try air fryer cheddar ranch chicken tenders. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that can be made in no time. With a few simple ingredients and an air fryer, you can enjoy crispy and flavorful chicken tenders without worrying about your health.

The air fryer is an innovative kitchen appliance that has revolutionized the way we cook food. It is designed to cook food faster and more healthily than traditional cooking methods. One of the popular dishes that people love to cook in the air fryer is the chicken tenders. Today, I will share valuable tips on how to make air fryer cheddar ranch chicken tenders recipes that are sure to impress your family and friends.

Tips for Preparing Your Chicken Tenders

1. Seasoning Your Chicken
To make your chicken tenders flavorful, it is essential to season them properly. You can use your choice of seasoning, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika, to season the chicken. You can also marinate the chicken in a mixture of yogurt, herbs, and spices for a few hours to make it more tender and flavorful.
2. Choosing the Right Chicken Cut
You can use chicken breasts or thighs to make your chicken tenders. However, chicken breasts are more widely used as they are leaner and have a milder flavor. Chicken thighs are juicer and have a stronger flavor, making them more suited for curry dishes.
3. Prepping Your Chicken Tenders
To create the perfect texture for your chicken tenders, you should cut them into strips that are 1-2 inches wide. Make sure to cut against the grain of the meat to make the chicken tender. Once you have cut the chicken into strips, you can pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.

Tips for Cooking Your Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer

1. Preheating Your Air Fryer
Preheating your air fryer will ensure that your chicken tenders cook evenly from all sides. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for five minutes before you start cooking.
2. Coat Your Chicken Tenders With Breadcrumbs
Coating the chicken tenders with breadcrumbs will give them a crispy texture. Dip the chicken tenders into beaten eggs and then coat them with seasoned breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs.
3. Use a Cooking Spray
Using a cooking spray will help prevent the chicken tenders from sticking to the air fryer basket. Spray the basket with cooking spray before you add the chicken tenders to the air fryer.
4. Avoid Overcrowding the Basket
Overcrowding the air fryer basket will prevent the chicken tenders from getting crispy. You should leave some space between the chicken tenders, ensuring that they cook evenly from all sides.
5. Flip the Chicken Tenders Halfway Through
To ensure that the chicken tenders are evenly cooked, flip them halfway through the cooking time. This will help them cook evenly from both sides.
6. Check the Internal Temperature
To ensure that the chicken tenders are fully cooked, you should check their internal temperature. The temperature should be 165°F to ensure that they are safe to eat.

Tips for Serving Your Chicken Tenders

1. Pair Your Chicken Tenders with the Right Dip
Chicken tenders are often served with a dipping sauce or dressing that complements their flavor. Ranch dressing is a popular choice, but you can also try honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or sweet chili sauce.
2. Serve Your Chicken Tenders with a Side Dish
Chicken tenders are often served with a side dish, such as French fries, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a salad. You can pair them with your choice of side dish to create a wholesome and satisfying meal.
3. Garnish Your Chicken Tenders
Garnishing your chicken tenders with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, will add a burst of flavor and color to your dish. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken tenders before serving.

Conclusion

In conclusion, making air fryer cheddar ranch chicken tenders is easy and fun. By following the above tips, you can create a mouth-watering dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. Remember to season your chicken properly, coat it with breadcrumbs, and preheat your air fryer. Also, avoid overcrowding the basket, flip the chicken halfway through, and check its internal temperature. Finally, pair your chicken tenders with the right dip, serve them with a side dish, and garnish them for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy your delicious and healthy air fryer cheddar ranch chicken tenders!

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