Recipes AirfryerAir Fryer Cajun Chicken Tenders
Buttermilk-marinated, boldly spiced, and shatteringly crisp — these air fryer Cajun chicken tenders taste deep-fried without the oil. The buttermilk keeps them juicy while a craggy seasoned-flour crust crisps up in the basket.
They're a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike: dunk them in ranch or honey mustard, or slice them onto a salad or wrap.
Ingredients
Instructions
Marinate
Marinate the tenders in the buttermilk and hot sauce for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Dredge
Mix the flour, salt, spices and cornstarch. Stir in a few spoonfuls of the marinade to make craggy bits, then dredge each tender, pressing to coat. Let sit until the coating looks sticky.
Air fry
Spray both sides generously with oil and air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping once, until golden, crisp and 165°F inside.
- Spraying oil well is what fries the flour crust — don't skip it.
- The craggy flour bits give extra crunch, so don't skip mixing in marinade.
- Dial the cayenne up or down to control the heat.
Frequently asked
How long do chicken tenders take in the air fryer?
Breaded tenders take 10–12 minutes at 400°F, flipping once, until golden and 165°F inside.
Do I have to marinate in buttermilk?
It's worth it — buttermilk tenderizes and keeps the chicken juicy. In a pinch, soak at least 30 minutes.
Can I use chicken breast strips instead of tenderloins?
Yes — cut breasts into even strips and cook the same way.
