Air Fryer Cornflake Crusted Chicken Tenders: Crispy, Juicy Perfection!

Craving crispy, juicy chicken tenders without the guilt of deep frying? Look no further! These Air Fryer Cornflake Crusted Chicken Tenders are incredibly easy to make, deliver a satisfying crunch, and are ready in under 30 minutes. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a kid-friendly snack, or a party appetizer. This recipe is a game-changer, offering a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken without sacrificing any of the flavor or texture. We’ll guide you through each step, ensuring your chicken tenders come out perfectly golden brown and irresistibly delicious every single time.

Why Air Fryer Chicken Tenders?

The air fryer has revolutionized the way we cook, offering a healthier way to enjoy our favorite fried foods. Here’s why you should make your chicken tenders in the air fryer:

* **Healthier:** Air frying uses significantly less oil than deep frying, reducing the fat content and calories. You achieve that desirable crispiness without the added grease.
* **Faster:** Air fryers preheat quickly and cook food faster than conventional ovens. These chicken tenders are ready in about 15-20 minutes.
* **Easy Cleanup:** No messy oil splatters to worry about! Air fryers are easy to clean, making dinner cleanup a breeze.
* **Crispy Texture:** The circulating hot air in the air fryer creates a uniformly crispy coating, mimicking the texture of deep-fried chicken.
* **Even Cooking:** Air fryers promote even cooking, ensuring that your chicken tenders are cooked through and juicy on the inside.

## The Secret to Perfect Cornflake Crusted Chicken Tenders

Several factors contribute to the success of this recipe:

* **Chicken Quality:** Start with high-quality, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Look for chicken that is plump and has a healthy pink color. Cut the chicken breasts into uniform strips (tenders) for even cooking.
* **Flavorful Marinade:** A flavorful marinade not only adds moisture but also infuses the chicken with delicious flavor. We’ll use a simple marinade of buttermilk, hot sauce, and seasonings.
* **Finely Crushed Cornflakes:** The key to a crispy coating is finely crushed cornflakes. Use a food processor or place the cornflakes in a resealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin. You want a fine crumb, not large pieces.
* **Proper Breading Technique:** The three-step breading process (flour, egg, cornflakes) ensures that the chicken tenders are fully coated and the cornflakes adhere properly.
* **Air Fryer Temperature and Time:** Finding the right air fryer temperature and cooking time is crucial. We’ll use a temperature of 380°F (190°C) and cook the chicken tenders for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a detailed list of the ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious air fryer cornflake crusted chicken tenders:

* **Chicken:**
* 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into tenders
* **Marinade:**
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* **Breading:**
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 large eggs, beaten
* 3 cups cornflakes, finely crushed
* **Optional:**
* Cooking spray (for air fryer basket)
* Dipping sauces (ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, etc.)

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Air Fryer
* Three shallow dishes or bowls for breading
* Mixing bowls
* Whisk
* Food processor or resealable bag and rolling pin (for crushing cornflakes)
* Tongs
* Meat thermometer (optional, but recommended)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create perfectly crispy and juicy air fryer cornflake crusted chicken tenders:

**Step 1: Marinate the Chicken**

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and ensure they are fully coated in the marinade.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will be.

**Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station**

1. In the first shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. In the second shallow dish, beat the eggs with a fork.
3. In the third shallow dish, place the finely crushed cornflakes. Ensure there are no large pieces.

**Step 3: Bread the Chicken Tenders**

1. Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.
2. Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
3. Dip the floured chicken tender into the beaten eggs, making sure it is thoroughly coated.
4. Finally, dredge the chicken tender in the crushed cornflakes, pressing gently to ensure the cornflakes adhere well to the chicken. Make sure the entire surface is covered.
5. Place the breaded chicken tender on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining chicken tenders.

**Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken Tenders**

1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the chicken tenders from sticking.
3. Place the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook them in batches.
4. Cook the chicken tenders for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of a chicken tender to ensure it is fully cooked.

**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**

1. Remove the cooked chicken tenders from the air fryer and place them on a wire rack to prevent them from becoming soggy.
2. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ketchup.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives, if desired.

## Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer:** Overcrowding the air fryer will prevent the chicken tenders from cooking evenly and becoming crispy. Cook them in batches if necessary.
* **Preheat the Air Fryer:** Preheating the air fryer ensures that the chicken tenders start cooking immediately and get a crispy exterior.
* **Use Cooking Spray:** Spraying the air fryer basket with cooking spray prevents the chicken tenders from sticking and helps them brown evenly.
* **Don’t Skip the Marinade:** The marinade adds flavor and moisture to the chicken, resulting in tender and juicy chicken tenders.
* **Crush the Cornflakes Finely:** Finely crushed cornflakes provide a better coating and adhere more easily to the chicken.
* **Press the Cornflakes onto the Chicken:** Gently press the cornflakes onto the chicken to ensure they stick well.
* **Check the Internal Temperature:** Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken tenders are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* **Let the Chicken Rest:** After cooking, let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

## Variations and Substitutions

Here are some variations and substitutions you can try to customize this recipe to your liking:

* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Use Different Spices:** Experiment with different spices in the flour mixture, such as onion powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning.
* **Add Cheese:** Add grated Parmesan cheese to the cornflake mixture for a cheesy flavor.
* **Use Different Coating:** Substitute the cornflakes with panko breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or potato chips for a different texture.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free cornflakes to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Use Different Cuts of Chicken:** While this recipe calls for chicken tenders, you can also use chicken thighs cut into strips.
* **Different Marinade:** Try marinating the chicken in pickle juice, honey mustard, or a combination of soy sauce and ginger.

## Serving Suggestions

These air fryer cornflake crusted chicken tenders are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

* **As an Appetizer:** Serve them with an array of dipping sauces for a fun and crowd-pleasing appetizer.
* **As a Main Course:** Pair them with your favorite side dishes, such as french fries, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a salad.
* **In Sandwiches or Wraps:** Use them to make delicious chicken sandwiches or wraps with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite toppings.
* **On Salads:** Top a salad with these chicken tenders for a protein-packed and flavorful meal.
* **With Mac and Cheese:** Serve them alongside mac and cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** The best way to reheat these chicken tenders is in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the chicken tenders for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make the chicken tenders soggy.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on a serving size of 3 chicken tenders)

* Calories: Approximately 350-400
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 3-4g
* Cholesterol: 100-120mg
* Sodium: 500-600mg
* Carbohydrates: 25-30g
* Fiber: 1-2g
* Sugar: 5-7g
* Protein: 30-35g

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Conclusion

These Air Fryer Cornflake Crusted Chicken Tenders are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. They are easy to make, require minimal effort, and deliver a satisfying crunch that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a kid-friendly snack, or a party appetizer, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So, fire up your air fryer and get ready to enjoy some crispy, juicy, and flavorful chicken tenders! Enjoy!