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- 1 lb chicken tenderloins - 1 cup buttermilk - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste) These main ingredients create a juicy and flavorful base. The chicken tenderloins are perfect for this recipe. They cook quickly and stay tender. Buttermilk adds moisture and depth, while garlic gives a rich taste. Hot sauce brings a kick, which you can adjust to your liking. - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Spices make this dish pop! Smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness. Cayenne pepper gives you that heat, so feel free to adjust it. Onion powder adds flavor without being too strong. Salt and black pepper enhance everything, bringing out the best in your chicken. You can add extra flavors to make these chicken tenders your own. Try adding: - Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for brightness. - Grated Parmesan cheese mixed with the flour for a cheesy twist. - Lemon zest for a fresh citrus touch. These options allow you to play with the dish. Get creative and find what you love most! To start, I mix the marinade in a large bowl. I add 1 cup of buttermilk. Then I throw in 4 minced garlic cloves. Next, I add 1 tablespoon of hot sauce, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. I also include 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. I stir it all well to blend the flavors. I then add 1 pound of chicken tenderloins to the bowl. I make sure they are fully covered in the marinade. I cover the bowl and put it in the fridge. I let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but overnight makes it even better. After marinating, I take the chicken out of the fridge. I preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. While it heats, I grab a shallow dish. I put 1 cup of all-purpose flour in it. I season the flour with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Next, I take each chicken tenderloin and dredge it in the flour. I shake off any extra flour. This helps create a nice crust. I then lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. I place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. I make sure they do not overlap. To make the chicken crispy, I spray the tops lightly with olive oil. I set the air fryer to cook the chicken for about 10 to 12 minutes. I flip the tenders halfway through cooking. I check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once they are golden brown, I take them out of the air fryer. I let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep them juicy. For a great presentation, I serve them on a wooden platter. I add a side of ranch dipping sauce and fresh veggies. I also like to sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for color. To get great taste, marinate the chicken well. Mix buttermilk, garlic, and hot sauce in a bowl. This mix will soak into the chicken. Let the chicken sit in the fridge for at least one hour. For even better flavor, try marinating overnight. The longer you let it soak, the richer the taste. For crispy chicken tenders, the coating is key. Dredge the marinated chicken in seasoned flour. Be sure to shake off any excess flour. Lightly spray the air fryer basket and chicken tenders with cooking spray. This helps them get that golden brown color. Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway for even cooking. If you have dietary needs, there are easy swaps. Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. For dairy-free options, try almond milk in place of buttermilk. You can also use your favorite hot sauce to adjust spice levels. These changes keep the dish tasty while fitting your diet. {{image_2}} You can adjust the heat of your chicken tenders. If you love spice, add more cayenne pepper. For a milder taste, reduce the hot sauce and cayenne. You can even try different hot sauces. A sweet chili sauce gives a nice twist. For a smoky flavor, include extra smoked paprika. Experiment with flavors to find your perfect balance! The air fryer gives you crispy chicken tenders without much oil. Yet, you can also use your oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. The result is still delicious, but the air fryer gives a crunchier finish. Choose what works best for you! These spicy garlic chicken tenders shine with the right sides. Serve them with ranch dipping sauce for a creamy contrast. Fresh veggies like carrots or celery add crunch and color. You can also pair them with a light salad or coleslaw. Want something heartier? Try serving with sweet potato fries or rice. Each side enhances the meal and makes it more satisfying! To keep your spicy garlic chicken tenders fresh, let them cool down. Place them in an airtight container. Make sure to store them in the fridge. They will last for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. To reheat, use the air fryer for the best results. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Heat the chicken tenders for 5 to 7 minutes. This will help them stay crispy. You can also use an oven if you prefer. Just place them on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. To freeze, wrap each tender in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag or container. You can store them for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above for that crispy finish. Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour. However, if you have time, let it sit overnight. This makes the chicken more juicy and flavorful. The longer it marinates, the better the taste gets. The buttermilk helps tenderize the meat. The garlic and spices soak in deeply, creating a bold flavor. Yes, you can use chicken breasts! Just cut them into strips to match the size of tenders. Chicken breasts will cook a bit longer, so check them at about 12-15 minutes. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The breading method stays the same, ensuring a crispy outside. I love serving these tenders with ranch dressing. The cool ranch balances the heat. Other great choices are honey mustard or blue cheese dressing. For something bolder, try a spicy sriracha mayo. Each sauce adds a fun twist to your meal. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors! In this article, we explored how to make Air Fryer Spicy Garlic Chicken Tenders. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips for best flavor. You learned how to customize the recipe and store leftovers. For the best results, remember to marinate the chicken well and choose your favorite spices. Enjoy experimenting with different cooking methods and flavors. With these tips, you can make tasty tenders anytime. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Spicy Garlic Chicken Tenders

Discover how to make mouthwatering Air Fryer Spicy Garlic Chicken Tenders that are both crispy and flavorful! This easy recipe combines tender chicken with a zesty marinade featuring garlic and spices, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. In just about an hour, you can have a delicious dish that your family will love. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your mealtime with these tasty tenders!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken tenderloins

1 cup buttermilk

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup all-purpose flour

Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, minced garlic, hot sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.

    Add the chicken tenderloins to the bowl, ensuring they are fully submerged in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for better flavor).

      After marinating, remove the chicken from the fridge. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

        In a shallow dish, place the flour and season it with a pinch of salt and pepper. Dredge each chicken tenderloin in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess.

          Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t overlap.

            Spray the tops of the chicken tenders lightly with olive oil spray to help them crisp up.

              Air fry the chicken tenders for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).

                Once done, remove from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 1 hr 20 mins | 4 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the spicy garlic chicken tenders on a wooden platter with a side of ranch dipping sauce and fresh vegetables for crunch. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color.