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Air-Fried Southern-Style Chicken Tenders
the Breville Test Kitchen

the Breville Test Kitchen

Air-Fried Southern-Style Chicken Tenders

Crispy, golden and full of Southern-inspired flavor, these air-fried chicken tenders start with a tangy buttermilk marinade, then get coated in toasted, paprika-spiced panko for maximum crunch. Comfort-food vibes, perfect for dipping.
pc-rhthe Smart Oven® Air Fryer Pro
the Smart Oven® Air Fryer Pro Product Details

the Smart Oven® Air Fryer Pro

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time

1 hr total time

activetimeIII

30 mins active time

easy

Easy

user

Serves 4

Ingredients


Measurements:

  • buttermilk icon
    1 cup (8 fl oz) buttermilk
  • large egg icon
    1 large egg
  • garlic powder icon
    2 tsp garlic powder
  • onion powder icon
    2 tsp onion powder
  • paprika icon
    3 tsp paprika

    divided

  • kosher salt icon
    2 tsp kosher salt
  • pinch cayenne pepper icon
    Pinch cayenne pepper

    (optional)

  • chicken tenders icon
    1½ lb chicken tenders

    about 12

  • panko breadcrumbs icon
    2 cups (4 oz) panko breadcrumbs
  • olive oil icon
    3 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  • 1

    Place the buttermilk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, salt and cayenne in a bowl and whisk to combine. Add the chicken tenders, cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes to overnight to marinate.

  • 2

    Insert the wire rack into position 4. Set the oven to Bake, Convection, 350°F, for 8 minutes, enable Rotate Remind and press Start to preheat. Meanwhile, continue to the next step.

  • 3

    Place the breadcrumbs and oil in a bowl and rub together to combine. Transfer to the roasting pan in an even layer.

  • 4

    Once preheated, place the pan in the oven and bake for 8 minutes. When the Rotate Remind signals, stir the crumbs and continue cooking.

  • 5

    The crumbs should be golden brown. If not, bake a little longer.

  • 6

    Remove the crumbs from the oven and cool slightly before transferring them to a shallow bowl. Add the remaining 2 teaspoons paprika and stir to combine.

  • 7

    Move the wire rack to position 7. Set the oven to Air Fry, Super Convection, 400°F, for 16 minutes, enable Rotate Remind and press Start. Meanwhile, continue to the next step.

  • 8

    Working with one chicken tender at a time, remove one piece from the marinade and allow the excess marinade to drain. Place the chicken into the crumbs, press and turn to coat all over. Place the chicken in the air fry basket. Repeat with the remaining chicken ensuring the pieces are evenly spaced apart in the basket.

  • 9

    Once the oven is at temperature, place the roasting pan on the rack to catch the drips during cooking and the basket into position 3. Air fry for 16 minutes. When the Rotate Remind signals, turn the chicken over and continue cooking.

  • 10

    The chicken should be golden brown and the internal temperature reach a minimum of 165°F when tested with a meat thermometer. If not, air fry a little longer.

  • 11

    Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce and get ready for some seriously satisfying crunch.

Main course
Hors d'oeuvr/Appetizers
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