Meals With Maria

Crispy Air Fried KFC Tenders: A Healthy, Homemade Alternative

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air fried kfc tenders recipe

If you’ve ever craved the taste and texture of KFC chicken tenders without the grease and guilt, this Air Fried KFC Tenders recipe is your solution. These air-fried KFC tenders are so crispy and flavorful, you’ll swear they were deep-fried. Plus, they’re kid-approved, husband-loved, and a healthier alternative to store-bought nuggets or tenders.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through the steps to make tender, golden air-fried chicken tenders with a flavor profile reminiscent of KFC’s secret recipe. Along the way, I’ll share my tips for prepping chicken, creating a perfect coating, and getting the ideal crispy finish with an air fryer.

Why Air-Fried KFC Tenders Are a Game-Changer

  1. Healthier Than Deep-Frying: By using an air fryer, you drastically cut down on oil without sacrificing crispiness.
  2. Budget-Friendly: A large pack of chicken tenders from Aldi or your local grocery store is more affordable than pre-made nuggets.
  3. Customizable: You can tweak the spice mix and breading to suit your family’s taste preferences.
  4. Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters love these!

Prep Work: Getting Perfectly Tender Chicken

Before diving into the recipe, the key to great chicken tenders is removing the tendon. While this might seem tedious, it’s easier than you think:

  1. Grab a Paper Towel: Use it to hold the slippery white tendon.
  2. Use a Fork: Slide the fork around the tendon, sawing back and forth until it comes out cleanly.

This step is worth it—nobody wants a chewy bite!

The Flavor Secret: KFC-Inspired Spice Mix

The Air Fried KFC Tenders flavor comes from a well-balanced mix of herbs and spices. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Salt
  • Celery salt
  • Garlic powder
  • Thyme
  • Basil
  • Oregano
  • Black pepper
  • Mustard powder
  • Paprika
  • Ground ginger
  • Optional: Cayenne pepper for heat

This spice mix gives the tenders a bold, savory flavor that’s hard to resist.

The Air Fried KFC Tenders Marinating Magic

Marinating the chicken is essential for flavor and tenderness. Here’s how:

  1. Combine 1 tablespoon of the spice mix with ⅓ cup of Greek yogurt (or substitute with buttermilk or milk with lemon juice).
  2. Coat the chicken tenders and let them marinate for at least 3 hours or overnight for best results.

Marinating breaks down the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful.

The Crispy Coating

For the coating, mix:

  • 1 cup of flour
  • 1 cup of breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
  • ¼ cup of cornmeal
  • The remaining spice mix

Pro Tip: To evenly coat the tenders, place the coating mixture and marinated chicken into a large zip-top bag. Inflate the bag slightly and shake—think “shake and bake,” but better!

Air Frying for the Perfect Crunch

Here’s how to air-fry the tenders:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
  2. Place the coated chicken tenders in the basket (work in batches if necessary).
  3. Lightly spray the tenders with olive oil or cooking spray.
  4. Cook for 12 minutes, then flip, spray again, and cook for an additional 8–10 minutes.

The key to a golden, crispy finish is ensuring all sides are lightly coated with oil.

Serving Suggestions for Air Fried KFC Tenders

Pair these crispy chicken tenders with your favorite dips:

  • Classic ketchup
  • Zesty ranch
  • Barbecue sauce
  • Buffalo sauce for a spicy kick

Serve them as a snack, dinner, or even as part of a party platter.

Final Thoughts

Making air-fried KFC-style chicken tenders is easier than you think and so worth the effort. This recipe is a hit for weeknight dinners, game-day snacks, or anytime you’re craving crispy, tender chicken without the deep fryer.

Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out. Your family will love them, and you’ll feel great knowing they’re healthier and homemade!

Grab MORE healthy Fast Food Alternatives HERE!

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air fried kfc tenders on a white plate

Crispy Air Fried KFC Tenders

  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings 1x
Print Recipe

Description

These Air-Fried KFC Tenders are crispy, flavorful, and healthier than traditional fried chicken. Perfect for family meals or game day, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike!

Ingredients

Scale
    • 1 lb chicken tenders
    • 1/3 cup Greek yogurt (or buttermilk)
    • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
    • 1/4 cup cornmeal
    • Olive oil spray

    Spice Mix:

    • 1 tablespoon celery salt
    • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
    • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
    • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 tablespoon mustard powder
    • 2 tablespoons paprika
    • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Make the Spice Mix:

    • In a small bowl, combine all the spice mix ingredients. Mix well to ensure even distribution.

  2. Prepare the Chicken:

    • Remove the tendons from the chicken tenders. Use a paper towel for grip, hold the tendon, and slide a fork back and forth to remove it.

  3. Make the Marinade:

    • In a Ziploc bag, combine 1 tablespoon of the spice mix with 1/3 cup Greek yogurt. Add the chicken tenders and mix well to coat. Marinate for at least 3 hours or overnight.

  4. Prepare the Coating:

    • In a large bowl, mix the flour, breadcrumbs, cornmeal, and the remaining spice mix.

  5. Coat the Chicken:

    • Add half the coating mixture to a clean Ziploc bag. Add half the marinated chicken tenders, trap air in the bag, and shake to coat evenly. Repeat with the remaining chicken.

  6. Air Fry the Tenders:

    • Arrange the coated tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray generously with olive oil to ensure even browning.
    • Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes. Flip the tenders, spray the other side with olive oil, and cook for an additional 8–10 minutes until golden and crispy.

  7. Serve:

    • Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like barbecue, ketchup, buffalo sauce, or ranch.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum tenderness and flavor.
  • Ensure the tenders are fully coated in oil before air frying for a golden, crispy finish.
  • Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Marinate: 3 hours
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes

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