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Air Fryer Crack Chicken Tenders with Easy Garlic Ranch Dip

air fryer crack chicken tenders - featured image
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These air fryer crack chicken tenders are crispy, juicy, and loaded with cheddar cheese and smoky bacon, all finished with a savory ranch flavor. Paired with a homemade garlic ranch dip, they make the ultimate comfort food for weeknights, parties, or game day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenders (or boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix (divided)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup bacon bits (or crumbled cooked bacon)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Cooking spray or olive oil spray
  • For the Garlic Ranch Dip:
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels. If using chicken breasts, slice into 1-inch wide strips.
  2. Place chicken in a mixing bowl. Pour buttermilk over the chicken, add 1 tbsp ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (up to 2 hours).
  3. Set up breading stations: In one shallow bowl, place flour. In a second bowl, beat eggs. In a third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar, bacon bits, and 1 tbsp ranch seasoning. Mix well.
  4. Dredge each chicken tender in flour, then dip in beaten egg, letting excess drip off. Press firmly into the panko-cheddar-bacon mixture to coat all sides. Place breaded tenders on a baking sheet or plate.
  5. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. Spray the basket with cooking spray. Arrange tenders in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Lightly spray tops of tenders with oil.
  6. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway and spraying again for crispiness. Tenders should be golden brown and reach 165°F internal temperature.
  7. While chicken cooks, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, minced garlic, lemon juice, and optional parsley or chives in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and chill until serving.
  8. Let tenders cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. Serve with garlic ranch dip on the side.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free panko and flour. For extra crispy tenders, double-dip in egg and breadcrumb mixture. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches for best results. Let tenders rest a few minutes after cooking to help the coating set. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer, chicken tenders, crack chicken, ranch, bacon, cheddar, easy, appetizer, kid-friendly, comfort food, garlic ranch dip

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/air-fryer-crack-chicken-tenders-recipe-easy-garlic-ranch-dip/