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To make these tasty air fryer Cajun chicken tenders, gather the following ingredients: - 1 lb chicken tenders - 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar) - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (more if you like it spicier) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon paprika - ½ teaspoon black pepper - ½ teaspoon salt - Cooking spray or olive oil for spraying You can swap some ingredients if needed: - Use plain yogurt instead of buttermilk. - Almond flour works well in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option. - If you don't have Cajun seasoning, mix paprika, cayenne, and dried herbs. - For a mild taste, skip the garlic and onion powder. Choose fresh chicken tenders by looking for these signs: - The color should be pink and bright, not dull or gray. - The meat should feel firm, not slimy or mushy. - Check the sell-by date on the package. - If buying from a butcher, ask about the source of the chicken. These tips help ensure you get the best flavor and texture in your dish. Start by placing the chicken tenders in a bowl. Pour in the buttermilk until the chicken is fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This soak makes the chicken tender and full of flavor. The buttermilk breaks down tough fibers in the meat, making it juicy and delicious. While the chicken marinates, grab another bowl. Mix together the flour, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir these ingredients well until they are fully combined. This blend adds a spicy kick and deep flavor to your chicken tenders. You can adjust the Cajun seasoning to fit your taste. If you want it spicier, feel free to add more! Once you marinate the chicken, it’s time to get cooking. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, take the chicken out of the buttermilk. Let any extra liquid drip off. Next, dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture. Press lightly so the flour sticks well. Now, arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray the tops with cooking spray or olive oil. This step helps them get crispy while cooking. Air fry the chicken for about 8-10 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. They should turn golden brown and reach an internal temp of 165°F (74°C). When they’re done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices inside. Enjoy your tasty Cajun chicken tenders! To get crispy chicken tenders, use a light spray of cooking oil. This helps them brown nicely. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Give each tender space to cook evenly. Flip them halfway for even crispness. The hot air circulates better, making them crispy all around. Cajun seasoning can really change the flavor. Start with two teaspoons, as the recipe states. If you like more heat, add an extra teaspoon or two. Taste the flour mix before coating the chicken. Adjust the seasoning to fit your taste. Remember, spice can be fun, but balance is key for everyone to enjoy! If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, use the air fryer again. This brings back their crispy texture. If you freeze them, place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. {{image_2}} If you want to turn up the heat, try these spicy additions. You can mix in cayenne pepper with your Cajun seasoning. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to your taste. Another option is to add hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade. This will give the chicken an extra kick. You can also serve the tenders with a spicy dipping sauce. A mix of mayo and hot sauce works great! For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for a blend that has good texture for frying. You can also use almond flour or coconut flour if you prefer. Ensure that your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free too. Many brands are safe, but check the label to be sure. If you prefer baking, you can make these tenders in the oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This will give you a different texture, but they’ll still be tasty. Just ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). After enjoying your meal, let the chicken tenders cool. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. To reheat your chicken tenders, use your air fryer. Set it to 375°F (190°C). Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. This helps restore their crispiness. Alternatively, you can use an oven. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. To freeze chicken tenders, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can marinate chicken tenders for 30 minutes to 2 hours. This time frame helps the chicken absorb the buttermilk and spices. A longer marination ensures more flavor and tenderness. Just keep the chicken in the fridge while it marinates to keep it safe. Some great dipping sauces include ranch, honey mustard, and spicy mayo. These sauces balance the heat of the Cajun seasoning. You can also try a tangy barbecue sauce for a sweet twist. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite! Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of tenders. Just cut the breasts into strips that are similar in size to tenders. Adjust cooking time, as thicker pieces may need a few extra minutes. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety. This blog post covered everything you need for great Cajun chicken tenders. You learned about key ingredients, substitutions, and how to marinate chicken. I shared tips for achieving crispy tenders and explored tasty variations. You also got storage tips and answered common questions. Now, you’re ready to make delicious chicken tenders that everyone will love. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and sharing these meals with friends and family!

Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Tenders

Craving a zesty twist on dinner? Try these Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Tenders that are crispy, flavorful, and a breeze to make! Marinated to perfection and seasoned with savory spices, these tenders are sure to please. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauces for a delicious meal any night of the week. Click to explore the full recipe and bring this tasty dish to your table! #AirFryerRecipes #CajunChicken #HealthyDining #DinnerIdeas
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken tenders

1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar)

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (more if you like it spicier)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon salt

Cooking spray or olive oil for spraying

Instructions
 

In a bowl, marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator, to ensure tenderness and flavor.

    In another bowl, mix together the flour, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt until well combined.

      Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

        Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off, and then dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.

          Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray the tops with a light coating of cooking spray or olive oil to achieve a crispy texture.

            Air fry the chicken tenders for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).

              Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving to retain their juiciness.

                Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the Cajun chicken tenders on a platter lined with parchment paper. Garnish with fresh parsley and a side of dipping sauces like ranch or a spicy mayo to complement the flavors.