Oh my goodness, if you love crispy and flavorful chicken tenders as much as I do, then you’re in for a treat with this Hot Lemon Pepper Ranch Air Fried Chicken Tenders recipe! These tenders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, and I’m pretty sure I could eat my weight in them. There’s something about the tanginess of the ranch, the kick of the lemon pepper, and the subtle heat that makes every bite absolutely addictive. Trust me—once you try these, you’ll never go back to ordinary chicken tenders again!
This recipe has been a staple in my household for years. I remember the first time I made them; my family devoured them in minutes. Now, they’re my go-to for everything from a casual dinner to game day snacks. Plus, since they’re air-fried, you’ll feel a little less guilty indulging in these crispy delights. Let me share my secrets with you, so we can make them together!
What’s in Hot Lemon Pepper Ranch Air Fried Chicken Tenders?
- Chicken tenders: The star of the show! I always opt for fresh chicken tenders because they are juicy and tender. You could also cut your own from chicken breasts for a larger portion.
- Buttermilk: This is key for marinating the chicken. It’s what keeps the tenders buttery soft and juicy. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt: These spices pack a flavorful punch and enhance the overall taste of the chicken.
- All-purpose flour: This provides the initial coating for crunch. I always sift mine for an even texture.
- Breadcrumbs: They give that extra crispy layer. I like to use panko breadcrumbs for added crunch, but regular ones will work too!
- Ranch dressing: The creamy, tangy goodness that brings everything together. You can use store-bought or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish and adds that much-needed zing!
- Lemon pepper seasoning: This is what gives the tenders their distinctive kick! You can find it in most grocery stores or even make your own.
- Hot sauce: A little heat goes a long way. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your taste.
- Olive oil spray: To give the tenders that golden brown finish without frying in oil!
Are Hot Lemon Pepper Ranch Air Fried Chicken Tenders Good for You?
Absolutely! While we all love our comfort foods, this recipe does have some healthier spins. The use of buttermilk keeps the chicken moist without adding too many calories, and the fact that we’re air frying instead of deep frying means some major fat savings! Plus, the spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika not only boost flavor but may also offer health benefits like antioxidants.
Of course, let’s not ignore that there’s ranch dressing and hot sauce involved, so if you’re watching your sodium intake, just be cautious with those. To make this dish even healthier, you could whip up a homemade ranch dressing or opt for a yogurt-based dip. But in moderation, these tenders make for a fun and flavorful meal!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- Olive oil spray
How to Make Hot Lemon Pepper Ranch Air Fried Chicken Tenders?
- In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Add the chicken tenders and ensure they’re well coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or pop them in the fridge overnight for maximum flavor.
- Once marinated, mix together the flour and breadcrumbs in another shallow dish.
- Take a chicken tender from the buttermilk mixture, letting the excess drip off, and coat it in the flour and breadcrumbs until fully covered. Place the tenders on a plate, ready to go!
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial for that golden crispiness!
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. We want them to crisp up, after all!
- Air fry for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the chicken is beautifully golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- While the chicken tends to its magic, make the sauce! In a bowl, mix together ranch dressing, lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning, and hot sauce to your liking.
- Once the chicken is perfectly air-fried, remove it from the basket and toss it in the prepared sauce until it’s all coated in that zesty goodness.
- Serve the chicken tenderly warm with extra ranch dressing and lemon wedges on the side for that refreshing touch.
Tips for the Ultimate Chicken Tender Experience!
- If you want extra crunch, consider double-breading the tenders. Just dip them back in buttermilk after the first flour layer and re-coat them in breadcrumbs!
- Your spice level should reflect your personality! Adjust the amount of hot sauce depending on how much heat you like.
- Pair these tenders with some crunchy celery sticks or a fresh salad to balance things out. They make a perfect midweek meal or party snack.
Now that you have all the steps laid out, I can’t wait for you to dive into making these Hot Lemon Pepper Ranch Air Fried Chicken Tenders. They’re sure to be a hit, and I’d love to hear how they turned out for you! So roll up your sleeves and get cooking—happy frying!
