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Crunchy Chicken Tenders w/ Cajun Ranch

Crunchy Chicken Tenders w/ Cajun Ranch

Tracy Nawara
Forget fast food! Make better chicken at home with these air-fried Crunchy Chicken Tenders w/ Cajun Ranch. Crispy, crunchy, and slightly spicy, these tenders are perfectly served with some creamy and quick Cajun-spiced ranch dressing!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb. raw chicken tenders
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tbsp milk or plant milk
  • 1 1/2 cups gluten-free cracker crumbs, I like to blitz Schar's Entertainment Crackers
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Olive oil spray
  • 1/2 cup prepared ranch dressing
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees F.
  • Pat your chicken tenders dry with some clean paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible.
  • Crack your eggs into a shallow bowl and whisk with the milk. Set aside.
  • In another shallow bowl, add the cracker crumbs, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well until the spices are evenly dispersed in the crumbs.
  • Dip each chicken tender in the cracker crumbs, then the egg, then the cracker crumbs again. Place the breaded tenders on a plate and repeat until all the chicken is coated.
  • When the air fryer is preheated, add your tenders in one layer with a bit of space in between. Spray them lightly with some olive oil cooking spray. If you have more tenders after one layer, cook them in two batches. Do not layer the breaded tenders on top of each other.
  • Cook for 8 minutes, then flip your chicken. Continue cooking for another 6-8 minutes until completely cooked through and crispy.
  • Meanwhile, add your ranch to a small bowl. Mix in the Cajun seasoning. Add more or less depending on how spicy you like your ranch.
  • Once the tenders are cooked, remove them to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve hot with the Cajun ranch.

Notes

*If you don’t have an air fryer, you can make these in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and bake for 10-12 minutes per side until crisp and cooked through.
Keyword Crunchy Chicken Tenders w/ Cajun Ranch
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