1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt (optional if ranch mix is salty)
Coating
2 cups crushed cheddar crackers (like Cheez-It style)
(or substitute with seasoned breadcrumbs + ½ cup grated cheddar)½ cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
½ cup grated parmesan (optional, boosts crispiness)
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
Cooking spray (olive oil spray preferred)
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken
Slice chicken breasts into evenly sized strips (about 1 inch thick).
Pat dry with paper towels.
2️⃣ Marinate (For Maximum Juiciness)
In a bowl or zip-top bag:
Combine buttermilk, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, pepper.
Add chicken and coat well.
Refrigerate at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
👉 Short on time? You can skip marinating and dip chicken directly into beaten egg instead.
3️⃣ Prepare the Coating
In a shallow bowl mix:
Crushed cheddar crackers
Panko
Parmesan
Paprika
Garlic powder
Crush crackers finely but leave small bits for texture.
4️⃣ Coat the Chicken
Remove chicken from marinade (let excess drip off).
Press firmly into crumb mixture, coating all sides.
Place on a plate or tray.
Tip: Press crumbs on firmly so they stick well.
5️⃣ Air Fry
Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Lightly spray basket with cooking spray.
Arrange chicken in a single layer (do not overcrowd).
Spray tops lightly with oil spray.
Cook at 380°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Chicken is done when:
Internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C)
Outside is deep golden and crispy
🔥 Extra Crispy Tip
For darker crisp:
Increase temp to 400°F for the last 2 minutes.
🍽 Optional Oven Method
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Place on wire rack over baking sheet.
Bake 18–22 minutes until golden and 165°F internal temp.
🥣 Dipping Sauce Ideas
Ranch dressing
Honey mustard
Spicy mayo (mayo + sriracha)
BBQ sauce
Garlic aioli
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store in fridge up to 3 days.
Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness.
Freeze cooked tenders up to 2 months.
💡 Flavor Variations
Add ½ tsp cayenne for heat.
Use buffalo ranch seasoning.
Swap cheddar crackers for crushed cornflakes.
Add 1 tbsp hot sauce to marinade.
