Air Fryer Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tenders

Prep 10 min
Total 35 min
Ingredients 6
Servings 8

Calling all chicken tender fans—this crunchy cheddar ranch version is made in the air fryer for maximum flavor and texture and minimum stress. Every piece is coated with a flavorful, cheesy crunch, and the inside remains juicy and tender. You'll wonder why you've never made them like this before. MORE+ LESS-

By Pillsbury Kitchens

Updated July 30, 2019

Make with

Progresso Breadcrumbs

Ingredients

tablespoons all-purpose flour

teaspoons Montreal chicken seasoning

1/3

cup ranch dressing

2/3

cup Progresso™ plain panko crispy bread crumbs

1/2

cup finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 oz)

package (14 oz) boneless skinless chicken tenders

Steps

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1

Cut 8-inch round of cooking parchment paper. Place in bottom of air fryer basket. Spray with cooking spray.
2

In shallow dish, mix flour and seasoning. In another shallow dish, place ranch dressing. In third shallow dish, mix bread crumbs and cheddar cheese. Coat chicken with flour mixture; dip into ranch dressing, then coat with bread crumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
3

Place chicken on parchment in air fryer basket, standing chicken against sides of basket, if necessary. Set to 325°F; cook 10 minutes. Turn chicken; cook 10 to 15 minutes longer or until chicken is no longer pink in center.

Packages of chicken tenders can contain up to 8 or more pieces of chicken. If they don't all fit in the air fryer in a single layer, cook the chicken in batches.

Expert Tips

Air fryer temperature control settings vary according to brand and model. If your air fryer does not have the exact temperature setting called for in the recipe, consult your manual for suggested temperature settings.
Our recipes do not call for preheating your air fryer. Just set the temperature, and start. Never preheat with parchment paper alone.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Chicken Tender

Calories: 150
Calories from Fat: 70

% Daily Value

Total Fat: 7g; 11%
Saturated Fat 2g 10% Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg; 10%
Sodium: 270mg; 11%
Potassium: 15mg; 0%
Total Carbohydrate: 9g; 3%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0% Sugars 0g
Protein: 13g

% Daily Value*:

Vitamin A: 0%; 0%
Vitamin C: 0%; 0%
Calcium: 6%; 6%
Iron: 0%; 0%

Exchanges:

0 Starch; 0 Fruit; 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 0 Vegetable; 1 1/2 Very Lean Meat; 0 Lean Meat; 1/2 High-Fat Meat; 1/2 Fat;