Air Fryer Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tenders with Panko Coating
Crispy chicken tenders with a golden panko and cheddar cheese coating, flavored with ranch dressing and Montreal seasoning. The air fryer creates a perfectly crunchy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy inside. Great for weeknight dinners, game day appetizers, or kid-friendly meals. The combination of sharp cheddar and tangy ranch makes these more flavorful than typical breaded tenders.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flouralmond flour1:1gluten-freegluten-free
for gluten-free option
- 2 teaspoons Montreal chicken seasoning
- ⅓ cup ranch dressing
- ⅝ cup Progresso plain panko crispy bread crumbs
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded (2 oz)
- 1 package (14 oz) boneless skinless chicken tenders
Instructions
- 1
Cut parchment paper into 8-inch round and place in bottom of air fryer basket, then spray with cooking spray
- 2
Mix flour and seasoning in shallow dish, place ranch dressing in second dish, and combine bread crumbs and cheddar cheese in third dish
- 3
Coat chicken with flour mixture, dip into ranch dressing, then coat with bread crumb mixture, pressing to adhere
- 4
Place chicken on parchment in air fryer basket, standing against sides if necessary
- 5
Cook at 325°F for 10 minutes, turn chicken, then cook 10 to 15 minutes longer until no longer pink in center
Tips
Press the panko coating firmly onto chicken to ensure it stays crispy during cooking
Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket - cook in batches if needed for even browning
Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier
Good to Know
Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days
Can bread chicken up to 4 hours ahead, then air fry when ready to serve
Serve immediately while hot and crispy
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the parchment paper or chicken will stick to basket
Don't cook at higher temperature or coating will burn before chicken cooks through
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Thaw completely first and pat dry before breading for best results
What if I don't have Montreal seasoning?
Mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper as substitute
How long do these keep?
Best eaten fresh but can be reheated in air fryer for 2-3 minutes to crisp up