Hot Lemon Pepper Ranch Air Fried Chicken Tenders

There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a perfectly crispy chicken tender, especially when it’s packed with bold, zesty flavors. As someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are easy to make but deliver restaurant-quality results. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Hot Lemon Pepper Ranch Air Fried Chicken Tenders recipe with you. It’s a game-changer for anyone who loves a little heat, a tangy kick, and the convenience of using an air fryer.

What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a game-day gathering, these chicken tenders are sure to impress. The combination of lemon pepper seasoning and ranch dressing creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting. Plus, the air fryer ensures they come out crispy without the need for deep frying. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a regular in your rotation!

What You Need To Make This Recipe

Chicken tenders: The star of the dish! Chicken tenders are lean, tender, and cook quickly, making them perfect for air frying. If you don’t have tenders, you can easily slice chicken breasts into strips.

Lemon pepper seasoning: This is where the magic happens. Lemon pepper seasoning adds a bright, citrusy flavor with a hint of spice. It’s a classic seasoning that pairs beautifully with chicken.

Ranch dressing mix: A packet of dry ranch dressing mix brings that herby, tangy flavor we all love. It’s the secret ingredient that ties everything together.

Hot sauce: For a little kick, hot sauce is a must. It adds depth and heat to the seasoning blend. Use your favorite brand, and adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.

Flour: Flour helps create a crispy coating on the chicken tenders. It’s the base of the breading mixture.

Eggs: Eggs act as the binder, helping the flour and seasoning stick to the chicken.

Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, giving the tenders that perfect crunch.

Cooking spray: A light spritz of cooking spray ensures the tenders get golden and crispy in the air fryer without drying out.

Ingredients List

1 lb chicken tenders
2 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch dressing mix
2 tbsp hot sauce
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Cooking spray

How to Make Hot Lemon Pepper Ranch Air Fried Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning and breading stick better. Set them aside while you prepare the coating.

Step 2: Mix the Seasonings

In a small bowl, combine the lemon pepper seasoning and dry ranch dressing mix. This blend will give the chicken its signature flavor. Set aside 1 tablespoon of the mixture for later.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and hot sauce. In the third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining seasoning blend. Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, dip it into the egg mixture, and then coat it thoroughly with the panko mixture.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy right away.

Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. Spray the tops of the tenders lightly with cooking spray. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once done, let the tenders cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle them with the reserved seasoning blend for an extra burst of flavor. Serve with ranch dressing, extra hot sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips for Making this Recipe

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Cook the tenders in batches if necessary to ensure they crisp up evenly.
Adjust the heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of hot sauce or use a milder variety.
Make it gluten-free: Swap the flour and panko for gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary needs.
Double the seasoning: If you love bold flavors, feel free to double the lemon pepper and ranch seasoning mix.
Use fresh lemon zest: For an extra citrusy punch, add a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture.
Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Just slice the breasts into strips of even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.

What dipping sauces go well with these tenders?
Ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, honey mustard, or even a spicy mayo are all great options.

Can I make these ahead of time?
You can bread the tenders ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 hours before air frying. This is great for meal prep!

Enjoy making and savoring these Hot Lemon Pepper Ranch Air Fried Chicken Tenders. They’re a crowd-pleaser and a personal favorite in my kitchen!