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Healthy Crispy Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Tender Cups

These chicken tender cups are a delicious guilt-free snack or meal option, crispy and flavorful thanks to ranch seasoning, and perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 12 cups
Course: Appetizer, Main Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Coating
  • 1 pound chicken tenders, trimmed of excess fat
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (about 100 grams)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 25 grams)
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • spray Olive oil spray (or avocado oil spray)
Serving Options
  • 12 pieces mini phyllo or wonton cups (optional but recommended)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat dry chicken tenders with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt and ranch seasoning mix; stir until well blended.
  3. In another bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese.
  4. Dip each chicken tender into the yogurt mixture, letting excess drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the panko-Parmesan mix, pressing gently to adhere.
Cooking
  1. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil spray. Place coated tenders in a single layer without overcrowding and mist tops lightly with oil spray.
  2. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  3. While the chicken cooks, place mini phyllo or wonton cups in a muffin tin to keep upright.
  4. Cut cooked chicken tenders into bite-sized pieces if needed and nestle inside the cups.
Serving
  1. Serve immediately, best enjoyed warm with dipping sauces like ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or spicy mayo.

Notes

Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help the coating stick better. Feel free to experiment with different flavors of seasoning like garlic powder or paprika for a kick. If mini phyllo or wonton cups are not available, serve chicken tenders on their own or with toothpicks.