Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or set air fryer to 375°F. Line your baking sheet or basket with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a bowl, mix cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and ranch seasoning. In another bowl, whisk the egg. Place breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
Season chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Dip each tender first into the egg, then into the ranch-bacon-cheese mixture, and finally into breadcrumbs to fully coat.
Arrange tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18–20 minutes or air fry for 14–16 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Let them rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with ranch or buffalo dipping sauce if desired.
