Why You’ll Love Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

These Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are deliciously crispy on the outside, thanks to a perfect combination of breadcrumbs and parmesan, while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. The air fryer gives them a crispy texture without the need for excessive oil. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, dinner, or game day snack, these tenders are sure to be a hit with everyone. Plus, they are easy to make, healthy, and packed with flavor!

Ingredients

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray for the air fryer

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Dip each chicken strip into the beaten egg, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, roll the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coat.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray.
Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other for even cooking.
Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken tenders are golden brown and crispy.
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Spicy Chicken Tenders: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture to add some heat.
Cheesy Tenders: For extra cheese flavor, sprinkle additional parmesan on top of the tenders halfway through the cooking process.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken tenders back in the air fryer at 375°F for about 3-4 minutes to restore their crispiness. Alternatively, you can reheat them in an oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh chicken tenders for the crispiest results. Frozen tenders may not cook evenly or achieve the same texture.

How do I make these tenders spicy?

You can add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture to give the tenders a spicy kick.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier, slightly more flavorful alternative.

Do I need to use parmesan cheese?

For the crispiest, most flavorful coating, parmesan cheese is key. If you don’t have parmesan, you can substitute with a blend of grated hard cheeses like pecorino.

Can I bake these tenders instead of using an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.

Can I make these tenders ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken tenders and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking. It’s best to cook them fresh for the crispiest results.

What dipping sauces go well with these tenders?

These tenders pair well with ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or even a spicy buffalo sauce.

How do I get the tenders extra crispy?

Make sure to coat them thoroughly in the breadcrumb and parmesan mixture, and lightly spray them with oil before air frying.

Can I cook these in a traditional oven?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

Conclusion

These Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are an easy, healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken tenders. They’re crispy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. The air fryer makes the process quick and efficient, giving you delicious results with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, as an appetizer, or as a party snack, these tenders will be a crowd-pleaser!

Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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Looking for crispy, golden chicken tenders that are healthier? Try these Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Made with a light coating of parmesan and breadcrumbs, they’re perfectly crispy without deep frying. Ideal for a quick family dinner or a crunchy snack.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Roll the egg-coated chicken tenders in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to make sure they are evenly coated.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil.
Place the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece for air circulation.
Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

For extra crispiness, you can use a mixture of breadcrumbs and crushed cornflakes.
If your air fryer basket is small, cook the tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding.
You can substitute the parmesan with a different hard cheese like Romano for a unique flavor twist.