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- 1 pound chicken tenders - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 2 large eggs, beaten - Cooking spray The main ingredients for this dish are simple yet effective. The chicken tenders form the base, giving you juicy bites. The grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich, sharp flavor that pairs well with the chicken. Panko breadcrumbs create a delightful crunch that makes each bite satisfying. For seasoning, I use garlic powder and onion powder. These two spices enhance the flavor without overpowering the dish. Italian seasoning adds a hint of warmth and earthiness that rounds out the taste. Salt and black pepper bring everything together, making sure each bite is full of flavor. Binding is important for this recipe. Beaten eggs help the cheese and breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. A light spray of cooking oil ensures that the tenders crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Using these ingredients correctly is key to achieving that crispy exterior and tender inside. Enjoy the process of preparing these tasty chicken tenders! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Prep the chicken: First, pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel. This helps the coating stick better. Make sure they are not wet. - Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until everything is mixed evenly. - Prepare the dipping station: In another bowl, beat the two large eggs. Set this bowl on one side. Place your bowl of the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture on the other side. This setup makes dipping easy. - Coat the chicken tenders: Take each chicken tender and dip it into the egg mixture. Let any excess egg drip off. Next, coat it in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make sure it sticks well. - Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Let it preheat for about 5 minutes. This step helps cook the chicken evenly. - Arrange in the air fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer. Leave some space between them for air to flow. - Air fry the chicken: Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray. Cook in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even crispiness. They should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). To make your chicken tenders super crispy, panko breadcrumbs are key. Panko is lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs. It gives your tenders that perfect crunch. When you coat your chicken, press the panko mixture well. This helps it stick and stay crispy during cooking. Don't forget to spray with cooking spray! A light mist on the tops of the tenders helps them crisp up nicely. It adds a lovely golden color. How do you know when your chicken tenders are done? The best way is to check the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer and look for 165°F (75°C). This ensures they are safe to eat and fully cooked. For even cooking, flip the chicken halfway through cooking. This helps both sides get that golden brown look. Use tongs to turn them gently, so the coating stays intact. When serving your chicken tenders, dips make a great addition. Marinara sauce or ranch dressing works well for dipping. You can set them on a platter with small bowls of dip on the side. For a pop of color, garnish with fresh parsley. Just sprinkle a bit on top after plating. This makes your dish look even more appetizing! Pro Tips Ensure Proper Drying: Patting the chicken tenders dry before coating helps the breadcrumb mixture stick better and improves overall crispiness. Use Fresh Breadcrumbs: For a more flavorful coating, use fresh breadcrumbs or seasoned panko instead of plain breadcrumbs for that extra crunch. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Give enough space between the chicken tenders in the air fryer. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and sogginess. Let Them Rest: Allow the chicken tenders to rest for a minute after air frying. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping them moist inside. {{image_2}} You can spice up your crispy air fryer Parmesan chicken tenders easily. Want heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper to the breadcrumb mix. This gives the chicken a nice kick. You can also add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Herbs can change the taste too. Try fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Just chop them finely and mix with the breadcrumbs. This adds a fresh taste that brightens the dish. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They work just like regular ones. You can also use crushed cornflakes for a crunchy texture. For dairy-free options, swap out the Parmesan for nutritional yeast. This gives a cheesy taste without dairy. Some brands also offer vegan Parmesan that works well in this dish. Pair these chicken tenders with fresh veggies. Steamed broccoli or a simple salad fits well. You can also serve them with sweet potato fries for a fun twist. Don’t forget dips! Marinara or ranch dressing makes tasty companions. They add flavor and keep things exciting. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color. This also brightens up your plate and makes it look appealing. To keep your crispy chicken tenders fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them moist and tasty. If you want to freeze them, wrap each tender in plastic wrap first. Then, put them in a freezer-safe bag. This prevents freezer burn and keeps the flavors intact. To get that crispiness back, use your air fryer. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken tenders in a single layer. Heat them for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method makes them crunchy again. You can also use an oven. Set it to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10 minutes. Turn them halfway for even heating. Leftovers can last in the fridge for about 3 days. If you freeze them, they are good for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label your containers. This way, you know what you have and when it was made. Enjoy your chicken tenders later without worry! Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders? Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Just cut them into strips. This way, they cook well and still taste great. How do I make them extra crispy? To make them extra crispy, use panko breadcrumbs. Also, spray the chicken tenders with cooking spray before air frying. This adds a nice golden crunch. Can I omit the eggs? You can skip the eggs, but they help the coating stick. If you omit them, try using a little milk or yogurt instead for binding. Ideas for low-sodium versions For a low-sodium option, use low-sodium breadcrumbs and reduce salt. You can also add more herbs for flavor without the salt. Why use an air fryer for chicken tenders? An air fryer cooks chicken tenders faster and makes them crispy with less oil. It’s a healthier choice than frying. What air fryer temperature is best for chicken? The best temperature is 400°F (200°C). This helps the chicken cook through and get that nice crunch. This blog covered tasty air fryer chicken tenders. We talked about the key ingredients, like chicken, Parmesan, and panko. You learned how to prepare and cook them step-by-step. I gave tips for crispiness and ideas for flavor twists. Lastly, we discussed storage and reheating leftovers. Now, you can make your chicken tenders perfect every time. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Deliciously crispy chicken tenders coated in a Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture, cooked to perfection in an air fryer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken tenders
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 spray cooking spray

Instructions
 

  • Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel and set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.
  • In another bowl, beat the eggs. Set up your dipping station: Place the bowl of beaten eggs on one side and the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture on the other.
  • Dip each chicken tender first into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, immediately coat it in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it adheres well.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer, making sure there’s space between them for air circulation.
  • Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray to enhance crispiness. Cook in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
  • Once done, remove the chicken tenders and let them rest for a minute before serving.

Notes

Serve with marinara or ranch dressing for dipping, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Keyword air fryer, chicken tenders, crispy, Parmesan