Description
Crispy Parmesan crusted air fryer chicken tenders elevate weeknight dinners with golden, crunchy goodness. Packed with flavor and quick to prepare, these tender bites deliver restaurant-quality results without heavy oil or complicated techniques.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts cut into strips
Coating Ingredients:
- ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup (60 g) breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Serving:
- Dipping sauce of choice (e.g., ranch, honey mustard, or marinara)
Instructions
- Prepare the air fryer by heating it to a sizzling 400F (200C), allowing it to warm up for 3-5 minutes, creating the perfect cooking environment for crispy chicken tenders.
- Organize three separate preparation vessels: one for flour, another for whisked eggs, and a third for the flavor-packed coating mixture combining Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Transform each chicken tender into a culinary masterpiece by first dusting it with a light flour coating, ensuring excess falls away. Submerge the floured tender into the egg wash, guaranteeing complete coverage before generously pressing it into the seasoned Parmesan mixture, creating a robust, crunchy exterior.
- Optimize air fryer performance by lightly misting the basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated tenders in a single, spacious layer, avoiding overcrowding. A quick spritz of cooking spray on the tender tops will enhance crispiness. Cook for 10-12 minutes, midway rotating the pieces to ensure even golden-brown perfection and an internal temperature of 165F (74C).
- Carefully extract the tenders from the air fryer, allowing them to rest momentarily. Plate immediately and accompany with your preferred dipping sauce, ready to delight eager taste buds with a satisfyingly crunchy exterior and juicy interior.
Notes
- Ensure your air fryer is preheated properly to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior without drying out the chicken.
- Shake off excess flour and press breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken to create a thick, even coating that locks in moisture and provides maximum crunch.
- Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can result in uneven cooking and soggy tenders.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds.
- Experiment with different seasonings like smoked paprika, ranch powder, or cayenne for a personalized flavor profile that keeps the dish exciting.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety and prevent overcooking, which can make chicken dry and tough.
- Let chicken rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to help juices redistribute, ensuring each bite remains tender and succulent.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg