Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Tenders

$- 1 lb chicken tenderloins - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended for crunch) - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 teaspoons garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 large egg, beaten - Cooking spray or olive oil The stars of this dish are the chicken tenderloins. They cook quickly and stay juicy. I love using panko breadcrumbs. They give a great crunch that regular breadcrumbs can't match. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich and savory flavor. It melts and forms a nice crust. For seasoning, garlic powder and onion powder bring depth. They work together to create a strong flavor base. Dried Italian herbs, like oregano and basil, add an aromatic touch. Salt and pepper make everything shine. Adjust these to your taste. You’ll need one large egg, beaten, to help the breading stick. It acts as glue for the breadcrumbs. Lastly, cooking spray or olive oil helps achieve that crunchy finish. A light coating makes all the difference in the air fryer. With these ingredients, you are set for success in making crispy and juicy chicken tenders. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by patting the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels. This step is key for crispiness. Next, season both sides with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning adds a lot of flavor. In a shallow dish, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herbs. Stir well to combine. This mixture gives the chicken a tasty crust. Set up a dipping station. In one bowl, pour the beaten egg. Dip a chicken tender into the egg, letting the excess drip off. Then roll it in the breadcrumb mix, pressing gently to make it stick. Repeat this for all the chicken pieces. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about five minutes. Preheating is important. It helps the chicken get that perfect crispy texture. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer. Don’t let them overlap; this keeps them crispy. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with more cooking spray. Cook for 10-12 minutes. Flip halfway through for even browning. The chicken is done when golden brown and reaches 165°F (75°C) inside. Carefully take the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them cool for one minute. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces. Some great options are marinara, honey mustard, or creamy ranch. For a nice touch, arrange them on a platter with parchment paper and garnish with fresh parsley. To get that perfect crunch, use cooking spray generously on the chicken. This helps it brown and crisp. Panko breadcrumbs are your best friend here. They are light and airy, making your tenders crunchier than regular breadcrumbs. If you want a crispier bite, choose panko for your breading. Want to spice things up? You can add a variety of herbs or spices to the breading mix. Try paprika for a smoky taste or cayenne for heat. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can also add a burst of flavor. Mix and match to find your favorite combo! If you have more tenders than your air fryer can handle, cook them in batches. Lay the chicken in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Avoid crowding the basket; this will help each piece get crispy. After the first batch, keep the cooked tenders warm in an oven set to low heat while you finish the rest. Pro Tips Dry the Chicken: Patting the chicken dry before breading helps the coating stick better and achieve that desired crispy texture. Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For an extra crunch, opt for panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones, as they provide a lighter and crispier coating. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange the tenders in a single layer without overlapping to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. {{image_4}} You can easily switch up the cheese in this recipe. Try adding mozzarella for extra stretchiness. Cheddar gives a sharp flavor, while gouda adds a creamy taste. Mixing cheeses can create a delightful blend. Simply replace half of the Parmesan with your favorite cheese. This makes each bite unique and even more delicious. If you want a lighter option, consider using whole wheat breadcrumbs. They add fiber and nutrients. You can also use ground oats as a substitute. For egg replacements, try unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg. These options help keep the tenders moist without the extra fat. If you prefer to bake these tenders, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method still gives you a crispy finish but requires more cooking time. After enjoying your delicious air fryer Parmesan chicken tenders, let them cool down. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. To reheat, use your air fryer if possible. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the tenders in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps them crispy. You can also use an oven. Set it to the same temperature and heat for 10-12 minutes. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make them soggy. For freezing, make sure the chicken tenders are fully cooled. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together. They can last in the freezer for up to two months. To defrost, place them in the fridge overnight before reheating. To check if chicken tenders are done, use a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature is 165°F (75°C). You can also look for visual cues. The tenders should be golden brown and juices should run clear. If you see pink meat or pink juices, the chicken needs more time. Always trust your thermometer for the best results. Yes, you can prepare chicken tenders in advance. Season and bread them, then store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze them after breading. When ready to cook, no need to thaw. Just place them in the air fryer as usual. If stored properly, they will taste fresh. Many sauces go well with Parmesan chicken tenders. Here are some popular choices: - Marinara sauce for a classic Italian touch - Honey mustard for a sweet and tangy flavor - Creamy ranch for a cool complement - BBQ sauce adds a smoky twist Try different sauces to find your favorite! In this post, we explored making crispy, flavorful Parmesan chicken tenders using simple ingredients. We covered how to prepare, coat, and cook the chicken for perfect texture. I shared tips for enhancing flavor and offered variations to suit your taste. Remember, you can store leftovers and reheat them without losing crunch. With these easy steps, you can enjoy homemade chicken tenders anytime. Your kitchen will smell great, and your tastebuds will thank you! Happy cooking!$

Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Deliciously crispy chicken tenders coated in a flavorful Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, cooked to perfection in an air fryer.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 12

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb chicken tenderloins
1 cup breadcrumbs
0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
to taste Salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper
1 large egg
as needed Cooking spray

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Start by thoroughly patting the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Make the Breading Mixture: In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried Italian herbs.
Set Up the Dipping Station: In a separate bowl, add the beaten egg for dipping the chicken.
Coat the Chicken: Dip each tenderloin in the egg, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
Cook the Chicken Tenders: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer.
Air Fry: Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Serve: Remove from the air fryer, let rest for one minute, and serve hot with dipping sauces.

Notes

For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs and serve with your favorite dipping sauces.

Keyword air fryer, chicken tenders, crispy, easy, Parmesan