Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Tenders

$- 1 lb chicken tenderloins - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 teaspoons garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 large egg, beaten - Cooking spray (or olive oil for coating) Each ingredient plays a key role in making these chicken tenders tasty and crispy. The chicken tenderloins provide a juicy base. Panko breadcrumbs add extra crunch. Grated Parmesan cheese gives a rich, cheesy flavor. Garlic and onion powders add depth. Italian herbs bring freshness. Salt and pepper enhance all the tastes. The egg helps the coating stick well, while cooking spray ensures a crispy outer layer. When choosing chicken, look for tenderloins that are pink and firm. Avoid chicken with any discoloration or a bad smell. Fresh chicken should feel moist but not slimy. Check the sell-by date to ensure it's fresh. Buying from a trusted source, like a local butcher or a reputable store, also helps guarantee quality. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start with fresh chicken tenderloins. Pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps the coating stick. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning. It adds great flavor. In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. I prefer using panko for extra crunch. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and dried Italian herbs. Mix everything well. This blend gives the chicken a tasty crust. Grab another shallow bowl and place your beaten egg inside. This will be the first dip for the chicken. The egg helps the breadcrumbs stick better. Set up this station close to the breading mixture for easy access. Dip each chicken tenderloin into the beaten egg. Let any extra egg drip off. Then, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure it's fully coated. Press gently to help the coating stick. This is key for that crispy texture. Now, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This should take about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and crispiness. It’s an important step you don’t want to skip. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer. Make sure they don’t touch each other. This helps them get crispy all around. Spray the tops with a little cooking spray too. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check for a golden brown color. The inside should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe. Enjoy the delicious aroma as they cook! To get that perfect crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs. They are light and airy. Mix them well with grated Parmesan cheese and spices before coating the chicken. This adds flavor and crunch. A light spray of cooking oil on the breaded chicken helps too. It creates a golden crust in the air fryer. One mistake is overcrowding the air fryer. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer. This allows hot air to circulate freely, making them crispier. Another mistake is not drying the chicken. Patting it dry with paper towels helps the coating stick better. Season the chicken well with salt and pepper before coating. I recommend cooking at 400°F (200°C). This temperature gives the best results for crispy chicken. Cook the tenders for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even browning. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. Pro Tips Choose the Right Breadcrumbs: Using panko breadcrumbs will give your chicken tenders an extra crunch that regular breadcrumbs can't match. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Ensure the chicken tenders are in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking and maximum crispiness. Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasoning in the breadcrumb mixture to suit your taste, such as adding paprika for a smoky flavor or cayenne for heat. {{image_2}} You can easily change the taste of your chicken tenders. For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix. This will give your dish heat without overpowering the cheese flavor. If you love herbs, mix in fresh chopped parsley or dill. These herbs will add freshness and brightness to each bite. You can also try different cheese. Cheddar or mozzarella can change the flavor profile for a fun twist. If you need a gluten-free version, it's simple. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Many brands offer great gluten-free options that still provide a nice crunch. Also, make sure your chicken is not cross-contaminated with gluten. Always check labels on sauces and spices to ensure they are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty tenders! You can cook these chicken tenders in different ways. If you don’t have an air fryer, bake them in the oven. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the breaded chicken on a lined baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy. You can also pan-fry them in a skillet with a bit of oil. This method gives a nice golden crust, but keep an eye on them so they don't burn. Each method gives a tasty result! To store leftover chicken tenders, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper. This will help keep the crust crispy. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them in the air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Heat the chicken tenders for about 5-7 minutes. This will restore their crispiness without drying them out. You can also use an oven, but the air fryer is best for crisp. If you want to freeze chicken tenders, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until firm. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. Frozen chicken tenders can last for up to three months. To cook from frozen, air fry them at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. You can tell when the chicken tenders are done by checking their color and temperature. They should be golden brown and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to check the inside. The chicken must reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat. This ensures the meat is fully cooked and juicy. Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko. However, panko gives a crunchier texture. Regular breadcrumbs may not be as crispy but will still work. If you prefer panko, look for it in stores or online. It is worth the extra effort for that extra crunch. Many dipping sauces pair well with Parmesan chicken tenders. Some popular choices include: - Marinara sauce - Honey mustard - BBQ sauce - Ranch dressing These sauces add flavor and fun to your meal. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. Leftovers can last in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container for the best results. Make sure to cool them down before sealing. This helps keep them fresh and tasty for your next meal. Yes, you can make these chicken tenders ahead of time. Prepare them, then store them in the fridge before cooking. When you are ready, just air fry them. This way, you save time and enjoy quick meals. They will still taste great and remain crispy! This guide covered key steps to make crispy chicken tenders. We looked at important ingredients and how to choose fresh chicken. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation and cooking. We shared tips for the best results, plus fun flavor variations. Finally, we explored how to store and reheat leftovers. Now, you can enjoy a tasty meal that’s easy to make. With practice, you’ll impress friends and family with your skills!$

Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Deliciously crispy chicken tenders made in the air fryer, coated with Parmesan and breadcrumbs.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

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 (preferably panko)
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
to taste salt and pepper
1 large egg, beaten
as needed cooking spray (or olive oil for coating)

Instructions

Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herbs. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly combined.
In another shallow bowl, place the beaten egg. You will dip the chicken in egg first, then in the breadcrumb mixture.
Dip each chicken tenderloin into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off, then roll it in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture until fully coated. Press gently to help the coating adhere better.
Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer inside the basket, ensuring they do not touch each other for optimal crispiness. Spray the tops with a little cooking spray to help them brown.
Cook the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time until they are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces, like marinara or honey mustard.

Notes

Serve with your favorite dipping sauces.

Keyword air fryer, chicken tenders, crispy, Parmesan