Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a crispy, flavorful, and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. These golden tenders are made with a Parmesan and breadcrumb coating and cooked to perfection in the air fryer for that irresistible crunch. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack, they’re quick to make and pair wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauces!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Flavorful – The Parmesan and breadcrumb coating creates a perfectly crispy texture with bold flavors.
• Healthier Alternative – Made in the air fryer with minimal oil, these tenders are a guilt-free indulgence.
• Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Kid-Friendly – A crowd-pleaser that’s great for picky eaters.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs (panko or regular)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• Cooking spray

Directions

Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gets a crispy texture right from the start.

Prepare the Coating

2. In a shallow bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful coating.
3. In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs to create a binding layer for the coating.

Coat the Chicken

4. Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
5. Dredge the tenders in the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating evenly. Make sure each piece is fully coated for the best crunch.

Cook the Chicken

6. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and help the coating crisp up.
7. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
8. Air fry the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. This ensures even browning on both sides.

Check for Doneness

9. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The coating should be golden brown and crispy.

Serve

10. Serve the chicken tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, ranch, barbecue sauce, or spicy aioli.

Servings and Timing

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

Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the coating mixture for extra heat.
• Herb-Infused: Mix in dried Italian herbs or parsley with the coating for a fresh, herby flavor.
• Cheesy Twist: Use a mix of Parmesan and shredded cheddar for a richer flavor.
• Low-Carb Version: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly alternative.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooked tenders on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Reheat directly from frozen.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crunchy texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?

Yes! Slice chicken breasts into strips for a similar result.

Do I have to use an air fryer?

No, you can bake the tenders in an oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or omit it entirely for a dairy-free version.

How can I prevent the coating from falling off?

Pat the chicken dry before dipping in the egg, and press the coating firmly onto the tenders.

Can I use panko instead of regular breadcrumbs?

Yes! Panko breadcrumbs create an even crispier texture.

What dipping sauces pair best with these tenders?

Popular options include honey mustard, ranch, barbecue sauce, or sriracha mayo.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, bread the tenders and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before air frying.

What if my air fryer basket is small?

Cook the tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.

Can I add other spices to the coating?

Absolutely! Try adding smoked paprika, chili powder, or onion powder for extra flavor.

Are these chicken tenders healthy?

Yes! Air frying uses significantly less oil than traditional frying, making this recipe a lighter, healthier alternative.

Conclusion

Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a simple, flavorful, and healthier take on classic fried chicken. With a crispy coating, juicy chicken, and just the right amount of seasoning, these tenders are sure to become a family favorite. Pair them with your favorite sauces, and enjoy this easy, crowd-pleasing dish any day of the week!

Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Appetizer, Main Course
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American

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Description

These Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a healthier take on a classic favorite. Coated in a crispy Parmesan and breadcrumb crust and air-fried to perfection, they’re juicy, flavorful, and ready in just 20 minutes! Perfect for weeknight dinners, snacks, or game day, these chicken tenders pair perfectly with your favorite dipping sauces.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs (panko or regular)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures the chicken cooks on a hot surface for a crispy exterior.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

• In a shallow bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
• In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Tenders

1. Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off.
2. Dredge the tenders in the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.

Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken

1. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure a golden crust.
2. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overcrowding (cook in batches if necessary).
3. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

• The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and the coating is golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve

• Serve the chicken tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, ranch, or spicy aioli.

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Notes

• For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
• Add spice: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder into the Parmesan mixture for a spicy kick.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes.