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Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Tenders

crispy air fryer parmesan chicken tenders - featured image
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Golden, crunchy chicken tenders with a savory parmesan crust, made easy and mess-free in the air fryer. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners that satisfy both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 grams) fresh, skinless chicken tenderloins
  • ⅓ cup (30 grams) finely grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano preferred)
  • 1 cup (100 grams) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • ½ cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
  • Olive oil spray for misting

Instructions

  1. Prepare the coating mixtures: Place flour in one shallow bowl. Whisk eggs in a second bowl until smooth. In a third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper; mix well.
  2. Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Dredge each tender in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into beaten eggs, then press firmly into breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly. Place coated tenders on a plate or baking sheet.
  3. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  4. Arrange coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Lightly spray tenders with olive oil spray.
  5. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Let tenders rest for 2 minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before coating to ensure crispiness. Preheat the air fryer for best results. Cook tenders in a single layer to avoid steaming. Lightly spray with olive oil for a golden crust. Flip gently halfway through cooking. For gluten-free, substitute gluten-free panko and almond flour. For dairy-free, use nutritional yeast and dairy-free egg substitutes. Oven baking at 425°F for 20-25 minutes on a wire rack is an alternative method.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, parmesan chicken, easy weeknight dinner, air fryer recipes, chicken recipes, quick chicken tenders

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/crispy-air-fryer-parmesan-chicken-tenders-recipe-for-easy-weeknight-dinners/