If you’re looking for a crispy, flavorful chicken tender recipe that’s both easy to make and healthier than traditional frying, you’ve come to the right place!
These Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a game-changer in the kitchen.
Coated in a savory blend of Parmesan cheese and Panko breadcrumbs, these tenders deliver the perfect balance of crunch and flavor with minimal oil.
Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying snack, these tenders will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup white flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Trim any excess fat from the chicken tenders and set aside.
Step 2: Arrange three bowls. In the first bowl, combine the white flour with about 1/4 teaspoon of pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
In the second bowl, mix the olive oil or melted butter with minced garlic.
In the third bowl, combine the dried basil, paprika, Panko breadcrumbs, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 3: Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated.
Next, dip the tender into the garlic oil, allowing excess to drip off.
Finally, coat the tender with the Panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thorough coating.
Step 4: Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook at 400°F for 9 minutes.
Flip the tenders and cook for an additional 8-9 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
Step 5: Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of Panko?
Yes, but keep in mind that Panko breadcrumbs provide extra crunch. Regular breadcrumbs will work but may result in a slightly softer texture.
2. Can I bake these chicken tenders if I don’t have an air fryer?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
3. What dipping sauces pair well with these tenders?
These chicken tenders taste great with ranch, honey mustard, marinara, or even a spicy buffalo sauce.
4. Can I prepare the tenders in advance and cook them later?
Yes, you can coat the tenders, place them on a baking sheet, cover them, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before cooking.
5. How do I reheat leftover chicken tenders in the air fryer?
Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again.
Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lbs chicken tenders boneless skinless
- 1/2 cup white flour
- 6 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 3 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Trim any excess fat from the chicken tenders and set aside.
- Arrange three bowls. In the first bowl, combine the white flour with about 1/4 teaspoon of pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- In the second bowl, mix the olive oil or melted butter with minced garlic.
- In the third bowl, combine the dried basil, paprika, Panko breadcrumbs, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated.
- Next, dip the tender into the garlic oil, allowing excess to drip off.
- Finally, coat the tender with the Panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thorough coating.
- Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook at 400°F for 9 minutes.
- Flip the tenders and cook for an additional 8-9 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
