Crispy Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

Crispy, golden chicken tenders coated in a parmesan-infused crust made perfectly in the air fryer promise a delightful dinner experience.

These tender morsels deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

The parmesan crusted air fryer chicken tenders offer a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried versions.

Crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these chicken tenders will become an instant favorite at your table.

Each bite packs a punch of savory parmesan and perfectly seasoned chicken.

The air fryer ensures a quick and even cooking process that locks in moisture and creates an irresistible crispy exterior.

Dive into this simple yet spectacular recipe that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal everyone will love.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 3

What You’ll Use For Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Flour: Helps create a dry surface for egg and breadcrumb coating, ensuring crispier chicken.
• Eggs: Acts as a sticky glue to help breadcrumbs adhere perfectly to chicken tenders.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, nutty depth and creates an incredible crispy exterior.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides a crunchy texture and helps seal in chicken's moisture.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses a subtle, savory warmth throughout the coating.
• Italian Seasoning: Delivers a zesty herb blend that elevates the overall taste profile.
• Paprika: Introduces a mild smoky undertone and beautiful golden color.
• Salt, Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that balance and enhance all other flavors.

• Cooking Spray: Ensures non-stick surface and helps achieve maximum crispiness in air fryer.
• Chicken Tenders: Lean protein that becomes irresistibly golden and juicy when perfectly coated and air fried.

Gear Needed For Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Air fryer: The star of the show, crucial for achieving crispy, golden chicken tenders without excess oil.
• Shallow bowls (3): Essential for creating the perfect breading stations with flour, eggs, and Parmesan breadcrumb mixture.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps you get the seasoning ratios just right for maximum flavor.
• Cooking spray: Ensures your chicken gets that irresistible crispy exterior without sticking.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping chicken tenders midway through cooking and handling hot pieces safely.
• Meat thermometer: Guarantees your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165F.

Directions For Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Air Fryer Preparation

Get your air fryer ready by heating it to a sizzling 400F. This high temperature ensures your chicken will turn out crispy and golden.

• Breading Magic

Create a delicious coating by mixing Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and a blend of savory spices. The key is layering flavors that will make your taste buds dance.

• Chicken Transformation

Gently coat each tender in a powdery flour embrace, then dunk into whisked eggs, and finally roll in the cheesy seasoned mixture. Each tender becomes a flavor-packed masterpiece.

• Crispy Cooking

Arrange the coated tenders in your air fryer basket, giving them room to breathe. A quick spritz of cooking spray helps achieve that irresistible crunch. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping midway to ensure even browning.

• Delicious Finale

Pull out your golden beauties and serve immediately. Pair with a zesty dipping sauce for an extra flavor kick that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Extra Help For Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Crispy Coating Trick: Crush extra breadcrumbs or panko for an even crunchier exterior that gives restaurant-style texture to your chicken tenders.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spice Level Boost: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture for a zesty kick that transforms the mild chicken into a spicier version.
• Healthier Protein Swap: Replace chicken tenders with turkey breast strips or tofu slices for a different protein option that maintains the same delicious crispy coating technique.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare and bread the chicken tenders in advance, then store them in the refrigerator between parchment paper layers. When ready to cook, simply air fry for a quick and convenient meal that saves time during busy weeknights.

Serving Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders With Flair

• Dipping Sauce Delight: Pair these crispy Parmesan chicken tenders with ranch, honey mustard, or marinara sauce for extra flavor bursts that complement the cheesy coating perfectly.
• Game Night Hero: Serve these tenders as a crowd-pleasing appetizer during movie nights, sports events, or casual gatherings where guests crave crunchy, satisfying bites.
• Nutritious Plate Partner: Accompany the chicken tenders with a fresh garden salad, roasted vegetables, or quick coleslaw to balance the meal and add nutritional variety to your plate.
• Quick Meal Makeover: Transform leftovers into delicious wraps or salad toppers by slicing the tenders and adding them to your favorite lunch creations for a protein-packed meal.

Storage Tips For Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Seal them carefully to maintain crispiness and prevent moisture buildup.
• Freezer Friendly Method: Wrap cooled tenders individually in plastic wrap, then store in freezer bags. These will stay delicious for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
• Reheating Magic: Restore crunchiness by warming tenders in the air fryer at 370F for 3-4 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy texture.
• Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare extra tenders during cooking to create quick lunch options. Pack with fresh vegetables or side salads for balanced, grab-and-go meals throughout the week.

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Crispy parmesan crusted air fryer chicken tenders combine golden-brown coating with juicy interior. Quick weeknight protein delivers restaurant-quality crunch without excess oil, promising delightful meal in minutes you’ll crave repeatedly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (60 g) breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• salt, to taste
• black pepper, to taste
• dipping sauce of choice (e.g., ranch, honey mustard, or marinara)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat air fryer to 400F (200C) for 3-5 minutes, establishing an optimal cooking environment for achieving crispy chicken tenders.
2. Coating Setup: Arrange three distinct stations – flour, whisked eggs, and a seasoned Parmesan mixture combining breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Chicken Transformation: Coat each tender in flour, shaking off excess. Dip thoroughly in egg wash, then press firmly into Parmesan mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage for a robust, crunchy exterior.
4. Air Frying Process: Lightly spray air fryer basket with cooking spray. Position tenders in a single layer without overcrowding. Spritz tender tops with additional cooking spray. Cook 10-12 minutes, rotating midway to guarantee uniform golden-brown coloration and confirm internal temperature reaches 165F (74C).
5. Serving: Remove tenders from air fryer, allow brief resting period. Plate immediately alongside preferred dipping sauce, ready to showcase a crisp exterior and succulent interior.

Notes

• Prevent Flour Clumping: Pat chicken tenders completely dry before flouring to ensure an even, crisp coating that won’t become soggy.
• Optimize Coating Adhesion: Press Parmesan mixture firmly onto chicken tenders, creating a thick, uniform layer that locks in flavor and crunch.
• Monitor Cooking Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 165F (74C), preventing dryness while ensuring food safety.
• Customize Seasoning Flexibility: Swap Parmesan for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg