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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat air fryer to 400F (200C) for 3-5 minutes, establishing an optimal cooking environment for achieving crispy chicken tenders.
- Coating Setup: Arrange three distinct stations – flour, whisked eggs, and a seasoned Parmesan mixture combining breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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