Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe That Wows

Tender chicken strips coated in a crispy parmesan air fryer chicken tenders recipe never tasted so good.

These golden-brown delights promise a mouthwatering crunch that’ll make dinner exciting.

Each bite delivers a perfect blend of seasoned breading and juicy meat.

The air fryer works magic, creating a delectable exterior without excess oil.

parmesan cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates these tenders from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll love how quickly this meal comes together with minimal cleanup.

Prepare to savor every crispy, cheesy morsel that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.

Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders With Crunch

• Whip up a delicious meal in just a few simple steps, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunches.
• Achieve restaurant-quality chicken tenders with a golden, crunchy exterior and juicy inside, thanks to the air fryer's magic cooking method.
• Swap ingredients or add your favorite herbs and spices to create a personalized twist that suits your taste buds and keeps the meal exciting.
• Guaranteed to please picky eaters with its crispy coating and mild flavors, making it a go-to meal for families and gatherings.

The Chicken Tender Ingredient Shortlist

• Chicken Tenders: Fresh, lean protein that serves as the main star of this crispy air fryer dish.

• White Flour, Salt, Pepper: Classic first coating that helps other ingredients stick and adds initial seasoning.
• Panko Breadcrumbs, Dried Basil, Paprika: Provides a crunchy exterior with herbs and mild spice for extra flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, savory cheese element to the crispy coating.

• Olive Oil, Melted Butter: Helps breadcrumb mixture adhere to chicken and promotes golden browning.
• Minced Garlic: Introduces a robust, aromatic flavor to enhance the overall taste of the chicken tenders.

Must-Have Tools For Air Fried Perfection

• Air Fryer: Essential for creating crispy, golden chicken tenders without excess oil.
• Mixing Bowls (3): Needed for coating chicken with flour, garlic oil, and Panko mixture.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping and handling chicken tenders in the air fryer.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F.
• Cutting Board: Used for trimming chicken tenders and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Helps trim excess fat from chicken tenders.

Air Fryer Chicken Tender How-To Guide

Step 1: Prepare Seasoned Coating

Mix flour with salt and pepper in one bowl.

Whisk olive oil with minced garlic in another bowl.

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Dried basil
• Paprika

Step 2: Dredge Chicken Pieces

Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels.

Dip each tender first into flour mixture, shaking off excess.

Next, roll in garlic oil, ensuring complete coverage.

Finally, press into breadcrumb mixture, coating thoroughly.

Step 3: Preheat Air Fryer

Set air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Allow machine to warm up for 2-3 minutes before adding chicken.

Step 4: Arrange Chicken

Place chicken tenders in air fryer basket, ensuring pieces do not touch.

Create a single layer for maximum crispiness.

Step 5: Cook Chicken

Cook chicken for 9 minutes.

Carefully flip tenders using tongs.

Continue cooking for additional 8-9 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove chicken from air fryer.

Let rest for 3-4 minutes to retain moisture.

Serve immediately with preferred dipping sauce like ranch or marinara.

Crisp and Golden Chicken Tender Secrets

• Gently press the Panko mixture onto each chicken tender to create a thick, even layer that guarantees maximum crispiness.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches exactly 165F for perfectly safe and juicy results.
• Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer with space between each piece to ensure proper air circulation and crispy exterior.
• Prepare the coated chicken tenders up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator for convenient meal planning.
• Replace white flour and Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs for dietary needs.

Twists For Your Next Chicken Tender Batch

• Gluten-Free Herb Chicken Tenders: Replace wheat flour with almond flour and use gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken Tenders: Swap dried basil and paprika with Cajun seasoning and add cayenne pepper for a zesty kick.
• Low-Carb Parmesan Chicken Tenders: Substitute Panko breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Mediterranean Chicken Tenders: Replace Parmesan with crumbled feta cheese and add dried oregano and lemon zest for a Mediterranean flavor profile.

Serve Chicken Tenders With Dipping Flair

• Crowd-Pleasing Party Platter: Arrange crispy tenders on a large wooden board with small dipping bowls of marinara, ranch, and honey mustard sauces for easy sharing.
• Healthy Lunch Combo: Slice tenders over a fresh mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes and light vinaigrette for a protein-packed midday meal.
• Kid-Friendly Meal Solution: Serve alongside roasted sweet potato wedges and steamed broccoli florets for a balanced, colorful dinner that children will love.
• Game Day Appetizer Spread: Cut tenders into bite-sized pieces, secure with toothpicks, and offer with assorted dipping sauces for perfect finger food during sports watching.

Storing Chicken Tenders For Anytime Snacking

• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual tenders in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat air fryer to 375F. Place chicken tenders in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method helps restore the original crispiness without drying out the meat.

FAQs

• Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of Panko?

Yes, you can substitute regular breadcrumbs, but Panko will give you a crispier texture. The larger, flakier Panko crumbs create a lighter, crunchier coating.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and prevents undercooking or overcooking.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains flour and Panko breadcrumbs, which have gluten. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs as substitutes.

Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy parmesan air fryer chicken tenders deliver golden, crunchy perfection with minimal effort. Seasoned breading and quick cooking ensure restaurant-quality results that will satisfy your craving for a quick, delicious meal.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1.25 pounds (20 ounces) boneless, skinless chicken tenders

Coating Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup white flour
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 3 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 6 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

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Instructions

1. Meticulously trim any visible fat from chicken tenders, creating uniform pieces for consistent cooking.
2. Establish three distinct seasoning stations: first, combine flour with salt and pepper; second, whisk olive oil with minced garlic; third, blend Panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and paprika.
3. Dredge each tender systematically through flour mixture, ensuring complete coverage, then dip into garlic-infused oil, allowing excess to drip off.
4. Roll thoroughly in Panko-Parmesan blend, pressing gently to create a crisp, adherent coating that will transform into a golden crust.
5. Carefully arrange breaded tenders in air fryer basket, maintaining space between pieces to promote optimal air circulation and crispiness.
6. Program air fryer to 400°F, cooking for 9 minutes, then flip tenders to ensure even browning and continued crispification.
7. Continue cooking for additional 8-9 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until chicken reaches safe 165°F, guaranteeing both safety and succulent texture.
8. Allow tenders to rest briefly after cooking, which helps retain moisture and sets the crispy exterior.

Notes

• Ensure even coating by using one hand for dry ingredients and another for wet to prevent clumping and messy fingers.
• Pat chicken tenders dry before coating to help breading stick better and achieve maximum crispiness.
• Spray or lightly brush chicken with olive oil before air frying to enhance golden-brown color and extra crunch.
• For gluten-free version, swap white flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs and use certified gluten-free Parmesan.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg