Description
Make genuinely crispy chicken tenders in your air fryer using a simple three-step breading process featuring Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (for mixing with breadcrumbs)
- Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil based)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken tenders completely dry using paper towels. This step helps the breading stick.
- Set up a standard breading station: Place flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in the first shallow dish. Whisk the eggs in the second dish. Mix the Panko breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese in the third dish.
- Dredge each tender first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip it into the egg wash, letting excess drip off. Finally, press it firmly into the Panko-Parmesan mix to coat completely.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for five minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded tenders in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Work in batches if necessary.
- Spray the tops of the tenders lightly with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time.
- After flipping, spray the second side lightly with cooking spray. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden brown and crisp.
- Remove from the air fryer and immediately sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the hot tenders. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, chill the breaded tenders on a wire rack in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before air frying.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches for the best results.
- Use Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for a superior crunch.
- These tenders freeze well after cooking; cool completely, place on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 12 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tenders
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 38
- Cholesterol: 110