Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders offer a crispy, flavorful alternative to traditional fried chicken, with the added benefits of being healthier and less messy to prepare. Cooking these tenders in an air fryer ensures that they are deliciously crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside.
The combination of Parmesan cheese and spices provides a rich and savory crust that elevates this dish from simple to spectacular. Whether served as a quick dinner, a party appetizer, or a snack, these chicken tenders are sure to delight.
Here’s how to make Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders that are bound to become a new favorite in your household.
Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- Cooking spray
Directions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step ensures that the chicken starts cooking immediately on a hot surface, which helps to achieve a crispy texture.
- Prepare the coating:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will create a flavorful and crispy outer layer for the tenders.
- In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs. This will act as the glue that helps the Parmesan mixture stick to the chicken.
- Coat the chicken:
- Dip each chicken tender first into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. This prevents the coating from getting clumpy.
- Then, dredge the tenders in the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating evenly. Ensure each tender is fully coated for maximum flavor and crunch.
- Cook the chicken:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This step is crucial to prevent the chicken from sticking and helps achieve a golden crust.
- Arrange the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The flipping ensures even cooking and browning on both sides.
- Check for doneness:
- The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve:
- Serve the chicken tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard, ranch, or a spicy aioli.
