Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Make extra crispy, cheesy chicken tenders in your air fryer using a simple Panko and Parmesan coating.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 12 min
- Total Time: 27 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the dredging stations. In the first shallow dish, place the flour seasoned with salt and pepper. In the second dish, whisk the eggs. In the third dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder.
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This step helps the coating stick better.
- Dredge each tender first in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured tender into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off.
- Press the tender firmly into the Panko-Parmesan mixture, ensuring it is completely coated. For extra crispiness, you may double-dip (egg, then Panko mix, then egg again, then Panko mix).
- Lightly spray the coated tenders with cooking spray on both sides.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
- Arrange the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Work in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time.
- Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden brown and very crispy.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For the best crisp, use Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- If you want a lower-fat option, use minimal cooking spray, but know that a light coating helps achieve the golden color.
- You can substitute almond flour for regular flour in the first dredging step for a lower-carb option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tenders
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 100