If you’re craving a crunchy, cheesy twist on classic chicken tenders, you’re in for a treat! This Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe is seriously addictive with its golden, crisp coating and tender, juicy chicken inside—perfect for lunch, dinner, or game day snacking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-Crispy Texture: The combination of Parmesan and breadcrumbs creates a satisfyingly crunchy crust every time.
- Rich, Savory Flavor: Freshly grated Parmesan adds nutty depth that elevates simple chicken tenders to gourmet status.
- Quick and Easy: From prep to plating, this recipe is straightforward and perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy Cooking Method: Using an air fryer cuts down on oil but keeps the tenders crispy and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each element plays a key role in delivering that crispy exterior and juicy, flavorful chicken interior.
- Chicken Tenders: Fresh, boneless, skinless pieces provide a tender, juicy base that’s perfect for breading.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for that rich, nutty flavor and helps the coating crisp up beautifully.
- Breadcrumbs: Either Italian-style or plain work well, but panko breadcrumbs are my secret for extra crunch.
- Eggs: Beaten to form the glue that holds the Parmesan and breadcrumbs onto the chicken.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper lend layers of irresistible flavor.
- Cooking Spray: Olive oil or a non-stick spray ensures a golden finish without weighing the tenders down with excess oil.
Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own! The Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe is wonderfully adaptable to suit different tastes or dietary preferences, so feel free to experiment with these tasty twists!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to your breadcrumb mixture for a fiery finish.
- Herb Boost: Toss in fresh chopped herbs like parsley or basil to the Parmesan breadcrumb mix for an earthy freshness.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap breadcrumbs for crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to keep it crispy and safe.
- Baking Instead of Air Frying: Bake the tenders in the oven at 425°F for about 15–20 minutes if you don’t have an air fryer.
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by rinsing your chicken tenders under cold water and patting them dry—this is key to helping the coating stick and crisp up perfectly. Trim any excess fat for a cleaner bite. Then, toss the tenders in a bowl with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Let those flavors mingle by resting the chicken for about 10 minutes before breading.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
Whisk the eggs in one bowl until smooth and ready to bind the coating. In a second bowl, mix the grated Parmesan cheese with your breadcrumbs—this combo gives you that signature crispy crust with a cheesy punch. The balance is everything here.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Dip each seasoned chicken tender into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then transfer it to the Parmesan and breadcrumb bowl. Press down lightly so the coating clings tightly around every curve of the chicken. Lay each breaded tender on a plate or baking sheet without overlapping to keep the crust intact during cooking.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Give your air fryer a quick 5-minute preheat at 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because it jumpstarts the crisping process, ensuring your chicken tenders come out perfectly crunchy from edge to edge.
Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken Tenders
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or non-stick spray and arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. If you want, spritz a little more oil on top halfway to boost that irresistible golden-brown finish. Keep your eye on them—once they’re crispy and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), they’re ready!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Allow your crispy Parmesan chicken tenders to rest a few minutes after cooking — this helps keep them juicy on the inside. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or marinara and watch how quickly they disappear at the table!
Pro Tips for Making Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Dry Chicken Thoroughly: Removing moisture ensures the breading sticks better and crisps up nicely.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese often doesn’t crisp as well or provide the same flavor depth.
- Light Cooking Spray Spritz: Spraying the tenders halfway through cooking helps achieve an even golden crust.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cook in batches if needed to allow proper air circulation for best crispiness.
How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil adds a fresh pop of color and herbaceous brightness that complements the crunchy, cheesy tenders perfectly. For extra zing, a dusting of lemon zest or a drizzle of garlic butter takes the garnish game up a notch.
Side Dishes
These tenders pair beautifully with crisp garden salads, creamy coleslaw, or roasted veggies to balance out the richness. For a classic combo, serve alongside crispy fries or garlic mashed potatoes—comfort food bliss!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these into finger-food bites for parties by cutting the tenders into nuggets and serving with an assortment of dipping sauces in small bowls. Or get fancy by stacking tenders over a bed of arugula and drizzle with balsamic glaze for a restaurant-worthy touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them tasty while preserving some crispness, though reheating is recommended to bring back that crunch.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked tenders by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To revive the crispy goodness, reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving, which can make the coating soggy.
FAQs
-
Can I bake the Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders instead of air frying?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), place the breaded tenders on a greased baking sheet, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
-
What’s the best way to make the coating extra crispy?
Using panko breadcrumbs along with freshly grated Parmesan produces a superior crunch. Also, spraying the tenders lightly with oil halfway through cooking helps them crisp up beautifully.
-
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, though the cooking time will increase. Slice chicken breasts into strips similar in size to tenders and adjust cooking time accordingly, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
-
How can I keep leftovers crispy when reheating?
Reheat in an air fryer or oven rather than a microwave. This method helps restore the crunchy coating without making it soggy.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that ticks all the boxes: crunch, flavor, and ease. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, hosting friends, or just craving comfort food with a twist, these tenders will bring a smile to everyone’s face. I can’t wait for you to try them and savor every golden bite!
PrintCrispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a delicious and easy-to-make meal featuring tender boneless chicken coated in a flavorful blend of parmesan cheese and seasoned breadcrumbs. Air fried to golden perfection, these chicken tenders are juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside, making them a perfect snack or main dish for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders
Breading
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs (panko optional for extra crunch)
Egg Wash
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cooking
- Olive oil cooking spray or non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken tenders under cold water, then pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Trim any excess fat for better texture. Place the chicken in a bowl and season evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Set Up the Breading Station: Beat the eggs in a separate bowl until smooth. In another bowl, combine the grated parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, mixing thoroughly for an even coating.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each seasoned chicken tender into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Then, press each piece firmly into the parmesan and breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly. Place the breaded tenders on a plate or baking sheet without overlapping.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure the chicken cooks immediately and crisply.
- Air Fry the Chicken Tenders: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the breaded tenders in a single layer. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Optionally, spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray midway to enhance browning. Cook until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes to retain juiciness. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or marinara.
Notes
- For extra crispy tenders, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.
- Ensure the chicken is fully thawed and dry before breading for best results.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and crispiness.
- To keep tenders warm before serving, place them in a low oven (200°F) on a wire rack.
- Adjust seasoning amounts to your preference, especially salt and garlic powder.
