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Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.5 from 56 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Units Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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).
  6. 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.