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Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders

A close-up of golden brown Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders piled on a white plate, one tender is broken open showing the white meat.
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Make extra crispy, cheesy chicken tenders in your air fryer using a double-dipped Panko and Parmesan coating for a satisfying texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into tenders
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, coarsely grated (for topping)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray (oil-based)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the breading stations: Place flour in the first shallow dish. Whisk eggs in the second dish. In the third dish, combine Panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Pat the chicken tenders completely dry with paper towels. This step helps the coating stick.
  3. Dredge each tender first in the flour, shaking off excess.
  4. Dip the floured tender into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off.
  5. Press the tender firmly into the Panko-Parmesan mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg wash and Panko-Parmesan dip (double dipping).
  6. Lightly spray the coated tenders on both sides with cooking spray.
  7. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
  8. Arrange the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Work in batches if necessary.
  9. Air fry for 10 minutes.
  10. Flip the tenders. Sprinkle the tops lightly with the remaining 1/4 cup of coarse Parmesan cheese.
  11. Continue to air fry for another 4 to 6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is deep golden brown and crisp.
  12. Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For the crispiest result, use Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
  • Ensure your air fryer basket is not overcrowded; cooking in batches promotes better air circulation and crisping.
  • If the tenders are not browning enough near the end, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the final 2 minutes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdiarist.com/air-fryer-crispy-parmesan-chicken-tenders/