Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: Flavorful and Crunchy Goodness
The Perfect Balance of Cheesy, Crispy, and Tender
Air fryers have become a kitchen essential, allowing you to enjoy the crispy goodness of fried foods with significantly less oil. If you’re a fan of chicken tenders, you’re in for a treat with these Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. They’re loaded with flavor, thanks to a Parmesan coating, and the air fryer ensures they turn out perfectly crispy. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
- Cooking spray (olive oil or canola oil spray)
- Marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
2. Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create your breading mixture.
3. Beat the Eggs:
- In another bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
4. Coat the Chicken:
- Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, and then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they adhere well.
5. Arrange in the Air Fryer:
- Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch each other.
6. Air Fry:
- Cook the chicken tenders in the preheated air fryer for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
7. Serve Hot:
- Remove the Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a minute to cool slightly. Serve them hot with marinara sauce or your preferred dipping sauce.
Tips and Variations:
Customizing Your Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Tips:
- If your air fryer has a smaller basket, you may need to cook the tenders in batches to ensure they cook evenly.
- To make the coating extra crispy, you can lightly spray the chicken tenders with cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer.
Variations:
- Experiment with different seasonings for the breading mixture. For example, add some cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- If you want to make these chicken tenders gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check that your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Customization:
- Serve these Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with a variety of dipping sauces, from honey mustard to BBQ sauce or ranch dressing.
Storage:
- Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
Cook’s Note:
- These chicken tenders are a fantastic crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a game-day snack, or a main course. The air fryer ensures they’re crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside, and the Parmesan coating adds a delicious depth of flavor. Enjoy this healthier twist on a classic comfort food!
Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: Flavorful and Crunchy Goodness
