These crispy Parmesan chicken tenders are juicy on the inside, golden on the outside, and ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 500 g (1 lb) chicken tenders
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp milk (optional)
- Cooking oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3–5 minutes.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the Parmesan, panko, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
- Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks.
- Arrange the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd.
- Lightly spray the tops with cooking oil.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) and the coating is crisp and golden.
Optional Dipping Sauces
- Garlic aioli
- Honey mustard
- Ranch dressing
- Marinara sauce
- BBQ sauce
Tips
- Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor and crisps up beautifully.
- Spray the coating lightly with oil for extra browning.
- Cook in batches if needed for the crispiest results.
- For extra crunch, replace part of the Parmesan with additional panko breadcrumbs.
Serving Suggestions: Pair with air fryer vegetables, a fresh salad, roasted broccoli, or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.