Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: The Ultimate Recipe for Crunchy Perfection

Morsardev4 weeks ago

0 41 3 minutes read

When it comes to crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders, nothing beats the magic of the air fryer. This Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe delivers restaurant-quality crunch without the need for deep frying. Coated in a flavorful Parmesan and panko crust, these tenders are juicy on the inside and irresistibly crispy on the outside. Whether you’re making them for a quick dinner, game-day snack, or a kid-friendly meal, this air fryer recipe is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love These Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

✔ Healthier Alternative – Air frying uses minimal oil compared to deep frying, making this recipe a guilt-free indulgence.
✔ Crispy Perfection – The combination of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese gives these tenders an unbeatable crunch.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
✔ Kid-Approved – Even picky eaters will love the crispy coating and juicy chicken.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, gather the following:

For the Chicken Tenders:

1 lb chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced into strips)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 large egg
¼ cup milk
½ cup all-purpose flour
Cooking spray (or olive oil spray)

For Serving (Optional):

Ranch dressing
Honey mustard
Marinara sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Breading Station

In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
In another bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
Place the flour in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off excess.
Dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated.
Press the chicken into the panko-Parmesan mixture, coating evenly on all sides.

Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 2-3 minutes.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.
Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

✔ Use Panko Breadcrumbs – They create the crispiest coating. Avoid regular breadcrumbs for this recipe.
✔ Preheat the Air Fryer – This ensures even cooking and crispiness.
✔ Don’t Overcrowd the Basket – Cook in batches if necessary so the tenders crisp up properly.
✔ Spray with Oil – A light mist of cooking spray helps achieve a golden, crunchy texture.
✔ Check for Doneness – Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

What to Serve with Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Pair these delicious tenders with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or marinara. They also go great with sides such as:

✔ French Fries – Classic and crispy.
✔ Coleslaw – Adds a refreshing crunch.
✔ Garlic Butter Corn on the Cob – A perfect summer pairing.
✔ Mac and Cheese – Comfort food at its best.

How to Store and Reheat

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them properly for best results:

✔ Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✔ Freezing: Freeze cooked tenders for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe bag.
✔ Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes to bring back the crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it makes them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Panko is highly recommended for maximum crispiness. Regular breadcrumbs work but won’t give the same crunch.

2. Do I need to flip the chicken tenders in the air fryer?

Yes! Flipping halfway through ensures even cooking and crispiness on both sides.

3. Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free panko and almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.

4. Can I marinate the chicken before breading?

Yes! A simple buttermilk soak (½ cup buttermilk + 1 teaspoon hot sauce) for 30 minutes enhances juiciness.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try This Recipe Today

These Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a game-changer. They’re easy, quick, and deliver that deep-fried crunch without the grease. Whether you’re meal prepping, serving a crowd, or just craving crispy chicken, this recipe is guaranteed to be a favorite.

Give it a try and let us know in the comments how they turned out! Happy cooking!