If you’re a fan of crispy, flavorful chicken with minimal effort, then these Air Fried Chicken tenders are exactly what you need! Air fry recipes have taken over kitchens everywhere, and for good reason—whether it’s Air Fryer Chicken Breast, Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, or Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken, the possibilities are endless. If you’re looking for the perfect Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken, these Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders will make your taste buds dance.
In this easy recipe, we’ll show you how to create juicy, crispy air fryer chicken tenders with a golden, cheesy Parmesan crust. It’s one of the best air fryer recipes chicken breast and perfect if you’re craving crispy air fryer chicken tenders but don’t want all the mess of frying. The air fryer parmesan chicken is super simple to prepare and cooks up faster than you’d think. Even better, it’s a perfect family meal or great for meal prep.
Whether you’re making chicken parmesan recipe airfryer, air fryer chicken parmesan, or just looking for air fryer tenders recipes, this Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try it with mayo, as some prefer to make air fryer parmesan crusted chicken with mayo for extra moisture, or stick with the classic breadcrumbs for that crispy texture.
Ready to dive into the world of airfryer chicken meals and create the best chicken tenders recipe? Let’s get started!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb chicken tenders (about 8-10 pieces)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil spray (for a nice crisp)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Get the chicken ready:
First, grab your chicken tenders and pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the coating stick better. Once they’re dry, sprinkle them with a little salt and pepper. Don’t overdo it—just a pinch will do.
Make the cheesy coating:
In one bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. Stir it all up so the spices are evenly mixed in with the breadcrumbs and Parmesan. In another bowl, beat your egg until it’s nice and smooth.
Coat the chicken:
Now for the fun part! Dip each chicken tender into the egg, making sure it’s fully covered. Then, roll it in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks, and keep going until all your chicken tenders are covered in the cheesy goodness.
Get the air fryer ready:
Spray your air fryer basket lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the chicken tenders in the basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd them—give each one a little space to get crispy!
Cook ‘em up:
Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook the chicken tenders for 8-10 minutes. Halfway through, flip them over so they get evenly crispy on both sides. If you’re not sure if they’re done, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should reach 165°F.
Serve and enjoy:
Once they’re golden and crispy, take the chicken tenders out of the air fryer. Serve them right away while they’re still warm! These go great with a side of veggies, fries, or even a fresh salad.
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Tenders
I’m telling you, the crispy coating on these chicken tenders is everything! The Parmesan adds so much flavor, and the panko gives it that perfect crunch. Plus, cooking them in the air fryer makes them healthier without losing the crispy texture we all love. The best part? You can make a big batch, and they’re just as good leftover.
These tenders are a great go-to meal for busy nights, and they’re sure to please everyone in the family. Whether you make them for a quick dinner, a snack, or even meal prep for the week, they’re always a hit. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them all the time!
Let me know how it goes if you make these. I’d love to hear how they turned out for you!
FAQs: Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?
Yes, you can definitely use boneless, skinless chicken breasts! Just cut them into strips or tenderloin-sized pieces before following the same breading and cooking process. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as chicken breasts can be a bit thicker than tenders.
2. How do I make these chicken tenders gluten-free?
To make these chicken tenders gluten-free, simply swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Make sure to check that your Parmesan cheese is gluten-free as well!
3. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko will give you a lighter, crispier texture. If you do use regular breadcrumbs, they may not be as crunchy, but the flavor will still be great!
4. Can I make these chicken tenders ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken tenders ahead of time by breading them and storing them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before air frying. Just pop them in the air fryer when you’re ready to cook. This can save time on busy nights!
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until they’re crispy again.
6. Do I need to use mayo for the crust?
No, you don’t need mayo to make the crust, but some people like to use it for extra moisture and a richer flavor. If you’d like to try Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Mayo, just spread a thin layer of mayo on the chicken before dipping it in the breadcrumb mixture.
7. Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also pan-fry them in a little oil over medium heat until golden and cooked through.
8. How do I know if the chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, make sure the chicken is golden brown and the juices run clear when pierced.
9. Can I make these chicken tenders spicy?
If you like a bit of heat, try adding some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture. You can also serve the tenders with a spicy dipping sauce like buffalo sauce or sriracha mayo for extra kick!
10. Can I freeze these chicken tenders?
Yes, you can freeze them! After breading the tenders, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, air fry them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
If you’re looking for a crispy, juicy, and flavorful dinner that’s both easy and quick, these Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a must-try! Whether you’re cooking up some Air Fried Chicken, Air Fryer Chicken Breast, or Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, the air fryer makes it all possible with minimal mess and maximum crunch. This recipe is a perfect example of why Air Fryer Recipes are so popular – it’s simple, healthy, and full of flavor.
From Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken to Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan, you can customize your tenders to fit whatever craving you’re in the mood for. Want to try Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Mayo or a twist on Air Fryer Fried Chicken Tenderloins? The possibilities are endless. And if you’re a fan of Breadcrumb Chicken Tenders or Panko Breaded Chicken Air Fryer, this recipe delivers that crispy texture you love.
Recipe Card: Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders about 8-10 pieces
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray for a crispy coating
Instructions
Prep the chicken:
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Make the coating:
- In a bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. Stir well.
- In another bowl, beat the egg until smooth.
Coat the chicken:
- Dip each chicken tender into the egg, ensuring it’s fully covered.
- Then, roll it in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks.
Air fry the tenders:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil.
- Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket (do not overcrowd).
- Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Check doneness:
- Chicken should be golden brown and crispy. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.
Serve:
- Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For extra crispy tenders, spray a little more olive oil over the chicken before cooking.
- These tenders are great served with a side salad, roasted veggies, or fries.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
These crispy air fryer chicken tenders are the perfect addition to your collection of airfryer chicken meals, whether you’re making Chicken Parmesan in Air Fryer, Chicken Tenders Recipe, or even Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. Whether you like them plain or with some spicy mayo chicken on the side, these tenders will make your dinner routine easier and tastier than ever.
So go ahead and give these Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders a try! You’ll be adding them to your list of popular air fryer recipes in no time. Perfect for a family dinner or quick dinner ideas air fryer chicken nights, these tenders are the kind of meal that will leave everyone asking for more.
