Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken
   Trim any visible fat from the chicken tenders and pat them dry with paper towels. Dry chicken helps the coating stick better and crisp nicely during cooking.
2. Set Up the Breading Station
   Prepare three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine the flour, salt, and black pepper. In the second bowl, mix olive oil (or melted butter) with minced garlic and dried basil. In the third bowl, stir together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and paprika.
3. Coat the Chicken
   Dip each chicken tender first into the flour mixture, coating it lightly and shaking off any excess. Next, place it into the garlic oil mixture so it becomes evenly coated.
4. Add the Crispy Layer
   Transfer the chicken from the garlic oil to the panko-Parmesan mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks well to every side of the tender.
5. Arrange in the Air Fryer
   Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding so the air can circulate and crisp the coating properly.
6. Air Fry the Chicken
   Cook the tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 9 minutes. Carefully flip each tender and continue cooking for another 8–9 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Serve Immediately
   Remove the tenders from the air fryer and serve while hot and crispy. They are perfect with your favorite dipping sauce.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy

Variations & Substitutions

• Extra Crispy Version: Spray the coated tenders lightly with cooking spray before air frying for even more crunch.
• Spicy Version: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives.
• Herb Upgrade: Add dried oregano or Italian seasoning for deeper flavor.

Serving Suggestions