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Air Fryer Ultra Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders

A pile of golden brown Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders on a white plate, one is broken open showing the white meat.
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Make incredibly crispy chicken tenders in your air fryer using a double-dredge method for a perfect Parmesan crust without deep frying.

Ingredients

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  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenders
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil based)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken tenders completely dry using paper towels. This step is crucial for crispiness.
  2. Set up a standard breading station with three shallow dishes.
  3. In the first dish, combine the flour with salt and pepper.
  4. In the second dish, whisk the eggs until fully combined.
  5. In the third dish, mix the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  6. Dredge each tender first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
  7. Dip the floured tender into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off.
  8. Press the tender firmly into the Parmesan-Panko mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Press the coating onto the chicken to help it adhere.
  9. Lightly spray the breaded tenders on all sides with cooking spray.
  10. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 5 minutes.
  11. Arrange the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between each piece for air circulation. Do not overcrowd the basket; work in batches if necessary.
  12. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time.
  13. For extra crispiness, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the final 2 minutes.
  14. Remove when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden brown. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For the crispiest result, use Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
  • If your tenders are very thick, you may need to increase the cook time by 1-2 minutes.
  • Do not skip spraying the tenders with oil; this helps the coating brown and crisp up.
  • Serve with your preferred dipping sauce, such as ranch or honey mustard.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookifyme.com/air-fryer-crispy-parmesan-chicken-tenders/