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To make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders, gather these ingredients: - Chicken breast and preparation - 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips - Breadcrumbs and cheese - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Seasoning ingredients - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt - Additional items for garnishing - 2 large eggs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role in making the tenders flavorful and crispy. The chicken breast provides a lean protein base. Panko breadcrumbs give a light and crunchy coating. Parmesan cheese enhances the savory taste. The seasonings add depth and warmth. Olive oil helps the coating crisp up in the air fryer. Finally, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness when serving. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, cut 1 pound of chicken breast into strips. Try to make them even. This helps them cook well. Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This takes about 5 minutes. Preheating makes the chicken tenders crispy. In a shallow bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix until smooth. Then, take another bowl and combine 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir until all the ingredients blend well. Now, dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture. Let the extra egg drip off. Then, coat it in the breadcrumb mix. Press gently to help it stick. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they do not touch. Cook in the air fryer for 10 to 12 minutes. Flip them halfway through. They are done when they are golden brown. The internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, take them out and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your tasty chicken tenders! To get the crispiest tenders, here are some great tips: - Avoid soggy tenders: Make sure to pat the chicken dry before you coat it. Excess moisture can make the coating soggy. Also, don't skip the egg wash step; it helps the breadcrumbs stick better. - Ensuring even cooking: Arrange the chicken strips in a single layer in the air fryer. If they overlap, they won't cook evenly. Flip them halfway through cooking for a golden brown finish. You can make these tenders your own! - Adjusting spice levels: If you like heat, add some cayenne pepper or paprika to the breadcrumb mix. For a milder flavor, skip the spices or use less garlic powder. - Alternative coating options: Try using crushed cornflakes instead of breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture. You can also use almond flour for a low-carb alternative. Pair your chicken tenders with tasty sides! - Perfect pairings and sides: Serve these tenders with a fresh salad or warm garlic bread. Sweet potato fries also make a great side. - Dipping sauce ideas: Ranch dressing and honey mustard are classic choices. For a twist, try a spicy sriracha mayo or a tangy yogurt dip. Pro Tips Tip Title: Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, crispier texture compared to traditional breadcrumbs, giving your chicken tenders an irresistible crunch. Tip Title: Double-Dip for Extra Crunch: For an even crunchier coating, dip the chicken strips in the egg mixture, coat them in breadcrumbs, and then dip them in the egg mixture again before the final breadcrumb coating. Tip Title: Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for optimal cooking results. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that golden-brown finish. Tip Title: Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken tenders reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. {{image_2}} You can make these chicken tenders gluten-free. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. You can find these at many stores or make your own. If you make your own, crush gluten-free crackers or oats into fine crumbs. Keep the cooking time the same, around 10-12 minutes. Check that they are golden brown and cooked through. Want to mix things up? Try using different cheeses. Mozzarella gives a creamy taste, while cheddar adds sharpness. You can also add herbs and spices to change the flavor. Consider using smoked paprika for a smoky touch or crushed red pepper for a bit of heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can add a fresh twist too. If you don't have an air fryer, no worries! You can bake these tenders in the oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the coated chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. For pan-frying, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken strips for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Aim for that nice golden brown color! Store leftover chicken tenders in a container with a tight lid. This keeps them fresh. Let the tenders cool to room temperature first. Then, place them in the fridge for up to three days. Use glass or plastic containers for best results. If you need to stack them, place parchment paper between layers. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. The best method is to use the air fryer again. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps them crispy. If you don’t have an air fryer, use an oven. Preheat it to the same temperature and bake for 10-15 minutes. To keep your chicken tenders crispy, don’t cover them while reheating. This helps the air circulate. You can also spritz a little olive oil on them for extra crunch. If you want to freeze your chicken tenders, here’s how. First, let them cool completely. Then, lay them flat on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours until solid. After they freeze, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date for easy reference. For the best results, use the frozen tenders within three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. You can also use the microwave, but it may make them soggy. After thawing, reheat them in the air fryer for the best texture. You should cook chicken tenders in your air fryer for 10 to 12 minutes. This time frame gives you the best results. Flip the tenders halfway through cooking for even browning. Always check to ensure they are golden brown and cooked through. Yes, you can make chicken tenders without eggs. You can use plain yogurt or buttermilk instead. These alternatives help the breadcrumbs stick well. You can also try a mix of water and cornstarch for a crispy coating. Chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check. This ensures that any harmful bacteria are killed. Always prioritize food safety when cooking chicken. In this post, we explored the delicious world of air fryer chicken tenders. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to get crispy results. You learned about variations, storage options, and answered common questions. Now, you have all the tools to make tasty chicken tenders at home. Enjoy customizing your meal, experimenting with flavors, and sharing with friends. Cooking can be fun and easy!

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Crispy and flavorful chicken tenders coated in garlic and Parmesan, cooked to perfection in an air fryer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  • In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs and olive oil together until combined.
  • In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt.
  • Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  • Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Ensure they are not overlapping.
  • Cook in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
  • Carefully remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs.
Keyword air fryer, chicken tenders, garlic parmesan