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Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are crispy golden outside and tender juicy inside with a hint of garlic and tons of flavor. They are perfect for a quick dinner, lunch or even snack.
These are so easy, and so good, you’re family is going to love these! Serve these scrumptious tenders with a Caesar Salad, Honey Lime Poppy Seed Fruit Salad, and Homemade Air Fryer French Fries for a well rounded satisfying dinner.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
Cooking chicken tenders in the air fryer is one of the best ways to cook chicken. It’s juicy, tasty, crunchy, and healthy (no more dealing with all that messy oil)! It’s the best of both worlds. The other winning feature of this dish is it’s super fast. I love things that are quick and healthy.
These are so good you will reach for them over and over. Serve this tasty finger food with your favorite dipping sauce. My favorite is The Famous Cane’s Sauce or my classic Fry Sauce. Try something new, try two or three, or just experiment with your favorites! They’re so easy and go with just about everything.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
These ingredients are simple and flavorful and leave you with the same great taste you would get if you deep-fried them! Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.
- Chicken Tenders: Boneless and skinless chicken breast work best for this recipe.
- White Flour: White flour will adhere best to the chicken
- Salt and Pepper: These enhance the flavors of the chicken.
- Olive Oil or Butter: Either will produce a crisp and wonderful flavor.
- Garlic: You can either use fresh garlic cloves or minced garlic from the jar.
- Basil: I use dried basil so that it can mix well with the other seasonings.
- Paprika: Creates flavor and adds a bit of color.
- Panko: Panko creates a great crunch, but you can use bread crumbs too.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan works best for the best seasoning
How Long to Cook Chicken Tenders in an Air Fryer
Cooking up these chicken tenders in the air fryer is so quick and easy! You will be done from start to finish in less than 10 minutes.
- Trim: If there is any excess fat on the tenders, trim it.
- Bowls: Set out three bowls. In the first one, fill it with flour and salt, and pepper. In the second bowl, fill with either olive oil or butter and garlic. Then, place the basil, paprika, panko, and parmesan cheese in the third bowl. Stir all of the bowls to mix.
- Coat: Dip the chicken first in the flour mixture, then the garlic butter, then the panko mixture. Make sure to evenly and thoroughly coat each piece.
- Cook: Place the tenders in the air fryer and then cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 9 min. Flip and cook for another 8-9 min or till the internal temp is 165 degrees F.
Tips and Substitutions
There are a few things that you can change up or substitute to make sure that your air fryer chicken tenders turn out perfectly!
- Panko: You really want to use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. They are lighter and airier, and because of that, they will absorb less oil and end up crispier. Breadcrumbs will work, but they’ll be heavier.
- Shake: A fun way to involve your kids in the baking is to put the panko and seasoning in a large ziplock bag. Then, place the chicken tenders in and let the kids shake it up.
- Spices: You can definitely mix this up and add different spices to your panko mixture. You can mix up the spices with Italian, Mexican, Cajun, or whatever you want.
- Dry: Pat the Chicken dry before you dredge it. It’ll help all the goodness stick together.
- Press: To help your coating stick, press the crumbs onto the chicken strips.
- Crowding: You don’t want to overcrowd the air fryer. They shouldn’t touch to allow maximum airflow; they’ll cook nice and even.
- Over Cooking: This is a no-no. Use a meat thermometer and test them before you think they are done to ensure you don’t overcook them. You are looking for a temp of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Overcooking the tenders will dry them out.
Storing Leftovers
These air fryer chicken tenders can easily be stored and reheated the next day! It’s the perfect, easy lunch or snack option for any day of the week.
- In the Refrigerator: Store leftover tenders in an airtight container or large resealable bag in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- In the Freezer: Freeze these after they have cooled completely. To keep from sticking, line them on a baking sheet for 2 hours in the freezer. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat: To keep them crispy, reheat them in the air fryer. Heat at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, till hot.
Sauces for Dipping
These air fryer chicken tenders will go with just about any sauce that you like! Here are some ideas of a few homemade sauces that you have to try with them!
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Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup white flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 6 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
- Trim the fat from the tenders.
- Set out three bowls. Fill one with white flour, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, & 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir. Fill the next bowl with olive oil or butter and minced garlic. Stir. Place the basil, paprika, Panko, and Parmesan cheese in the last bowl. Stir.
- Place the tenders in the flour mixture, then the garlic oil, then the panko mixture making sure to evenly and thoroughly coat each piece.
- Place the tenders in the basket of the air fryer.
- Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 9 minutes, flip the tenders, and cook for another 8-9 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Only change I made was reduced the cook time to 6 min then 6min. This is because my air fryer is pretty small and I only made 4 tenders. 9 min and 8-9min they were dry. After adjustment due to size and capacity, perfect!
I have tried several air fried chicken recipes and this is by far the best. Turns out perfect every time. My husband is very picky and he loves this chicken!
Super tender and tasty. Loved it
Looking for a way out of buying frozen strips. Used the melted butter for step two. This resulted in pale, greasy batter on the chicken but what stuck out from the surface was crispy, if it didn’t slide off. Maybe a case of air fryer not being good enough or error on my end.three stars
This was 5⭐️ approved by my husband. Definitely a keeper
All of the family loved it tonight! We have the Ninja Combi cooker on air fry setting. We only needed an 8 minute total cook time. 😬 Definitely check on your chicken. Will be adding this to our weekly Sunday dinner plans
Just bought an air fryer and have not used it yet. Im a bit nervous. Starting tonight with chicken thighs and french fries. Any beginner help would be appreciated.
Thank you.
Sheri Rose
do you preheat your airfryer here?
Yes, add the chicken tenders once the air fryer is preheated.