Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Make crunchy, flavorful chicken tenders in your air fryer using a Parmesan and panko coating for a low-oil, crispy result.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 12 min
- Total Time: 27 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Cooking spray (oil-based)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels.
- Set up the dredging stations: Place flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. In a second dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and oregano.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge each chicken strip first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Finally, press the strip firmly into the panko-Parmesan mixture to coat completely.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 5 minutes.
- Arrange the coated tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. You will need to work in batches.
- Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray for extra crispness.
- Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time.
- Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crisp.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For an extra crispy coating, let the coated tenders rest in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before air frying.
- If you prefer a lower-carb coating, substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour and use crushed pork rinds instead of panko breadcrumbs.
- Use a light hand when spraying oil; too much oil prevents the coating from crisping properly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tenders
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 38
- Cholesterol: 105