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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.2 from 8 reviews

Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights or a tasty snack. Tender chicken strips are seasoned, dipped in egg, coated with a crunchy Panko and Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, and air fried to golden perfection for a healthier twist on the classic fried chicken tenders.

Ingredients

Chicken Tenders

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Ground black pepper, to taste

Breading Mixture

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1¼ cups Panko breadcrumbs
  • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Season Chicken: Season the chicken tenders evenly with kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste, ensuring each piece is well seasoned for maximum flavor.
  2. Prepare Egg Wash: In a shallow dish, whisk the two large eggs until smooth and combined, creating an egg wash to help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
  3. Combine Breading: In a separate shallow dish, mix together the Panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese, if using, to add a crispy and cheesy coating to the chicken tenders.
  4. Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the egg wash, then immediately press into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated for a crispy exterior.
  5. Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap for even cooking.
  6. Air Fry: Cook the chicken tenders in the air fryer at 400°F (204°C) for 8 minutes. Halfway through cooking, flip the tenders to promote even browning and crispiness on both sides.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, lightly spray the breaded tenders with cooking oil before air frying.
  • If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can omit it or substitute with finely grated Pecorino Romano.
  • Make sure the chicken tenders are similar in size to ensure even cooking.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
  • Check internal temperature of chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.