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Crispy, Cheesy, and Guilt-Free: Air-Fried Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Chicken tenders lovers, rejoice! If you are in search of a delectable, crispy, golden, and cheesy chicken that is a healthier alternative to traditional fried food, you are in for a delightful experience.
These Air-Fried Parmesan Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of flavor and crunch, but with a fraction of the calories you’d find in traditionally fried meals. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make at home with your trusty air fryer!
Looking for more recipes like this? This dish is one of the many featured in our upcoming Fat Burning Cookbook—a collection of easy, delicious, and healthier spins on your favorite meals.
Whether you’re whipping these up for a mid-week dinner, a family meal, or simply because you deserve a treat, this recipe is about to become your go-to.
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Ingredients and Tools
Before you dig in, you’ll need to gather a few basics. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients makes all the difference when creating something this delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 lb of chicken tenders (boneless, skinless): Perfectly tender when air-fried!
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (fresh is best): Adds that salty, cheesy goodness.
- 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs): For maximum crunch!
- 1 large egg (or egg whites): Helps all the tasty coating stick to your tenders.
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder (or fresh minced garlic): Enhances flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika (optional): Adds a hint of smokiness.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Tools
- Air fryer (of course!): Any standard model or size will work for this recipe.
- 3 shallow bowls for breading stations.
- Tongs to handle those tenders without the mess.
- Cooking spray (olive oil spray recommended): To get that golden perfection.
Step-by-Step Recipe Guide
It’s time to prepare and begin cooking! This step-by-step guide ensures your tenders turn out perfectly crispy every single time.
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Season your chicken tenders with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. This ensures every bite is flavorful.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
- Bowl 1: Whisk the egg until combined.
- Bowl 2: Mix panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan.
- Bowl 3 (optional): A little flour can help the coating stick even better.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
- Dip each tender into the flour, shaking off excess.
- Next, dip into the egg, ensuring full coverage.
- Finally, coat with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mix, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 4: Air Fry
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2-3 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket and place tenders in a single layer (avoid overcrowding).
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Once golden and crispy, remove the tenders from the fryer. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Pro Tip
For an extra crunch, double-dip each tender in the egg and breadcrumbs before air-frying. Trust us—it’s worth it!
Read more: Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
Nutritional Value
Not only is air-frying convenient, but it also significantly contributes to healthier meal preparation. Here’s how these air-fried chicken tenders stack up against their deep-fried counterparts.
- Calories: Air-fried tenders have roughly 40% fewer calories than fried versions!
- Fat: Enjoy significantly less oil (and guilt) with air frying.
- Protein: Packed with high-quality protein to keep you energized.
- Sodium: Using fresh, low-sodium breadcrumbs and Parmesan helps keep salt levels in check.
The result? A dish that’s as kind to your waistline as it is to your taste buds!
Serving Suggestions
These Air-Fried Parmesan Chicken Tenders are versatile and pair perfectly with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas for every occasion!
For Family Dinners
- Pair with crispy sweet potato fries and a fresh green salad.
- Add a drizzle of honey mustard or ranch for dipping!
For Breakfast Enthusiasts
- Serve alongside fluffy waffles and drizzle with hot honey for a classic chicken and waffle vibe.
For Entertaining
- Slice tenders into bite-sized nuggets for easy snacking. Offer a selection of sauces, like marinara, honey BBQ, and garlic aioli.
Pro tip: These tenders also work wonders as the protein in a Caesar salad or a chicken parmesan sub.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Have leftovers? Lucky you! These tenders reheat beautifully for round two.
- Storing: Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months, separating layers with parchment paper.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes. Microwave works too, but the air fryer keeps them crisp.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Air-Fried Parmesan Chicken Tenders strike the perfect balance between indulgence and health. They’re crispy without oil, cheesy without being heavy, and oh-so-satisfying. Trust us, once you try air-frying, there’s no going back!
Speaking of more recipes—our upcoming Fat burning Cook Book is brimming with quick, healthy meals like this one. Want a sneak peek? Make sure to sign up to be the first to know when it launches.
Your Turn to Cook!
Get that air fryer ready and give this recipe a try. Don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media or leave a comment below—we’d love to hear how your tenders turned out.
Happy cooking!
Hello, my name is Mary. I’m a passionate food and drink enthusiast, sharing flavorful recipes, creative drinks, and culinary inspiration from around the world. With a love for exploring new tastes and traditions, I bring a mix of easy-to-follow guides and expert tips to make every meal an adventure. Follow along for delicious discoveries and a toast to positive living!