Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
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These air fryer chicken tenders are a lifesaver on crazy weeknights. Crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor—plus they cook up fast and my kids actually ask for seconds. Total win! For another air fried chicken recipe, check out my Air Fryer Fried Chicken!
A Reader’s Review
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!
Patti
Why These Tenders Are a Total Win
- Crispy without the Mess: I love a good crispy bite, but not the oily mess. Air frying gives you that same delicious crunch without the splatter or cleanup!
- Quick and Kid-Approved: On the table in under 20 minutes and a hit with everyone (yes, even the picky eaters).
- Big on Flavor: Parmesan and garlic are the stars of the show. SO GOOD.
Air Fryer Chicken Tender Ingredients
- Use Panko for Crunch: Panko crisps up better since it’s lighter and absorbs less oil. Regular bread crumbs work, but won’t be as crunchy.
- Flavor Profile: You can add different spices to your panko mixture. Try Italian, Mexican, Cajun, or whatever you like!
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Cooking up these chicken tenders in the air fryer is so quick and easy! You will be done from start to finish in just over 20 minutes. Want an actual deep-fried cheese and chicken snack? Make my chicken fritters!
- Prep and Coat with Flour: Set out three bowls. Fill one with flour, pepper, and salt. Stir. Fill the next bowl with olive oil or melted butter and minced garlic. Stir. Place dried basil, paprika, Panko breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese in the last bowl, then stir. First, coat the boneless, skinless chicken tenders in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour.
- Coat with Butter/Oil: Next, dip the flour-coated tender into the oil or butter and coat well, allowing excess to drip off.
- Coat with Panko Breadcrumbs: Finally, coat the chicken strips in the breadcrumb mixture, be sure it is completely coated for a nice, crispy breading.
- Air Fry: Place the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket of the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 9 minutes. Flip the tenders and cook for another 8-9 minutes until the internal temperature of the chicken is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Eat with my favorite honey mustard sauce.
Alyssa’s Best Breading Tip!
How to Keep the Breading On: Press the crumbs firmly into the chicken, then give the tenders a light spray of cooking oil—this helps the coating stick and adds extra crisp.
Don’t Crowd the Air Fryer
Air Flow = Crispy Tenders: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might have to cook in batches. Leave space so the air can do its thing. If they touch, they won’t get crispy.
How to Store Leftovers
These air fryer chicken tenders can easily be stored and reheated the next day! It’s the perfect, protein-packed lunch or snack!
- 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 350ºF for 5-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, till hot.
Dressings, Sauces, and Dips
15 minutes
Dressings, Sauces, and Dips
10 minutes
Dressings, Sauces, and Dips
3 minutes
Dressings, Sauces, and Dips
5 minutes
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Set out three bowls. Fill one with 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, & 1/2 teaspoon salt . Stir. Fill the next bowl with 6 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter and 3 teaspoons minced garlic. Stir. Place 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs, and 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese, in the last bowl. Stir.
First, coat the 1 ¼ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenders in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour.
Next, dip the flour-coated tender into the oil or butter and coat well, allowing excess to drip off.
Finally, coat the tenders in the breadcrumb mixture, be sure they are completely coated for a nice, crispy breading.
Place the tenders in the basket of the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 9 minutes. Flip the tenders and cook for another 8-9 minutes until the chicken's internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Originally Posted on November 2, 2020
Updated on April 14, 2025
Calories: 284kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 34gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 91mgSodium: 275mgPotassium: 586mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 104IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 47mgIron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.