There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a crispy chicken tender that’s golden on the outside and juicy on the inside—especially when it’s made in the air fryer. I’ve always loved chicken tenders, but I used to avoid making them at home because of the mess and oil involved in deep frying. Then I discovered this air fryer version, and everything changed. It’s so easy, fuss-free, and the flavor? Unbeatable. The parmesan crust adds a savory, nutty crunch that makes these tenders irresistible.
Whether I’m making a quick weeknight dinner, prepping snacks for game day, or need something crowd-pleasing for the kids, these air fryer parmesan crusted chicken tenders hit the spot every single time. They cook up in minutes and come out perfectly every time—no flipping, no frying, just crispy goodness with way less guilt. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked too.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Chicken tenders: These are the stars of the show. I like to use raw, trimmed chicken tenderloins because they’re naturally tender and cook quickly. You can also cut chicken breasts into strips if you prefer.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan is key here. It adds a salty, umami-rich flavor that creates a beautiful golden crust when air-fried. Avoid the powdered stuff from the can—go for the real deal.
Breadcrumbs: I use plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs to give the coating structure. The breadcrumbs work together with the cheese to crisp up beautifully without frying.
Eggs: Beaten eggs help everything stick to the chicken. They act as a glue between the chicken and the crunchy coating.
All-purpose flour: A light dusting of flour before dipping into the egg helps the coating hold on even better. It’s a small step but makes a big difference in crispiness.
Garlic powder: This brings a mellow, savory background flavor that pairs so well with the parmesan.
Paprika: Just a little adds color and a subtle smoky note. You can swap in smoked paprika if you want more depth.
Salt and pepper: Always essential. A bit of seasoning in every layer ensures the chicken is flavorful from edge to edge.
Cooking spray: This helps the tenders crisp up in the air fryer without needing oil. A quick spritz on each side does the trick.
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breast cut into strips)
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray
How to Make Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Prepare the breading stations
Set up three shallow bowls or plates—one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with the beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and paprika. This setup makes coating the chicken fast and efficient.
Step 2: Coat the chicken
Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip it into the egg, then press it into the breadcrumb-parmesan mixture, making sure it’s well coated. Repeat with all pieces.
Step 3: Preheat the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3–5 minutes. A hot air fryer ensures even cooking and crispy results.
Step 4: Air fry the tenders
Spray the air fryer basket with a bit of cooking spray. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer without overcrowding. Lightly spray the tops of the tenders as well. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should hit 165°F or 74°C).
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Let the chicken rest for a couple minutes before serving. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce—ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli all work great.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Give your tenders some space so they cook evenly and crisp up nicely. Work in batches if needed.
- Use freshly grated parmesan: It melts and browns better than pre-shredded versions.
- Flip halfway through: This helps both sides brown evenly and prevents sogginess.
- Customize the seasoning: Add Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, or lemon zest to the breadcrumb mix for extra flavor.
- Make it gluten-free: Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to adapt the recipe.
- Double the batch: These reheat really well in the air fryer—perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
FAQs
Can I make these chicken tenders ahead of time?
Yes! Bread them and store in the fridge (uncooked) for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them before air frying—just add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely. Just slice the chicken breasts into even strips so they cook evenly.
Do I need to flip the chicken in the air fryer?
Yes, flipping halfway through helps both sides get that golden crispiness.
Can I use panko instead of regular breadcrumbs?
Definitely! Panko breadcrumbs make the tenders extra crunchy. Just keep an eye on them as they may brown a little faster.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check—165°F (74°C) is the safe internal temp for chicken. Or cut into one; the juices should run clear and the meat should be white throughout.