Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

INGREDIENTS:

1 lb chicken tenders

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 large eggs

Cooking spray

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures the chicken starts cooking on a hot surface, promoting a crispier texture.

Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In a second shallow bowl, beat the eggs. The eggs will help the Parmesan mixture stick to the chicken.

Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Then dredge the tender in the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres evenly. Repeat this process for all the chicken tenders.

Cook the Chicken: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook in batches if needed. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through for even cooking and browning.

Check for Doneness: The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.

Serve: Serve the crispy chicken tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard, ranch, or a spicy aioli.