1. Prepare the Breading Stations:
- Set up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Bread the Chicken Tenders:
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
- Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured chicken tender into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Press the chicken tender into the breadcrumb mixture, coating it evenly on all sides.
- Place the breaded chicken tenders on a plate or baking sheet.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
4. Cook the Chicken Tenders:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray to help them brown and crisp up.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until the chicken tenders are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
- Serve the chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ketchup.
Tips for Success:
- Even Breading: Make sure each chicken tender is evenly coated in flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixture for the best texture and flavor.
- Batch Cooking: If you need to cook the chicken tenders in batches, keep the cooked ones warm in a low oven (about 200°F or 93°C) while you finish cooking the rest.
- Crispy Coating: Spraying the chicken tenders with cooking spray helps achieve a golden, crispy coating in the air fryer.
Conclusion: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a fantastic way to enjoy a crispy and flavorful chicken dish without the guilt of deep frying. These tenders are perfect for any occasion and are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and tender, juicy chicken with every bite!