Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Season the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Season them with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Set Up Breading Station:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and water.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken Tenders
- Coat the Chicken:
- Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, press the chicken tender into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is well-coated on all sides. Repeat with all chicken tenders.
Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken Tenders
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Arrange the Chicken:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not touching. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Air fry the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the cooked chicken tenders to a plate and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips for Perfect Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Uniform Coating: Ensure the chicken tenders are evenly coated in the breadcrumb mixture for a consistent crunch.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. This ensures that the chicken tenders cook evenly and become crispy.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and has a superior flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
Serving Suggestions
- Dipping Sauces: Serve these chicken tenders with a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or marinara sauce.
- Side Dishes: Pair with a side salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Sandwiches: Use the chicken tenders to make delicious sandwiches with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments.
Conclusion
Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders. This recipe is easy to follow and results in a crispy, flavorful dish that the whole family will love. Enjoy these tenders as a main dish, appetizer, or snack, and savor the perfect combination of Parmesan cheese and crispy breadcrumbs. Happy cooking!