Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders with a savory garlic parmesan coating—made in the air fryer for a healthier crunch. This easy recipe yields tender, juicy chicken with a flavorful crust and a quick cook time for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This helps the coating adhere and gets you a crisper crust.
- In a bowl, toss the tenders with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- In a separate dish, mix the breadcrumbs with 1/4 cup grated parmesan. This will be the crunchy coating.
- Dip each seasoned tender into the parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks.
- Arrange the coated tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket or rack. If needed, do a quick second batch so they don’t crowd.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is golden and the chicken registers 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 2–3 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and the coating to set.