Name: Chicken Air Fryer Recipes Parmesan Crusted Tenders
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenders; 1 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 2 eggs, beaten; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; Cooking spray

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I’ll be honest, chicken tenders are one of those meals that make me feel like a kid again. Except this time, instead of greasy fast food, I get crispy golden tenders made right in my air fryer. The crunch comes from a coat of parmesan and breadcrumbs, and the flavor hits you with a balance of salty, juicy, and just plain comforting. What I like most is how quickly this comes together. No messy oil, no standing over a hot pan, and no stress. The air fryer does the heavy lifting, and I just get to enjoy the reward—tenders that taste like they belong in a restaurant basket, but without leaving the kitchen. Honestly, who doesn’t love that? These chicken air fryer recipes prove that simple really is better. Whether you call them air fryer recipes chicken, chicken recipe air fryer, or just plain recipes air fryer, they all deliver the same thing: fast food flavor at home. And if you’re like me, you’ll find yourself making this recipe air fryer style more often than you think.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
3) Ingredients for Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
4) How to Make Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
5) Tips for Making Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
6) Making Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
8) Try these Main Course next!
9) Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Quick prep and cooking make this recipe weeknight friendly
Air fryer keeps the tenders golden and crisp without oil mess
Parmesan and breadcrumbs create a savory, crunchy coat
Pairs well with dipping sauces or simple sides

2) Easy Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

I like recipes that don’t demand a long shopping list or hours in the kitchen. These parmesan crusted tenders check both boxes. They call for pantry basics and cook in less time than it takes me to scroll through dinner ideas online. That alone makes me want to add them to my regular meal rotation.

The magic happens when the air fryer turns a simple coating of parmesan and breadcrumbs into a golden shell. It locks in the chicken’s juices and makes every bite feel satisfying. No oil splatters or greasy pans to clean later. Just crisp, flavorful tenders ready to serve.

This falls right into my group of favorite chicken air fryer recipes. When you try it, you’ll see why. The flavor feels fresh, the texture crunches, and the whole dish makes dinner both easy and comforting.

3) Ingredients for Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Chicken Tenders: These are the star, lean and quick to cook. They soak up the flavor of the coating and stay juicy inside.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated works best. It brings sharp, salty flavor and helps form the crust. Pre-grated is fine if that’s what you have.

Breadcrumbs: Plain or panko both work. They create the crunch that makes these tenders addictive.

Eggs: Beaten eggs help the coating stick to each piece of chicken. They’re the glue in this recipe.

Garlic Powder: A small spoonful adds a savory note that deepens the flavor without being overpowering.

Paprika: It gives a warm color and a subtle kick that keeps the crust from tasting flat.

Salt and Pepper: Classic seasonings that balance the cheese and breadcrumb mix.

Cooking Spray: A quick spritz over the coated tenders adds extra crunch during air frying.

4) How to Make Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Step 1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This way, the tenders start cooking the moment you slide them in.

Step 2. Mix parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. This mix will become the golden crust.

Step 3. Dip each tender into beaten eggs. Then press them into the parmesan mix so every side gets coated.

Step 4. Arrange the tenders in the air fryer basket. Keep them in a single layer so the hot air can reach all sides.

Step 5. Spray lightly with cooking spray. This step makes the crust extra crunchy once cooked.

Step 6. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. When done, they should look golden and feel firm.

Step 7. Serve the tenders hot. I like them with a dipping sauce or simple salad on the side.

5) Tips for Making Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Keep the chicken tenders in a single layer while cooking. Stacking makes them steam instead of crisp. If needed, cook them in batches. This small step makes a big difference in texture.

For thicker tenders, add two minutes of cooking time. Check them with a meat thermometer. They should read 165°F at the center. That keeps them safe to eat and still juicy.

If you want stronger flavor, mix in Italian seasoning or cayenne pepper. It gives the crust more depth without taking away from the parmesan. These small tweaks let you customize the recipe to your taste.

6) Making Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Ahead of Time

I often prep these tenders earlier in the day. Coat the chicken and set them on a baking sheet. Store them in the fridge until dinner. When you’re ready, pop them into the air fryer. They come out crisp and fresh, even after waiting a few hours.

Another option is to freeze the coated tenders. Lay them flat on a tray until solid, then store them in a freezer bag. This makes it easy to cook them straight from frozen. Just add a couple extra minutes in the air fryer.

Planning ahead makes weeknights smoother. Having a bag of prepped tenders in the freezer means you’ve always got a quick dinner within reach.

7) Storing Leftover Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Leftovers hold up better than you’d think. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for three to four days. They stay firm and still taste good reheated.

The air fryer works best for reheating. A few minutes at 350°F brings the crunch back. Microwaving tends to make the coating soft, so I avoid that when I can.

I’ve also packed these in lunches the next day. Cold or reheated, they taste like comfort food you’ll actually look forward to eating again.

8) Try these Main Course next!

9) Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders