Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
This easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe features juicy chicken coated in seasoned panko and cooked until perfectly golden.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Shallow bowls for dredging
- Tongs
- Cooking spray or oil spray
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders or sliced chicken breast
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Optional ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon flour for extra coating adhesion
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures immediate crisping once the chicken goes in.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
- In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. The mixture should smell savory and slightly cheesy.
Step 3: Whisk the Eggs
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. This helps the coating cling evenly to the chicken.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
- Dip each chicken tender into the egg, then press into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure every inch is coated—this is where the crunch comes from.
Step 5: Arrange in the Air Fryer
- Place chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with oil to encourage browning.
Step 6: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through. The outside should be crisp, the inside juicy.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
- Let the chicken rest for 2–3 minutes before serving. This keeps the juices locked in.