Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins : The Ultimate Healthy and Delicious Meal

When it comes to quick, healthy, and delicious meals, Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins are a perfect choice. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep for the week, or a healthy alternative to fried chicken, this recipe is the answer. By using the air fryer, you can achieve perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken tenderloins with less oil—making it a much healthier option compared to traditional deep frying.

With the parmesan crust, the chicken tenders become extra flavorful and satisfying, offering that irresistible crispy exterior and juicy interior. Best of all, this recipe is super simple and can be prepared in just 20 minutes, making it a great option for busy nights when you want something quick but tasty.

Looking for more air fryer recipes? Check out our Air Fryer Recipes for more quick and easy meal ideas!

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What Makes Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins So Special?

Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins stand out for several reasons:

• Healthier than frying: Traditional frying can add unwanted calories and excess fat. The air fryer uses hot air to cook the chicken, which means you get the crispy texture without the extra oil.
• Perfectly crispy: Thanks to the air fryer’s rapid air circulation, these chicken tenders come out golden, crispy, and tender on the inside. The parmesan crust adds an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
• Quick and easy: Unlike traditional oven baking, the air fryer cooks these chicken tenders in a fraction of the time. In under 20 minutes, you can have a meal ready to go!
• Flavor-packed: The combination of parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and herbs in the coating adds incredible flavor to the chicken without being overwhelming.
• Versatile and customizable: This recipe can be customized with different seasonings or dips, making it easy to cater to your preferences.

Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, this Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenderloin recipe is a must-try.

Ingredients for Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins

This simple recipe requires just a few pantry staples to create crispy, flavorful chicken tenders. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken Tenderloins:

• 1 lb chicken tenderloins (or chicken breast cut into strips)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or cooking spray)

For Dipping Sauce (optional):

• Ranch dressing, honey mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce

With these simple ingredients, you’ll have crispy parmesan chicken tenders that are packed with flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins

This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. Here’s how to make crispy parmesan chicken tenders in the air fryer:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the air fryer is hot enough to cook the chicken tenders evenly and achieve that crispy texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

1. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
2. In a second shallow bowl, beat the egg.
3. In a third shallow bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Tenderloins

1. Dip each chicken tenderloin into the flour mixture, coating it evenly.
2. Then dip it into the egg, letting any excess drip off.
3. Finally, coat the chicken in the parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.

Step 4: Arrange the Chicken in the Air Fryer

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray. Arrange the coated chicken tenderloins in a single layer in the basket. Make sure they are not overlapping to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken Tenders

1. Cook the chicken tenderloins in the preheated air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes.
2. Flip the chicken tenders halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides become golden and crispy.
3. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and the outside is crispy and browned.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer. Serve them immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.

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How to Achieve Perfectly Crispy Chicken Tenderloins in the Air Fryer

To get crispy chicken tenders without frying, follow these tips:

• Use panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, crunchier coating compared to regular breadcrumbs. This is key to achieving the crispy texture in the air fryer.
• Spray with oil: Lightly spraying the chicken with olive oil or using cooking spray helps create a golden, crispy crust while preventing the chicken from drying out.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket: For the crispiest results, make sure the chicken tenders are not overlapping in the air fryer. This allows the hot air to circulate around the tenders, ensuring even cooking.
• Flip halfway through: Flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking process ensures that both sides become equally crispy.

Tips for Making the Best Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins

• Use chicken tenderloins: Chicken tenderloins are the ideal cut for this recipe because they cook quickly and stay juicy. However, if you don’t have tenderloins, you can use chicken breast cut into strips.
• Customize the coating: Feel free to add extra seasonings or herbs to the breadcrumb mixture, such as Italian seasoning, oregano, or parsley, for more flavor.
• Add extra cheese: For a cheesier, more indulgent crust, mix extra parmesan into the breadcrumbs, or top the tenders with a bit more cheese during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Adjust cooking time based on thickness: If your chicken tenders are thicker, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes. Always check the internal temperature to ensure they’re cooked through.

How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins

These crispy, golden chicken tenderloins are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• With a dipping sauce: Serve your tenders with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
• In a wrap or sandwich: Use the chicken tenders as a filling for a delicious wrap or sandwich with fresh veggies, lettuce, and your preferred sauce.
• On a salad: Add crispy chicken tenders to a fresh green salad for a light, protein-packed meal.
• With a side: Pair with fries, sweet potato fries, or a vegetable side like roasted asparagus or broccoli for a complete meal.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins

Storage:
Store any leftover crispy parmesan chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
To reheat, place the chicken tenders back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes to restore their crispy texture. You can also reheat them in a conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Why Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins Are Perfect for Quick, Healthy Dinners

Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins are a game-changer for anyone looking for a healthier, quicker dinner. Here’s why:

• Quick cooking time: The air fryer cooks these tenders in under 20 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights when you need a fast and satisfying meal.
• Healthier than deep frying: Air frying requires significantly less oil than traditional frying, making it a healthier option for those who want to enjoy crispy food without the added fat.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your taste or dietary needs. Add spices, swap out the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option, or make it spicy with a dash of cayenne pepper.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Chicken Tenderloins in the Air Fryer

• Overcrowding the basket: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. The chicken tenders need space for the air to circulate around them to achieve that crispy texture.
• Not preheating the air fryer: Preheating the air fryer ensures that the chicken starts cooking immediately, resulting in a crispier finish.
• Not using enough oil: While you’re not deep frying, a light spray of olive oil or cooking spray is essential to getting a crispy crust.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins

Can I use chicken breast instead of tenderloins?
Yes! If you don’t have chicken tenderloins, you can use chicken breast cut into strips. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for thicker pieces.

Can I make these tenders ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread the tenders ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. If you’d like to freeze them, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag.

Can I make these chicken tenders gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

Conclusion + Call to Action

Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins are the perfect combination of crispy, savory, and juicy. They’re healthier than traditional fried chicken tenders and come together quickly, making them ideal for busy nights. Whether you’re making them for dinner, lunch, or meal prep, these chicken tenders are a delicious and satisfying option that everyone will love.

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