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Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a quick and easy meal that's perfect for both kids and adults. These chicken tenders are coated in a flavorful mixture of Panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then cooked to perfection in the air fryer. The result is a crispy exterior with a juicy and tender inside, making them a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders.
Ingredients
- Chicken Tenders: 1 1/4 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken tenders. Trim any excess fat for a leaner option.
- White Flour: 1/2 cup, used as the base for the initial coating.
- Salt and Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, for seasoning the flour mixture.
- Olive Oil or Butter: 6 tablespoons, mixed with garlic for added flavor and to help the breadcrumbs adhere.
- Minced Garlic: 3 teaspoons, adds a burst of garlic flavor.
- Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon, for a hint of herbal aroma.
- Paprika: 1/4 teaspoon, adds a subtle smokiness.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 cup, for a light and crispy coating.
- Parmesan Cheese: 2/3 cup, freshly grated, adds a rich, nutty flavor to the coating.
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Begin by trimming any excess fat from the chicken tenders to ensure they are clean and lean. Set the prepared chicken tenders aside.
- Step 2:
- Set out three separate bowls for the coating process. In the first bowl, combine 1/2 cup of white flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Stir until well mixed. In the second bowl, mix together 6 tablespoons of olive oil or melted butter with 3 teaspoons of minced garlic. In the third bowl, combine 1 cup of Panko breadcrumbs, 2/3 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and 1/4 teaspoon of paprika. Stir each bowl's contents to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Step 3:
- Take each chicken tender and first dredge it in the flour mixture, coating it evenly. Shake off any excess flour, then dip the tender into the garlic oil mixture, ensuring it is well coated. Finally, press the tender into the Panko and Parmesan mixture, covering it completely and pressing lightly to adhere the coating.
- Step 4:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This allows for even cooking and crisping.
- Step 5:
- Cook the chicken tenders at 400°F for 9 minutes. After the initial cooking time, carefully flip each tender over and continue cooking for an additional 8-9 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. The tenders should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.