Name: Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders – Chicken Tenders Recipes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenders; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 large eggs

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Chicken tenders recipes don’t need to be complicated. This one’s got just the right crunch, a cheesy edge, and a juicy center thanks to the air fryer. I’ve made these more times than I can count, and honestly, they never disappoint. The parmesan crust crisps up in a way that almost makes you forget they’re not deep-fried. Almost. Whether you’re someone who usually burns toast or you’re the go-to home cook in your family, this recipe’s got your back. It takes pantry staples and turns them into something worthy of a dinner repeat. I’ve tested it with chicken recipes of all kinds, but this is the one my kids ask for with pleading eyes and empty plates. It doesn’t matter if it’s your first time using an air fryer or you’ve already tried air fryer swordfish recipes or air fryer tempeh — this one’s easy, quick, and ridiculously tasty. So if you’re into Instant Pot air fryer recipes, or you’ve dabbled in air fryer steelhead or a steelhead trout recipe air fryer style, this might be the next best thing you didn’t know you needed.

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 recipes next!
9) Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Crunchy parmesan crust gives chicken tenders a golden finish without frying.
This recipe uses pantry staples and is easy enough for weeknights.
Perfect for fans of air fryer swordfish, steelhead trout, or Instant Pot air fryer meals.

2) Easy Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

I’ve made my share of chicken tenders recipes, and this one’s stayed in rotation for a reason. That crisp parmesan crust locks in the juiciness without any of the greasy mess. It’s simple, but it doesn’t taste lazy. You know those recipes where you check the ingredient list and immediately groan? This is not one of those.

With chicken recipes, I try to keep things flexible. You want a method that works whether it’s a Wednesday night rush or Saturday lunch with guests. If you’ve ever made air fryer steelhead or dabbled in air fryer swordfish recipes, you already get how great air circulation can be for flavor. This is no different.

I test a lot of Instant Pot air fryer recipes and sometimes they feel like more hassle than help. Not here. These tenders go straight from dredging to basket and cook in under 15 minutes. That’s the sweet spot, right?

3) Ingredients for Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Chicken Tenders: I use about a pound of fresh chicken tenders. They cook quickly and stay juicy. You can also slice chicken breasts if that’s what you’ve got on hand.

Parmesan Cheese: I go for finely grated Parmesan. It gives that rich, nutty crunch. Pre-shredded works, but fresh-grated brings a bigger flavor punch.

Panko Breadcrumbs: These stay light and crispy. Regular breadcrumbs will work in a pinch, but panko’s texture just wins here.

Garlic Powder: A little goes a long way. It gives depth without overpowering the cheese.

Paprika: I use sweet paprika for a gentle smokiness. It also helps with color and flavor balance.

Salt: I stick to kosher salt. It seasons evenly and holds well through air frying.

Black Pepper: Freshly ground gives the best heat. Add a little more if you like things with kick.

Eggs: Two large eggs are plenty to coat the tenders and hold the crust in place.

4) How to Make Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Step 1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. A hot basket means an instant sear that locks moisture inside the chicken.

Step 2. In one bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In another, stir together Parmesan, panko, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 3. Dip each chicken tender in the egg mixture, then press it into the dry mix until coated on all sides. Shake off the excess.

Step 4. Lay the tenders in the air fryer basket. Give each piece some breathing room. Overlapping stops the crust from crisping.

Step 5. Air fry for about 10 to 12 minutes, flipping once halfway through. The coating should turn golden and crisp by the end.

Step 6. Let the tenders cool for a few minutes. That gives the crust time to firm up and avoids burnt fingers.

Step 7. Serve hot, and don’t forget a dipping sauce. Ranch, spicy mayo, or even honey mustard all work well.

5) Tips for Making Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

If your panko doesn’t stick, press it on gently after dipping. Sometimes the cheese needs help bonding to the egg. I’ve tried to rush it — the mess proves why you shouldn’t skip this part.

Don’t crowd the basket. Cook in batches if needed. That open airflow is what makes air fryers magic. It’s how your crust gets crisp without drying out the chicken.

If you’re trying to eat lighter, these chicken tenders recipes still hold up with less cheese or whole wheat breadcrumbs. They might not brown quite the same, but the crunch stays solid. I’ve done it, and it works when you want that balance.

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

Sometimes, I prep these in the morning, then refrigerate them until it’s go time. I dredge the tenders, place them on a baking sheet, and cover them loosely with foil or wrap.

Once dinner rolls around, I just preheat the fryer and toss them in. This cuts down cleanup and keeps my kitchen cooler. If you’re feeding kids after sports practice or work meetings, this makes life easier.

Don’t freeze them raw — the crust tends to fall off during thawing. But once cooked, they reheat well in the air fryer. Five minutes at 350°F usually does the trick without making them tough.

7) Storing Leftover Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Store leftovers in an airtight container. The fridge keeps them fresh for up to three days. To keep that crunch, skip the microwave and reheat in the air fryer.

I lay them flat in the basket and cook at 350°F for 4 to 6 minutes. They come out just as crispy as day one — sometimes better, since the flavors have settled in.

If you’ve ever made steelhead trout recipe air fryer style and liked how leftovers held up, these tenders will make you just as happy. They’re easy to store and easy to love again.

8) Try these Main Course recipes next!

9) Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders