If you’re looking for a crispy, flavorful chicken tender recipe that’s both easy to make and healthier than traditional frying, you’ve come to the right place! These Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a game-changer in the kitchen. Coated in a savory blend of Parmesan cheese and Panko breadcrumbs, these tenders deliver the perfect balance of crunch and flavor with minimal oil. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying snack, these tenders will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup white flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken Tenders: Trim any excess fat from the chicken tenders and set aside.
- Set Up Your Dredging Stations: Arrange three bowls. In the first bowl, combine the white flour with about 1/4 teaspoon of pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. In the second bowl, mix the olive oil or melted butter with minced garlic. In the third bowl, combine the dried basil, paprika, Panko breadcrumbs, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Coat the Chicken Tenders: Begin by dipping each chicken tender into the flour mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated. Next, dip the tender into the garlic oil, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, coat the tender with the Panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thorough coating.
- Cook in the Air Fryer: Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook at 400°F for 9 minutes. Flip the tenders and cook for an additional 8-9 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips
- Serve Hot: For the best taste and texture, enjoy the chicken tenders immediately after they come out of the air fryer. They are at their crispiest and most flavorful when served hot.
- Dipping Sauces: Complement your chicken tenders with a variety of dipping sauces. Some popular choices include honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy sriracha mayo.
- Garnish: Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a few fresh herbs like parsley or basil to add a touch of freshness and extra flavor.
- Accompaniments: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or some homemade fries for a complete meal. These tenders also pair well with a simple coleslaw or a side of mac and cheese.
Storage Tips
- Cool Before Storing: Allow the chicken tenders to cool completely before storing them. This helps prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Airtight Container: Store the cooled chicken tenders in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked tenders. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken tenders in the air fryer to restore their crispiness. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until heated through. You can also use an oven set to 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Avoid the Microwave: For best results, avoid reheating in the microwave as it can make the tenders soggy. The air fryer or oven is preferable for maintaining their crispy texture.
By following these tips, you can keep your Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders fresh and delicious, whether you’re serving them immediately or saving them for later.
Variations :
- Buffalo Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders
- Buffalo Sauce Coating: After the chicken tenders are coated in the Parmesan mixture and cooked, toss them in your favorite buffalo sauce for a spicy kick. You can mix the sauce with a bit of melted butter for a richer flavor.
- Blue Cheese Crumbles: Add crumbled blue cheese on top of the buffalo-coated tenders for a classic buffalo chicken flavor.
- Lemon Herb Parmesan Chicken Tenders
- Lemon Zest: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the Panko-Parmesan mixture for a fresh, citrusy flavor.
- Herbs: Mix in 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley into the Panko-Parmesan coating for an herby twist.
- Spicy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders
- Cayenne Pepper: Incorporate 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the Panko-Parmesan mixture to add some heat.
- Hot Sauce: Brush the chicken tenders with a little hot sauce before coating them in the Parmesan mixture for an extra spicy layer.
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
- Garlic Powder: Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to the Panko-Parmesan mixture to intensify the garlic flavor.
- Extra Garlic: Increase the amount of minced garlic in the olive oil mixture to 4 teaspoons for a stronger garlic taste.
- Ranch Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders
- Ranch Seasoning: Mix 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning into the Panko-Parmesan mixture for a tangy, herb-infused flavor.
- Ranch Dip: Serve the tenders with a side of ranch dip for a complete ranch experience.
- Italian Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders
- Italian Seasoning: Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the Panko-Parmesan mixture for a blend of classic Italian herbs like oregano and basil.
- Marinara Sauce: Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping to enhance the Italian theme.
- Parmesan and Jalapeño Chicken Tenders
- Jalapeño Flakes: Add 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños to the Panko-Parmesan mixture for a spicy kick.
- Jalapeño Ranch: Serve with jalapeño ranch dressing for a spicy dipping option.
- Honey Mustard Parmesan Chicken Tenders
- Honey Mustard Glaze: Brush the tenders with a mixture of honey and mustard (1/4 cup each) before coating them in the Parmesan mixture for a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce: Serve with honey mustard dipping sauce for a complementary taste.
- Crispy Coconut Parmesan Chicken Tenders
- Coconut Flakes: Mix 1/2 cup of sweetened shredded coconut with the Panko-Parmesan mixture for a tropical twist.
- Coconut Dip: Serve with a coconut-based dipping sauce or a sweet chili sauce for a unique flavor combination.
- Southwestern Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders
- Southwestern Seasoning: Add 1 teaspoon of Southwestern seasoning or chili powder to the Panko-Parmesan mixture for a bold, spicy flavor.
- Serve with Salsa: Pair with salsa or a creamy avocado dip to enhance the Southwestern theme.
These variations allow you to customize the Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders to fit different flavor profiles and preferences. Feel free to experiment with these ideas to find your favorite version!
FAQs :
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
- Yes, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips or nuggets. Adjust the cooking time as needed, typically adding a few extra minutes to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Can I prepare the chicken tenders ahead of time?
- You can coat the chicken tenders in the Parmesan mixture ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This can help the coating adhere better.
- Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese works best for a richer flavor and better melting. Pre-grated Parmesan can be used, but it may not provide the same depth of flavor and crispiness.
- What if I don’t have an air fryer?
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken tenders in a conventional oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the tenders on a wire rack set over a baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Can I make these tenders gluten-free?
- Yes, use gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs and ensure that the flour used is a gluten-free variety. Verify that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
- How do I prevent the coating from falling off during cooking?
- Make sure to thoroughly coat each tender in the flour mixture, then dip in the garlic oil, and finally coat evenly with the Panko-Parmesan mixture. Press down gently on the coating to help it adhere.
- Can I double or halve the recipe?
- Yes, you can adjust the recipe as needed. If doubling, you may need to cook the tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Halving the recipe will require less cooking time.
These Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a delicious and healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken. With their crispy exterior and tender interior, they offer a delightful crunch in every bite. The combination of Parmesan cheese and Panko breadcrumbs adds a savory flavor that will keep you coming back for more. Perfect for a quick dinner or a tasty snack, these tenders are sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy them hot from the air fryer with a side of your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible meal!