Crispy Air-Fried Chicken Tenders Recipe
Crispy Air-Fried Chicken Tenders are a healthier twist on a classic comfort food. Coated in a flavorful mix of whole-wheat breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices, these tenders are air-fried to golden perfection, offering a crunchy exterior with juicy, tender chicken inside. Perfect as a snack or meal, they pair wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1.1 lbs chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
Coating
- 3/4 cup whole-wheat breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons low-fat milk
For Cooking
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it run for 5 minutes to ensure it’s ready for cooking.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which helps the coating adhere better.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and low-fat milk until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the whole-wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until evenly blended.
- Coat Chicken Strips: Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off, then press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat all sides well.
- Arrange and Spray: Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Lightly spray both sides with olive oil spray to promote crispiness.
- Air Fry: Cook the tenders at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. Cook until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately while hot, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for food safety.
- If you don’t have whole-wheat breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs can be substituted but will alter the nutritional profile slightly.
- For extra crispiness, double coat the chicken strips by repeating the egg wash and breadcrumb step.
- If you prefer, swap Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free alternative to make it lactose-free.
- These tenders can be frozen before air frying; freeze on a single layer and then cook straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Keywords: crispy chicken tenders, air fryer chicken, healthy chicken tenders, whole wheat breadcrumbs, Parmesan crusted chicken, easy chicken recipes
