Post includes Weight Watchers points.
Make In The Air Fryer
Making Parmesan Breaded Chicken Tenders in air fryer is so quick, they’re ready to serve in just minutes. Just the thing for those busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast. You can even whip up a batch and stash them in the fridge or freezer to cook up when needed. Perfect for weekly meal prep. #airfryerforthewin More chicken tenders you might like include Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders and Delicious Grilled Chicken Tenders especially when dipped in copycat Chick Fil A Sauce, Sriracha Aioli or 5 mins Yum yum Sauce. Adults and kids alike love how these chicken tenders are incredibly golden and crunchy on the outside and deliciously tender and juicy on the inside. You can’t help but reach for one, then another one, then just one more.
Why Make This Recipe
Simple – You only need 6 pantry staple ingredients to make these.Fast – Ready in less than 15 minutes.Versatile – serve as easy weeknight dinner, after-school snack, or quick lunch.
Ingredients Notes
Chicken Tenders – buy tenders at your local store, or cut larger chicken breasts into strips that are of equal length and thickness.Parmesan Cheese – I prefer to freshly grate the parmesan myself, but you can use pre-grated to save time.Panko Breadcrumbs – Lighter and airier compared to regular breadcrumbs, which means they absorb less oil and end up crispier.Italian Seasoning – provides a nice flavor. Feel free to swap in your favorite seasoning blend.Oil – I used olive oil, but other light oil or cooking spray also works.
So, are you ready to make these healthy and flavourful chicken tenders in Air Fryer? Grab your ingredients and let me show you……
How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.
Preheat the air fryer to 350F / 180C.Spray chicken tenders with low-calorie cooking spray.Combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, dried herbs and salt (if using) on a plate.Then coat the chicken tenders with the breadcrumb mix, place into the air fryer basket, and cook for 9 – 12 minutes, turning them halfway through.
How To Bake Parmesan Breaded Chicken with Panko
Get the complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.
Preheat oven to 425F / 220C / fan-assisted 200C / gas 7.Spray chicken tenders with low-calorie cooking spray.Combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, dried herbs and salt (if using), and coat both sides of the chicken strips. Transfer onto a baking sheet.Bake the for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165F / 74C.
How To Make Parmesan Chicken Tenders on Stovetop
Spray chicken tenders or strips with low-calorie cooking spray.Combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian Sesoning and salt (if using) on a plate.Then coat both sides of the the chicken tenders with the breadcrumb mix.Spray a pan with oil, add the chicken, and fry for 3-5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
Recipe Tips
Toast the panko breadcrumbs a little bit before adding them to the mixture. This makes sure that you end up with a lovely golden coating. Yes, it is not necessary but it is so, so worth it.You can put the breadcrumb mixture in a bag, add in the chicken tenders and shake away. A great way to get the kids to help.Make sure to press the crumbs down firmly on the chicken strips before placing in your air fryer. The fan is powerful, and if the coating is too loose and not adhered properly it will blow all that deliciousness right off.Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Make sure the chicken tenders are not touching each other to allow for maximum air circulation so that they cook nice and evenly.Do not overcook the tenders. Otherwise, they become dry.Feel free to soak the tenders in buttermilk for up to 6 hourrs before breading and cooking as this can make them more tender and juicy.
Pro Tip: always remember to check the internal temperature of your chicken breast using a meat thermometer. The chicken is done and safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches at least 165 F / 74C.
Delicious Variations
Use Different Breadcrumbs – Swap the panko for Italian style breadcrumbs. Crushed crackers or potato chips are also a tasty and fun coating option.Swap the Seasoning – add other spices and herbs into your panko breading.Make it Low Carb – skip the breadcrumbs and coat the chicken with a combination of mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, and herbs.
Check out this video to see how simple it is: I have not been paid to advertise this video. I just think it is really useful.
FAQs
Prep Ahead and Storage
Prep Ahead – You can prep the breadcrumb coating a day in advance and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Slice the chicken into strips and freeze them in packets that you can defrost and cook later. Store – Keep leftovers in airtight container inside the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze – Wrap cooked chicken tenders and freeze for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
Dip in Chick Fil A Sauce, this Sriracha Aioli or 5 mins Yum yum Sauce.Kids love it with Air Fryer Frozen Waffle Fries and Air Fryer Beets and Air Fryer Pierogies.Goes great with Mexican Air Fryer Corn On The Cob., Air Fryer Green Beans and Air Fried Okra.Also serve with Instant Pot Mac and Cheese and Super Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potato.
More Recipes You May Like
Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders.Delicious Grilled Chicken Tenders.Oven Baked Chicken Tenders.Instant Pot Chicken Tenders.Golden and Crunchy Air Fryer Chicken Breast.Crispy Juicy Air Fried Chicken Thighs.Instant Pot Chicken Breast.Instant Pot Chicken Thighs.Instant Pot Chicken Curry.
Weight Watchers Points
There are 5 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of these.
Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders Video
Thank you for reading my air fryer chicken tenders recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice, and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, Southern Recipes, and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.