Air-Fried Chicken Tenders with Parmesan

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy chicken tenders coated in a savory Parmesan breadcrumb crust, perfectly cooked in the air fryer for a healthier alternative to deep-frying. This american-inspired air fryer ready in about 27 minutes pairs chicken tenders, all-purpose flour, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a shallow dish.
  2. Step 2: Whisk 1 large egg with 2 tbsp milk in a separate shallow dish until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Mix 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese in a third shallow dish.
  4. Step 4: Dip 12 oz chicken tenders in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then in the egg mixture, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  5. Step 5: Place coated tenders in air fryer basket in a single layer, spray lightly with 1 tbsp olive oil, and air fry for 10-12 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Air-Fried Chicken Tenders with Parmesan take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Air-Fried Chicken Tenders with Parmesan?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken tenders from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Air-Fried Chicken Tenders with Parmesan?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Air-Fried Chicken Tenders with Parmesan for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Air-Fried Chicken Tenders with Parmesan?

American air fryer like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes