Juicy Parmesan Chicken Tenders (Air Fryer Recipe)

This juicy parmesan chicken tenders air fryer recipe is super easy to prepare. Just wash the chicken, pat it dry, and the rest of the ingredients take only a few minutes to put together – around 5 to 10 minutes total. Air frying takes about 20 minutes, including preheating time.

This dish is perfect when lunchtime or dinnertime is approaching and you don’t have much time to cook. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a filling meal ready to go. Pair it with your favorite vegetables and dipping sauce for a complete plate.

This recipe isn’t just great for yourself – it’s also ideal for serving guests since it’s quick, easy, and sure to impress!

Ingredients

• 4 chicken tenderloins
• 3 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• Bread crumbs (about 1 to 1.5 cups, as needed)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup, as needed)
• Shredded Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup, as needed)

Note: Exact measurements for the bread crumbs and cheeses can be adjusted depending on how thick you like to coat your tenders.

Instructions

1. Prepare the batter: In a small bowl, beat the eggs and milk together until well combined. Set aside.
2. Set Up the Breading Plates: On one plate, mix the bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. On another plate, spread out the shredded Parmesan cheese.
3. Prep the Chicken: Rinse the chicken tenderloins and pat them dry with paper towels. Trim and remove the tendons if desired (optional).
4. Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken tenderloin into the egg batter, coating all sides. Roll it in the bread crumb + grated Parmesan mixture. Press gently to ensure an even coating. Dip it again into the egg batter briefly (careful not to dislodge the coating). Finally, press the tender into the shredded Parmesan, covering all sides. Repeat this process for all chicken pieces.
5. Air Fry to Crispy and Juicy Perfection: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Place the coated chicken tenders in the basket, leaving space between them for air circulation. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes. No need to flip halfway but you can if desired.

Tip: If using thicker tenders, adjust the cooking time. Check doneness with a meat thermometer (165°F/74°C internal temperature).

Serving Suggestions

Serve these golden tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauce – ranch, honey mustard, marinara, or spicy mayo all work great!

Tips and Suggestions:

Ingredient Measurements Are Flexible

All the dry ingredients in this Parmesan Chicken Tenders recipe are just estimates. Feel free to add more if you want a thicker, crunchier breading.

Seasoning the Chicken

You can season the chicken with a little salt and pepper after patting it dry for added flavor.

Use the Chicken Thighs Too

Boneless chicken thighs also work great for this recipe. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful since they’re red meat. Just keep in mind that thighs are usually thinner, so you may need to adjust the air frying time accordingly.

Ingredient Variations

You can also use Parmesan-seasoned bread crumbs from the store if you have them. In my case, I only had plain bread crumbs at home, so I mixed them with extra grated Parmesan to boost the flavor. If you’re using plain crumbs too, be generous with the Parmesan!

Cooking Tips for Juicy Chicken

I air fry breaded chicken often, and here’s what worked best for keeping the chicken juicy:

I started at a lower temperature of 350°F and cooked for 12 minutes.

I used a meat thermometer to check doneness. The result was perfect – juicy and fully cooked!

Another time, I cooked 6 pieces of tenders at 380°F for 15 minutes. So yes, cooking time and temperature depend on the size and quantity of your chicken.

♥ Pro Tip: Always start with a shorter cooking time. If the chicken isn’t done yet, add 1–2 minutes at a time.

x Never eat undercooked chicken – always check if it’s done!

You can also watch the easy-to-follow video of this crispy and juicy parmesan chicken tenders air fryer recipe.

Hope you like this recipe. Please leave a comment if you tried this or if you have any suggestions. Happy cooking!