Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps the breading stick better and ensures they crisp up in the air fryer.
Set up Breading Station:
In a shallow bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
In a separate shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
Coat the Chicken:
Dip each chicken tender first into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Then, dredge the chicken into the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat both sides evenly. Be sure the chicken is completely covered for the best crunch.
Preheat Air Fryer:
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes to ensure the tenders cook evenly.
Air Fry the Chicken:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray.
Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. This allows the hot air to circulate and crisp them up perfectly.
Air fry the tenders at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your tenders and air fryer model, so keep an eye on them!
Serve:
Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as marinara, ranch, or honey mustard.
