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To make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders, you need: - 1 pound chicken tenders - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - ½ teaspoon paprika - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste - Olive oil spray These ingredients blend together to create a tasty and crunchy dish that everyone will enjoy. You can add more flavor to your chicken tenders with: - Dried herbs like thyme or oregano - A squeeze of lemon juice for brightness - A pinch of cayenne pepper for heat - Fresh herbs like parsley for garnish These extras can help you customize your dish for different tastes. For this recipe, gather these tools: - Three mixing bowls - A whisk or fork for the eggs - Measuring cups and spoons - An air fryer - Tongs for handling the chicken Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more fun. Enjoy the process! Set up your work area with three bowls. In the first bowl, add one cup of all-purpose flour. This will help the chicken stick to the coating. In the second bowl, beat two large eggs. This egg wash helps the coating adhere better. In the third bowl, mix one cup of panko breadcrumbs, half a cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, four minced garlic cloves, one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, half a teaspoon of paprika, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir everything well to blend the flavors. Grab each chicken tender, starting with the flour bowl. Dredge it in the flour and shake off the extra. Next, dip it into the egg, letting the excess drip off. Finally, roll the tender in the panko mix. Press down slightly to help the coating stick. Repeat this process for all the chicken tenders until they are well coated. Set your air fryer to preheat at 380°F for five minutes. This step is key for crispy chicken. While the air fryer preheats, spray the basket lightly with olive oil. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. This helps them cook evenly. Once the air fryer is ready, you can start cooking your tasty chicken tenders! For Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders, set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Cook the tenders for 10 to 12 minutes. Flip them halfway through. This helps both sides get crispy and golden brown. To ensure even cooking, avoid overcrowding the basket. Place the tenders in a single layer. If you have many tenders, cook them in batches. Lightly spray the chicken with olive oil before cooking. This will help with crispiness and browning. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for a golden brown color. The coating should be crispy and firm. {{image_4}} To boost flavor, try adding lemon zest. This brightens the dish and adds freshness. You might also mix in some red pepper flakes for heat. A dash of smoked paprika gives a nice smoky taste. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can add depth too. Just sprinkle them into your panko mix for extra flavor. The key to crispiness is the panko breadcrumbs and the egg wash. Use fresh panko for better texture. Don’t rush the dredging; coat each piece well. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken. This helps them stick during cooking. A light spray of olive oil before air frying is vital. It aids in browning and crisping the coating. If you are making a lot, don’t crowd the air fryer. Cook in batches to ensure even heat. This way, every piece gets crispy. You can keep cooked tenders warm in a low oven while finishing the rest. Just set the oven to about 200°F (93°C). This keeps them hot without cooking further. You can switch up the cheese in this recipe. Instead of Parmesan, try using mozzarella for a gooey texture. Cheddar gives a sharp flavor that many love. Even a mix of cheeses can add depth. Just remember to keep the amount the same, so the coating stays crunchy. Want to add some heat? Mix in cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the panko coating. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the egg wash. This gives your tenders a spicy kick while keeping the garlic and Parmesan flavor intact. Adjust the spice level based on your taste. Don’t feel limited to chicken. You can use pork tenderloin or even shrimp. Both can be coated the same way and cooked in the air fryer. Just adjust the cooking time. Shrimp cooks faster, while pork may take a bit longer. This way, you can enjoy a variety of flavors and textures. To store your garlic parmesan chicken tenders, let them cool first. Once cool, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to layer parchment paper between the tenders to avoid sticking. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, use a freezer-safe container. Reheating chicken tenders can be tricky, but the air fryer works great! Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the tenders in a single layer in the basket. Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps them crispy, and they taste fresh again! If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze the uncooked tenders. After coating them, lay them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for one hour, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months. To cook, no need to thaw; just cook them for a few extra minutes in the air fryer. In this article, I covered how to make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders. We explored the key ingredients, tools, and step-by-step cooking instructions. I shared tips for perfect cooking times and methods to enhance flavor and texture. You can also experiment with variations and learn the best ways to store and reheat leftovers. This dish is fun and simple to make, sure to please everyone. Enjoy your crispy, delicious tenders!

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Indulge in crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders that are sure to be a hit at your next meal! This easy recipe coats tender chicken in a delicious garlic Parmesan breading and cooks to perfection in your air fryer. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a juicy and golden snack that everyone will love. Click through for the full recipe and bring this tasty dish to your table!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken tenders

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon paprika

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Olive oil spray

Instructions
 

Prepare Your Dredging Station: Organize your workspace by placing the all-purpose flour in one bowl, the beaten eggs in another bowl, and in a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings.

    Coat the Chicken: Take each chicken tender and first dredge it in the flour, ensuring it is fully coated. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, roll the chicken in the panko mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating adheres well to the chicken.

      Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 380°F (193°C) for approximately 5 minutes to ensure it's ready for cooking.

        Arrange the Chicken Tenders: Lightly mist the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer inside the basket, avoiding overcrowding to ensure even cooking.

          Cooking Time: Air fry the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time and give them an additional light spray of olive oil to enhance crispiness. They are done when they achieve a golden brown color and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

            Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer. Allow them to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to lock in their juices.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 25 mins | Serves 4

                - Presentation Tips: Present the chicken tenders artistically on a large platter, accompanied by bowls of marinara or ranch dipping sauce at the side. For an extra touch of color and freshness, sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro just before serving.