You haven’t lived until you’ve tasted Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Tenders. Imagine biting into a tender piece of chicken, encased in a crust that’s so delightfully crisp, it’s like a symphony in your mouth. But wait, there’s more. The secret lies in the air fryer, a game-changer that brings out the best of your chicken tenders, all while helping you cut down on calories. Intrigued? Stick around and you might just discover your new favorite go-to chicken recipe.
History
While you may think that air frying is a modern cooking technique, it actually has a longer history than you might expect. Although it’s gained popularity in recent years due to its health benefits, the concept was first introduced back in 2005 by Philips Electronics. They wanted to offer a healthier, yet still tasty alternative to traditional deep frying.
Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food to produce a crispy exterior, much like deep frying but without the excess oil. It’s a technique that’s been embraced by health-conscious cooks who don’t want to compromise on flavor.
Now, let’s talk about Parmesan chicken tenders. The combination of chicken and Parmesan isn’t new. It’s a classic pairing that dates back to ancient Rome, where chicken was a staple food and cheese was considered a luxury. Over time, the recipe has been modified and improved, leading to the delicious dish you know today. The addition of air frying to this classic recipe is a demonstration of how cooking methods evolve over time, adapting to new technologies and dietary needs. So, next time you enjoy your crispy air fryer Parmesan chicken tenders, remember you’re partaking in a slice of culinary history.
Recipe Cooking Steps
Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Tenders is the perfect dish for those who desire delicious and easy-to-prepare meals. This recipe comprises juicy chicken tenders encased in a crispy Parmesan crust that will leave everyone at your dinner table asking for more. The minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation process make this dish a go-to for any home cook.
What sets this recipe apart is the use of an air fryer. This unique cooking method not only reduces the amount of oil used but also results in a perfectly golden brown chicken tender with a crispy texture. The addition of Parmesan cheese elevates the flavor profile, beautifully complementing the chicken. Served with a side salad or your preferred dipping sauce, these chicken tenders are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 Large eggs
To start, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F. Prepare three separate bowls – one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and the final one with a mix of Parmesan cheese and Panko bread crumbs. Proceed to dredge each chicken tender in the flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the Parmesan and bread crumb mixture. Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Confirm to flip the chicken tenders at the halfway mark to achieve an even browning.
When preparing this dish, remember to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If needed, cook the chicken tenders in batches to confirm they cook evenly and achieve the desired crispy crust. Confirm the chicken tenders are fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, which can be checked using a meat thermometer. For an additional flavor twist, consider adding spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to the Parmesan and bread crumb mixture. Enjoy these Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Tenders as a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried chicken tenders.
Step 1. Preheat and Prepare Ingredients
Let’s get started with preparing your ingredients. First, you’ll need to gather up your chicken tenders, grated Parmesan cheese, panko bread crumbs, all-purpose flour, and eggs. Having everything at hand will make the process smoother and quicker.
While you’re organizing your ingredients, it’s time to preheat your air fryer. Set it to 400 degrees F and let it warm up. This guarantees your chicken tenders will start cooking as soon as you put them in, leading to a crispier result.
Next, take three separate bowls. Put the flour in one, the beaten eggs in the second, and mix the Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs in the third. This will set you up for the next steps.
While your air fryer is preheating, you can also prepare your workspace. Make sure you have a clean surface to work on and have all your utensils nearby. Keep a clean plate ready to place your coated chicken tenders before they go into the air fryer.
And that’s it! You’re now ready to move on to the next stage: dredging your chicken tenders in flour.
Step 2. Dredging Chicken in Flour
To get your chicken tenders ready for the air fryer, start with the dredging process. This guarantees a crispy, golden crust and seals in the juices of the chicken. First, you’ll need to lay out your chicken tenders and your dredging ingredients. You’ve got your chicken tenders, and you’ve got your bowl of all-purpose flour.
Now, one at a time, grab a chicken tender, making sure it’s patted dry. This is vital as moisture can interfere with the dredging process. Hold the chicken tender by the ends, and roll it in the bowl of flour. You want to make sure the chicken is fully coated. Don’t be afraid to get a little messy here—it’s part of the fun.
Shake off any excess flour gently. You’re looking for a light, even coating, not a heavy layer of flour. By doing this, you’re creating a dry surface for the egg to adhere to in the next step, guaranteeing a perfect crust.
Step 3. Egg Dipping and Parmesan Coating
After you’ve achieved a light, even coating of flour on your chicken tenders, it’s time to move onto the next steps: egg dipping and Parmesan coating. Begin by cracking two large eggs into a bowl and beating them until the yolk and whites are fully combined. This is your egg wash. It’s the sticky middle layer that plays a vital role in getting your Parmesan coating to adhere effectively.
Next, prepare your Parmesan coating. In a separate bowl, mix together finely grated Parmesan cheese and Panko bread crumbs. Be generous with the Parmesan – it’s what gives your chicken tenders that rich, savory flavor and golden, crispy texture. Here’s a handy tip: for an extra layer of crunch, and to intensify the Parmesan flavor, add a couple of tablespoons of melted butter to the mixture.
Now, take each flour-coated chicken tender, dip it into the egg wash, ensuring it’s completely covered, then roll it in your Parmesan mixture. Make sure every inch of the chicken is coated in this cheesy, crunchy goodness. And there you have it – your chicken tenders are now ready for the air fryer!
Step 4. Air Frying Chicken Tenders
The moment of anticipation has finally arrived – it’s time to air fry your Parmesan-coated chicken tenders. Start by preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s warming up, get ready to transform those prepped chicken tenders into golden, crispy delights.
Take your flour-dipped, egg-bathed, and Parmesan-panko crusted chicken tenders and carefully place them into the air fryer basket. It’s essential not to overcrowd the basket; you want each chicken tender to have its space. This guarantees they cook evenly and achieve that perfect crunch you’re aiming for.
Set your air fryer timer for 10 minutes. Patience is key here; resist the temptation to peek. Halfway through, carefully flip each tender. This helps to achieve an even golden brown crispness on all sides.
Once the time’s up, your kitchen will be filled with a mouthwatering aroma, and you’ll have a basket of beautifully cooked, crispy Parmesan chicken tenders ready to devour. Just remember, don’t dig in just yet – you still need to check the chicken’s internal temperature. But we’ll get to that in the next step. For now, stand back and admire your crispy, golden achievements.
Step 5. Checking Chicken’s Internal Temperature
Now that your chicken tenders are beautifully golden and crisp, there’s one last vital step before you can dig in – verifying that they’re fully cooked. Ensuring your chicken has reached the right internal temperature is essential for both taste and safety.
You’re going to need a meat thermometer for this, so be sure to have one handy. Carefully insert it into the thickest part of the chicken tender without hitting the bone. The temperature you’re aiming for is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the safe internal temperature for all poultry, as recommended by the USDA.
If your chicken tenders aren’t up to temperature yet, don’t worry. Just pop them back in the air fryer for another minute or two, then check again. Cooking times can vary depending on the size of your tenders and the model of your air fryer.
Once your chicken tenders hit that magic 165-degree mark, they’re ready to serve. You can now enjoy your crispy, juicy, perfectly cooked Parmesan chicken tenders with the peace of mind that they’re fully cooked and safe to eat. Dinner is served, enjoy!
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Final Thoughts
Preparing these Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Tenders couldn’t be easier. You’ve seen how simple the process is and how few ingredients you need. With just chicken, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, flour, and eggs, you’ve got a meal that’s bound to impress. Plus, the air fryer does all the hard work for you, ensuring a crispy finish without the need for gallons of oil.
What’s more, you can mix and match your seasonings to suit your own palate. Experiment with garlic powder, onion powder, or even a bit of paprika. The air fryer’s versatility doesn’t end there. You can cook these tenders in batches, keeping them warm in a low oven while you whip up a salad or mix a dipping sauce.
