Crispy Air-Fried Chicken Tenders (Printable Version)

Juicy chicken strips coated in a flavorful crust and air-fried until golden and crunchy.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.1 lbs chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips

→ Breading

02 - 3/4 cup whole-wheat breadcrumbs
03 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
07 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
09 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Coating

10 - 2 large eggs
11 - 2 tbsp low-fat milk
12 - Olive oil spray

# How to Make:

01 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
02 - Pat the chicken tenders dry thoroughly using paper towels.
03 - Whisk together eggs and low-fat milk in a shallow bowl until combined.
04 - Combine whole-wheat breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl.
05 - Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then press into the breadcrumb mixture until well coated.
06 - Place coated chicken strips in a single layer inside the air fryer basket and lightly spray both sides with olive oil spray.
07 - Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
08 - Remove from air fryer and serve immediately with your preferred dipping sauce.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The crust stays shatteringly crisp without a drop of deep-frying oil.
  • You can prep everything in under fifteen minutes, even on a weeknight.
  • Kids and adults both reach for seconds every single time.
  • The Parmesan and smoked paprika give it a grown-up edge that feels special.
02 -
  • If you overcrowd the basket, the tenders will steam and turn soggy instead of crisping up.
  • Skipping the olive oil spray means the breading stays pale and never develops that satisfying crunch.
  • Flipping halfway is non-negotiable. I forgot once and ended up with one golden side and one sad, soft side.
03 -
  • Press the breadcrumb coating onto the chicken with your palms to really lock it in before air frying.
  • Let the breaded tenders rest on a wire rack for five minutes before cooking so the coating adheres even better.
  • Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Dry chicken is the only way to ruin this recipe.
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