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Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders – Golden, Cheesy, and Irresistibly Crunchy

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These Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders are juicy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and packed with cheesy, garlicky flavor. Perfect for an easy dinner, appetizer, or kid-friendly meal

Ingredients

  • Chicken Tenders: 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken tenders is the star of this recipe. Ensure the chicken is fresh for the best flavor and texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese will provide a rich, nutty flavor and crispy coating. Use freshly grated cheese for optimal taste and texture.
  • Breadcrumbs: 1 cup of plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs will help achieve that crispy exterior. You can also use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunch.
  • Eggs: 2 large eggs, beaten, will act as a binding agent to help the breadcrumbs and cheese adhere to the chicken.
  • Seasonings: 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste will enhance the flavor of the chicken tenders. Feel free to adjust the spices based on your preferences.
  • Cooking Spray: Olive oil or a non-stick cooking spray will help to achieve a golden-brown finish without adding too much fat.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Clean and Trim the Chicken: Start by rinsing the chicken tenders under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Trimming any excess fat will result in a cleaner presentation and better texture.
  2. Season the Chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a bowl and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to ensure that each piece is evenly coated in the spices. Let the chicken sit for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

  1. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. This will create a sticky layer for the breadcrumb mixture to adhere to.
  2. Combine the Breading Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the grated parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Mix them thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of cheese throughout the breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

  1. Coat the Chicken: Take each seasoned chicken tender and dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Next, transfer the chicken to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to ensure the coating sticks well.
  2. Repeat the Process: Place the breaded chicken tenders on a plate or baking sheet. Make sure they are not overlapping to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it ensures the chicken tenders will start cooking immediately, promoting that desired crispiness.

Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken Tenders

  1. Arrange the Chicken Tenders: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to do this in batches.
  2. Cooking Time: Air fry the chicken tenders for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Keep an eye on them; the chicken should be golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  3. Final Touch: If desired, spray the tops of the chicken tenders lightly with cooking spray halfway through cooking to enhance browning and crispiness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken tender and juicy. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, ranch dressing, or marinara sauce.

Find it online: https://www.recipeweaver.com/crispy-parmesan-chicken-tenders/