Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe

These Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a beautifully happy middle ground of fancy flavor with a picky eater’s food favorite. These parmesan tenders turn out perfectly crispy and tender and are a flavorful break from deep-fried versions. Great for everything from appetizers, snacks, or as part of a main meal for busy weeknights.

Original recipe: June 2020 | Updated: November 2022 and January 2025

Why This Parmesan Chicken Recipe Works

• The air fryer works magic, especially on certain types of foods. Chicken is definitely one of them. 
• A dream come true for parents looking for a way to change up dinner for the kids. Great way to introduce more “adult flavors” in a kid-favorite food.
• A flavorful break from the deep fried version, and they still turn out so perfect and delicious! 
• I made a first batch and thought I’d let my boys dig in and devour them, but something else transpired. I took a few “test bites” to discover that I was in love and literally could not stop myself. They are so good! 
• Tender, flavorful and super easy crispy chicken, preferably dipped in homemade bbq sauce or marinara sauce.

I think we can all agree the air fryer is a magical kitchen appliance. It just really works wonders with certain foods, and chicken tenders is definitely one of those foods. And these Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders work magic for parents looking for a way to change up dinner for the kids and the whole family. 

They’re so good that I made a first batch and thought I’d let my boys dig into them, but then I took a few “test bites” and literally could not stop myself. By the time I looked down there was only one tender left for each of them. Whoops.

Serve them as a party appetizer or game or movie night snack with your favorite dipping sauce, or pair them with a soup and salad or starch and veg for a complete meal. They also make great sandwiches. But word to the wise, you might want to make a double batch.

Parmesan Chicken Tenders Ingredients

This recipe uses a handful of basic ingredients. Use fresh for the best results.

Chicken tenderloins – If you are unable to find chicken tenderloins, boneless skinless chicken breasts will work. Pound the breasts to 1/2-inch thickness and cut in 2-inch strips lengthwise.

Panko bread crumbs – Use any type of bread crumbs you wish. Use a gluten free variety for a gluten-free meal! Replace regular breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds for a low carb alternative.

Parmesan cheese – Use fresh grated!

Seasonings – Salt, black pepper and garlic powder act as the perfect trio, but consider adding other spices to the mix such as parsley, paprika, oregano, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper or chili powder.

Eggs – Use a whisk to beat the eggs, adding just a tiny bit of water to the mix.

All-purpose flour – Use gluten free flour such as almond flour to create a gluten-free dinner.

How to Make Easy Air Fryer Parmesan Tenders

Follow these simple instructions for the best results with your parmesan chicken tenders.

Step 1

Preheat the air fryer to 400 F degrees. Gather 3 shallow bowls or dishes.

Add the Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper and garlic powder to a shallow dish and mix to combine breadcrumbs with the seasonings. 

Place the beaten eggs in a bowl and the flour in a separate shallow bowl or dish.

Step 2

Roll each tenderloin in flour, coating completely. 

Next dunk in the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure the entire outer surface is entirely coated. Place coated tenders on a plate or parchment lined baking sheet

Step 3

When all the chicken strips are coated, place them in the air fryer and close. 

Air fry at 400 degrees F for 7 minutes. Flip the tenders and cook for an additional 7 minutes. 

Remove the chicken and serve with dipping sauce of your choice! (See suggestions below.)

Recipe Notes & Tips

• These tenders act as a great healthy meal for kids, but they will also make the perfect appetizer for your next party.
• Immediately after opening the air fryer basket or lid, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temp of the cooked chicken. It should read 165 degrees F.
• Use a paper towel to pat any extra oil from the breading that covers the chicken fingers before serving.
• Try these amazing parmesan tenders as a sandwich on a roll with some homemade marinara sauce and more parmesan.
• Chicken should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees for safe consumption.

Grated Parmesan Cheese vs Shredded

The grated style of parmesan cheese is a fine, powdery form that is often sold in a shaker can and sprinkled on pasta or soups or mixed in meatballs or meatloaf. Because of the fineness of the grating, the visual presence of the cheese is barely perceptible and it offers an even flavor and melt.

Shredded parm is good for when you want a more visual presence and bigger parmesan flavor per bite throughout your dish. Shredded parmesan cheese is great mixed in sauces while they cook, as a topping for soups, salads, pasta, and of course, pizza.

What To Serve With Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders make the perfect easy dinner recipe for kids and adults. If you are looking for an array of dishes or dipping sauces to serve alongside this lunch and dinner staple, read on for 31 delicious ideas about what to serve with chicken tenders!

Here are a few of the great ideas from the post. Just click on the link to get started.

• French Fries, Waffle Fries, or Tater Tots, 
• Baked Potato or Sweet Potatoes
• Mac and Cheese
• Tomato Soup
• Roasted Vegetables 
• Applesauce

Dipping Sauces for Chicken

• BBQ sauce
• Honey mustard sauce
• Buffalo sauce
• Cilantro lime sauce
• Ginger sauce
• Ketchup
• Regular or avocado ranch dressing
• Marinara Sauce

How to Store Leftover Chicken Tenders

Leftover parmesan tenders should be stored in an airtight container after cooling completely. Stored properly, leftovers will be good for 3-5 days in the fridge. 

How To Freeze Chicken Tenders

To freeze raw chicken tenders prior to cooking, coat in crumbs as directed, wrap tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and cook as directed.

To freeze leftover chicken tenders, place cooked chicken in a heavy duty freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 4 months for best results.

How To Reheat Chicken Tenders In An Air Fryer

Place tenders in a single layer in the air fryer so they get good circulation of the hot air. Heat at 400° for 5-7 minutes or until heated.

How Long To Reheat Chicken Tenders In The Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°. Place leftovers in a single layer on a lined baking sheet or dish and reheat for 10-12 minutes or until warmed through.

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