Pin It Crispy, golden chicken tenders with a festive twist—coated in a seasoned breadcrumb crust and air-fried for a healthier, crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish.
This recipe quickly became a hit during family gatherings, delivering crispiness and flavor every time.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 500 g (1 lb) chicken breast tenders, trimmed
- Breading: 100 g (1 cup) panko breadcrumbs, 30 g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, Zest of 1 lemon
- Dipping & Coating: 2 large eggs, 2 tbsp milk, 40 g (1/3 cup) all-purpose flour
- Optional Garnish: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, Cranberry sauce or honey mustard, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat:
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes.
- Prepare Chicken:
- Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
- Set up Bowls:
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour; one with beaten eggs and milk; one with panko, Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, pepper, and lemon zest mixed together.
- Coat Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken tender in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently for adhesion.
- Arrange in Basket:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer, working in batches if needed.
- Air Fry:
- Air fry for 8 minutes, flip, then air fry for another 5–7 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
- Serve:
- Serve warm, garnished with parsley and accompanied by your favorite festive dip.
Pin It These chicken tenders have become a family favorite during holidays, sparking joy and conversation at every meal.
Variations
Try adding 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix for a spicier kick or pair with different dipping sauces like spiced ketchup.
Required Tools
Air fryer, three shallow bowls, tongs, kitchen thermometer (recommended)
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 280 calories, 7 g total fat, 23 g carbohydrates, 32 g protein
Pin It Enjoy your tasty, healthier chicken tenders as a perfect festive appetizer or main dish any time.
Questions About This Recipe
- → How do I ensure the chicken tenders turn out crispy?
Coat the chicken evenly with the breadcrumb mixture and lightly mist with oil before air frying. Cook at 200°C and flip halfway to achieve a golden, crispy crust.
- → Can I use different cheeses in the coating?
Yes, Parmesan adds a rich flavor, but Pecorino Romano or Asiago can be good substitutes for a slightly different taste.
- → Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating for 3 minutes ensures even cooking and a crispier texture for the tenders.
- → What dipping sauces pair well with these tenders?
Cranberry sauce, honey mustard, spiced ketchup, or a creamy garlic dip complement the flavors nicely.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary needs.