# What You’ll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 1 lb chicken breast tenders, trimmed
→ Breading
02 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
03 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
09 - Zest of 1 lemon
→ Dipping & Coating
10 - 2 large eggs
11 - 2 tbsp milk
12 - 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
→ Optional Garnish
13 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
14 - Cranberry sauce or honey mustard, for serving
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
02 - Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
03 - Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour; one with beaten eggs mixed with milk; and one with combined panko, Parmesan, smoked paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest.
04 - Dredge each chicken tender in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg mixture, then press into breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated.
05 - Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary.
06 - Air fry tenders at 400°F for 8 minutes. Flip and continue air frying for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
07 - Serve tenders warm, garnished with parsley and accompanied by cranberry sauce or honey mustard as desired.
