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- 1 pound chicken tenders - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 large eggs - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - ½ teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste For this recipe, I focus on using fresh ingredients. The chicken tenders are the star, so pick high-quality ones. Panko breadcrumbs give a great crunch. Grated Parmesan adds rich flavor. For the coating, I use all-purpose flour for a light base. The eggs help the crumbs stick well. Fresh garlic is key; it boosts the flavor and aroma. When it comes to seasoning, Italian seasoning and paprika add depth. Don’t forget salt and pepper. They enhance all the flavors in the dish. I also suggest using olive oil spray. It keeps the tenders crispy without excess oil. This blend of ingredients makes every bite delicious and satisfying. Enjoy the crunch and flavor of these tasty tenders! Setting Up the Dredging Station First, gather three bowls. Place one bowl with all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, beat two large eggs. In the third bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. This mix will add flavor and crunch to the chicken. Mixing the Panko Coating Combine the panko breadcrumbs with cheese and seasonings. This will make a tasty coating. The garlic adds a nice kick. Make sure everything is well blended. Coating Process Take one chicken tender. First, dip it into the flour. Make sure it is fully covered. Next, place it in the beaten eggs. Let the excess egg drip off. Finally, roll it in the panko mixture. Press it down gently to help the coating stick. Ensuring Adherence of Coating This step is key for a crunchy bite. Press the panko firmly onto the chicken. This helps it stick during cooking. Repeat this for each chicken tender. Preheating the Air Fryer Before cooking, preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). This takes about five minutes. Preheating gives the chicken a nice crispy texture. Arranging Chicken Tenders Spray the basket lightly with olive oil. Place the coated chicken tenders in the basket. Make sure they are in a single layer. Do not overcrowd them; this helps them cook evenly. Cooking Time and Temperature Air fry the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through. Spray them lightly with olive oil again for extra crispiness. They are done when golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Enjoy the aroma while they cook! - Using Olive Oil Spray: A light spray of olive oil helps the tenders crisp up nicely. It also adds a touch of flavor. Just a few spritzes will do the trick. - Importance of Overcrowding: Avoid putting too many tenders in the air fryer at once. If you overcrowd, they won't cook evenly. Give them space to breathe and get that perfect crunch. - Ideal Internal Temperature: The chicken tenders are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check this. It ensures they are safe to eat. - Visual Cues for Cooking: Look for a golden-brown color on the outside. The tenders should be firm to the touch. If they look crispy and golden, you’re close to perfection. - Serving Ideas: Serve your chicken tenders on a nice platter. Pair them with marinara or ranch dipping sauce. This adds a fun twist to your meal. - Garnishing Tips: Fresh parsley or cilantro makes a great garnish. Just sprinkle some on top for a pop of color. It makes the dish look more inviting and tasty. {{image_2}} You can make these chicken tenders even more exciting. Add spices or herbs to suit your taste. Try some cayenne for heat or dried thyme for a fresh touch. A pinch of cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor. You can mix your favorite herbs right into the panko coating. Switching up the cheese is also fun. Instead of Parmesan, use cheddar for a sharper taste. Mozzarella gives a nice, gooey texture. You can even combine different cheeses for a unique flavor blast. Dipping sauces can take your meal to the next level. Homemade marinara works great with these tenders. Its rich tomato flavor complements the garlic and cheese. Just heat it up on the stove, and it’s ready to go! Ranch dressing is a classic choice too. Its creamy texture adds a cool balance. You can also explore other sauces like honey mustard or barbecue. Each sauce brings a new twist to your chicken tenders. For side dishes, consider a fresh salad. A simple green salad with lemon dressing pairs nicely. You might also enjoy some roasted veggies. They add color and nutrition to your plate. If you want a heartier meal, serve the tenders with fries or mashed potatoes. Both options will satisfy your cravings. You could even make a fun platter with chicken tenders and various dips. This way, everyone can enjoy their favorite flavors! After enjoying your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders, you might have some leftovers. To keep them fresh, follow these best practices for refrigeration: - Let the chicken tenders cool to room temperature. - Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil. - Store in the fridge. These tenders stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If they smell or look off, it’s best to toss them. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them correctly is key. Here’s how: Using the Air Fryer: - Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). - Place the chicken tenders in the basket, making sure they are in a single layer. - Air fry for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are hot and crispy. Oven or Microwave Options: - For the oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. - If you use a microwave, heat on medium power for 1 to 2 minutes. However, this may not keep them crispy. If you want to save some tenders for later, freezing is a great option. Here’s how to freeze cooked tenders: - Let the chicken tenders cool completely. - Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 to 2 hours. - Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. Thawing Instructions: - To thaw, move the tenders to the fridge for about 6 hours or overnight. - You can also microwave them on low power for a quick thaw, but be careful not to cook them. With these tips, you can enjoy your Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders even after the first meal! Cook chicken tenders for 10 to 12 minutes at 380°F (193°C). Flip them halfway through cooking. This helps them cook evenly and become crispy. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety. Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. However, you need to cook them longer. Increase your cooking time to about 15 to 18 minutes. Make sure to check their temperature to ensure they are fully cooked. You can serve these tasty tenders with many sides. Some great options include: - French fries - Sweet potato fries - A fresh salad - Steamed veggies - Garlic bread These pair well and make a complete meal! This blog post covered how to make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders. We looked at the main and coating ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfect results. You learned how to achieve crispiness, check doneness, and present your dish well. We also explored variations, storage methods, and answered common questions. Enjoy making these tasty tenders! They are easy, quick, and a sure hit.

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Delicious Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a must-try! This easy recipe features perfectly crispy chicken coated in a flavorful mix of garlic, Parmesan, and spices. In just 25 minutes, you can enjoy a healthy and tasty meal that's sure to impress. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Click through to discover the full recipe and make this delightful dish at home tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken tenders

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil spray

Instructions
 

Prep the Coatings: Set up a dredging station by placing the flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper in a third bowl.

    Dredge Chicken: Dip each chicken tender first into the flour, coating it completely, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the panko mixture. Press the panko onto the chicken to ensure good adherence.

      Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes.

        Arrange in Air Fryer: Spray the basket lightly with olive oil spray. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.

          Cooking Process: Air fry the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through and spraying lightly with olive oil spray again for extra crispiness. Cook until they are golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

            Serving: Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 25 mins | 4 servings

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken tenders on a platter with a side of marinara or ranch dipping sauce, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.