Air Fryer Festive Chicken Tenders (Printable Version)

Golden chicken tenders coated with zesty breadcrumbs, air-fried for a crisp and flavorful meal.

# 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

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
02 - Pat chicken tenders dry using paper towels.
03 - Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour; one with beaten eggs and milk; and one with the mixture of panko, Parmesan, smoked paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest.
04 - Dredge each chicken tender in flour, shake off excess, dip into egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
05 - Lightly spray air fryer basket with oil and arrange tenders in a single layer, working in batches if necessary.
06 - Air fry tenders for 8 minutes, flip, then continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
07 - Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley and accompanied by cranberry sauce or honey mustard.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Healthier preparation with air frying
  • Flavorful festive breadcrumb crust
02 -
  • For a spicier version add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix
  • Substitute gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option
03 -
  • Lightly mist the coated tenders with oil before air frying for extra crispiness
  • Serve with cranberry sauce spiced ketchup or honey mustard for diverse flavor profiles
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