Anna’s Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders (1 lb)

Oh, hello there! I’m Anna Kowalska, and if there’s one thing I love more than a good story, it’s a recipe that brings everyone to the table with happy sighs. That’s exactly what these Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders do! They’re my go-to for a reason – a little bit of home, a whole lot of flavor, and a healthier twist that even the pickiest eaters will devour. My recipes are all about making delicious food with heart, and these tenders are a perfect example of that. They’re so simple, yet so satisfying!

Why You’ll Love These Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders

• Super quick to whip up – perfect for busy weeknights!
• A much healthier alternative to fried chicken, thanks to the air fryer.
• The Parmesan and herb coating is a total hit with kids (and adults!).
• So versatile – serve them with your favorite dipping sauces or in sandwiches!

A Taste of Home with Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders

You know, some recipes just feel like a warm hug, and these Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders are definitely one of them for me. I remember one evening when my son, who was about six at the time, had a rough day at school. He came home grumpy and just wanted something comforting. I quickly whipped these up, and watching his face light up with that first crispy, cheesy bite was just priceless. It’s moments like those that remind me why I started sharing my recipes – to help create those little pockets of joy and connection around the dinner table. It’s all about that “made with heart and flavor” philosophy, and these tenders really deliver on that promise, bringing a taste of home to our busy lives.

Essential Ingredients for Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Alright, let’s talk about what goes into making these amazing Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders! It’s really not a lot, which is part of why I love them so much. You’ll need about a pound of boneless, skinless chicken tenders. Make sure to trim off any extra bits of fat so you get a nice, clean tender. For that glorious coating, we’re going to need one cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese – the real stuff makes a difference, trust me! Then, grab one cup of plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs. I usually go for Italian-style because it already has those lovely herbs built-in. We’ll also need two large eggs, just lightly beaten in a shallow bowl. For seasoning, it’s a teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, plus a teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning. And of course, don’t forget salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste! Finally, you’ll want a little olive oil or some non-stick cooking spray to help things along in the air fryer.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders

A few little notes on these ingredients to make sure you get the best results! When I say “finely grated Parmesan cheese,” I really mean it – the pre-shredded stuff from a bag is okay in a pinch, but freshly grating it yourself gives you a much better texture and flavor. It sticks and crisps up so much nicer! For the breadcrumbs, Italian-style is my favorite, but if you only have plain breadcrumbs, just add a little extra Italian seasoning to them. And if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, don’t worry! You can absolutely swap out the regular breadcrumbs for a good quality gluten-free version, and they’ll still turn out wonderfully crispy.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Alright, let’s get these amazing Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders made! It’s a pretty straightforward process, and honestly, the results are so worth it. First things first, grab your chicken tenders. Give them a quick rinse and then pat them really, really dry with a paper towel. This is super important for getting that coating to stick! Trim off any little bits of fat you see. Next, let’s get them seasoned up. Sprinkle them with salt, pepper, that garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning we talked about. Give them a little toss to coat, and then just let them sit for about 10 minutes. This lets those flavors really soak in.

Now, get two shallow bowls ready. In one, whisk up those two eggs. In the other, mix your Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs really well. Take each seasoned chicken tender, dip it into the egg, letting any excess drip off, and then immediately press it into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture. Make sure it’s really coated all over – pressing gently helps it stick better! Once they’re all breaded, we’re ready for the air fryer.

Air Frying Your Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a good 5 minutes. While it’s heating up, give your air fryer basket a light spray with cooking spray or a little drizzle of olive oil. This stops them from sticking! Arrange your breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. Seriously, don’t crowd them in there – give them some space! Air fry for about 10 to 12 minutes total. About halfway through, flip them over so they get nice and golden brown on both sides. The best way to know they’re done is to use a meat thermometer; you want to see 165°F (74°C) inside. Let them rest for just a few minutes before diving in!

Tips for Extra Crispy Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Want them extra, extra crispy? I’ve got you! About halfway through the cooking time, when you flip them, give the tops a light little spray of cooking spray. It really helps them get that perfect golden crunch. Also, remember what I said about not crowding the basket? It’s key! If you have too many tenders in there at once, they’ll steam instead of crisping up. So, cook them in batches if you need to. Trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes!

Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Got questions about my Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders? I’ve got answers! A lot of people ask if they can bake these instead of air frying. Absolutely! Just pop them onto a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and cooked through. You might not get *quite* the same crispiness as the air fryer, but they’ll still be delicious.

As for dipping sauces, oh, the possibilities! Ketchup and ranch are classics, of course, but honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or even a spicy aioli are fantastic. If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat and get them crispy again, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes! And yes, you can totally mix up the breadcrumb and Parmesan coating ahead of time and store it in a sealed bag or container in the fridge for a day or two. Makes assembly even faster!

Serving and Storing Your Delicious Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders

These Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders are so versatile, they go with just about anything! My family loves them with a big, fresh green salad packed with cucumber and tomatoes, or alongside some simple roasted broccoli or sweet potato fries. They’re also fantastic for lunch the next day, maybe tucked into a pita with some lettuce and a drizzle of your favorite sauce. If you happen to have any leftovers – a rare occurrence in my house! – just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To bring back that amazing crispiness, I pop them back into the air fryer for about 3-5 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until they’re heated through and crunchy again. You can also use an oven or toaster oven for reheating!

For a side dish that complements these tenders perfectly, consider trying our recipe for Crispy Cauliflower and Broccoli with Garlic. If you’re looking for other quick and easy meal ideas, our Quick and Easy Recipes section is a great place to start. And for a delightful sweet ending, you might enjoy our Yogurt Cake with Fruit.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Just a little heads-up about the nutrition info for these tasty Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders! Keep in mind that these numbers are just an estimate, and they can totally change depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use and exactly how much you eat. It’s always good to remember that homemade cooking can vary a bit! For more information on general nutritional guidelines, you can refer to resources like the MyPlate website.

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