Save 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.
I love making these chicken tenders when family comes over because they always disappear in no time and pair excellently with festive dips.
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 the Air Fryer:
- 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.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer working in batches if needed.
- Cook:
- 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.
Save These chicken tenders have become a holiday tradition in our family bringing everyone together around the table.
Required Tools
Air fryer Three shallow bowls Tongs Kitchen thermometer (recommended)
Allergen Information
Contains Egg milk (dairy) wheat (gluten) and cheese (milk). Always double-check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories 280 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 23 g Protein 32 g per serving.
Save This recipe is quick easy and sure to be a hit at any gathering so give it a try today.
Recipe FAQs
- → What temperature is best for air frying chicken tenders?
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and cook tenders for about 8 minutes, flip, then another 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
- → How do I get a crispy coating on the chicken tenders?
Coat tenders with seasoned panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently for adhesion, and lightly mist with oil before air frying for extra crispiness.
- → Can I customize the seasoning in the breadcrumb mix?
Yes, you can add cayenne pepper for heat or swap spices to suit your taste preferences.
- → What dips pair well with these chicken tenders?
Fresh cranberry sauce, honey mustard, or spiced ketchup complement the flavors and add a festive touch.
- → Are there gluten-free alternatives for this dish?
Substitute gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to accommodate gluten-free diets without sacrificing texture.
- → How do I ensure the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a kitchen thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) for safe consumption.