These Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Tenders are crispy, golden, and packed with flavor—without the extra oil! Coated in a delicious blend of Parmesan cheese, crispy breadcrumbs, and savory seasonings, they cook up perfectly juicy on the inside with a crunchy, cheesy crust. Ready in under 20 minutes, they make an easy weeknight dinner, kid-friendly meal, or game-day snack. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing dish everyone will love!
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There's really nothing better than fried chicken! I can eat it in all forms. These parmesan breaded chicken tenders are no exception. What I love most is they are so quick and easy to make!
Can You Air Fry Chicken?
Absolutely! Air fryer chicken is amazing because it produces crispy chicken with little to no oil. Check out my Air Fryer Buttermilk Fried Chicken Wings, Air Fryer Buffalo Wings, and Thai Chili Chicken Wings.
Why This Recipe Works
- Ultra Crispy Without Deep Frying – The air fryer circulates hot air, creating a perfectly golden, crunchy crust with way less oil.
- Flavor-Packed Coating – A mix of Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasonings gives these tenders a savory, cheesy crunch in every bite.
- Juicy & Tender Chicken – The air fryer locks in moisture, ensuring the chicken stays juicy while the outside gets crispy.
What Type of Chicken to Use
I like to use actual chicken tenderloins, but chicken breasts will also work. Tenderloins are far smaller than a chicken breast, and much thinner too. Tenderloins are half the size of a chicken breast. The chicken tenderloin is a strip of muscle distinct from but lying alongside the inner breast of the chicken closest to the bone.
Many people like tenderloins as they’re more tender than any other part of the chicken. This is because it’s a muscle that the chicken doesn’t used very often in comparison to its breast muscle.
If you use breasts, slice them into strips. You can read more about The Difference Between Breasts and Tenderloins here.
How to Make Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Place breadcrumbs, eggs, and flour in separate bowls.
- Add grated parmesan, Italian Seasoning, salt and pepper to taste to the bowl with the breadcrumbs. Stir.
- Dredge the chicken.
- Add the chicken tenders to the air fryer basket.
- Air fry.
Cook Time/How Long to Cook
I cook mine for 15 minutes, about 7 or 8 minutes each side.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
I hardly ever preheat my air fryer because it gets hot fast. Always read your manual for what works best for your air fryer, along with your personal experience and judgment. If you have better experiences with preheating, then go for it.
Frozen tenders will need anywhere from 12–18 minutes to cook. You will also have to stop (once the chicken has melted) to bread them. I find it easier to thaw them first.
After breading, place the tenders on a plate or baking sheet and let them sit for 5–10 minutes. This helps the coating adhere better before air frying. Cook in a single layer with space between tenders so air circulates evenly.
Yes, it's a good idea to remove the tendon from chicken tenders for a better texture and easier eating. While it's edible, the white tendon running through the tender can be chewy and tough when cooked. Locate the white tendon at one end of the tender. Hold the tendon firmly with a paper towel (so it doesn’t slip). Use a sharp knife to carefully trim it away while holding the tender steady.
Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels before breading. Use the Right Breading Order Flour → Egg → Parmesan + Breadcrumbs (press firmly to help it stick).
The air fryer relies on hot air, but a little oil spray helps with browning. Lightly spray the breaded tenders with cooking oil before air frying. I like to spritz these with a little olive oil. That will get them crunchy as well.
Avoid over-spraying, which can make them greasy instead of crispy. Too many tenders at once blocks airflow, preventing even browning. Arrange tenders in a single layer with space between them. Cook in batches if needed.
How to Store
Store leftovers tightly covered and sealed for 3-4 days.
How to Reheat
Reheat these in the air fryer on 350 degrees for a few minutes until warm.
Freezer Tips
You can freeze these tightly sealed for up to a few months. Defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat using the air fryer. Follow the tips above to cook from frozen.
What to Pair with the Tenders
Air Fryer French Fries
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Air Fryer Onion Rings
Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
Roasted Ranch Potatoes
More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
Air Fryer Crispy Fried Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Air Fryer Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwiches
Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Turkey Wings
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
Air Fryer Spatchcock Chicken
Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders
Click here for a full list of Air Fryer Recipes.
Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Tenders (Strips)
Ingredients
- 1 pound skinless, chicken tenderloins or breast sliced/ cut into strips
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese I used freshly grated.
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs You can use any breadcrumbs (Italian Seasoned, panko, etc.)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- salt and pepper to taste
- cooking oil spray I used olive oil
Instructions
- Place the breadcrumbs, eggs, and flour in separate bowls.
- Add the grated parmesan, Italian Seasoning, salt and pepper to taste to the bowl with the breadcrumbs. Stir.
- Coat the sliced chicken breasts in flour, then egg, and then the breadcrumbs.
- Spray both sides of the chicken tenders with cooking oil.
- Add the chicken tenders to the air fryer basket. Do not stack the tenders. Cook in batches if needed. Cook for 8 minutes on 400 degrees.
- Open the basket and flip the tenders. Cook for an additional 6 to 8 minutes or until the chicken tenders are crisp. Exact cook time will vary based on the air fryer brand that you use. Check in on the tenders to monitor the appropriate cook time necessary.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer.
- Serve!
Video
Notes
- If you don't want parmesan flavor, omit the cheese.
- To make keto chicken tenders omit the breadcrumbs or substitute almond meal (different from almond flour)
Aimee Shugarman says
I just got an air fryer, I can't wait to make this my first recipe!
Jane Saunders says
My family would love these. They are the perfect healthy treat.
CLAUDIA DAVIS says
@Jane Saunders, tenderloins are definitely not healthy unless you use chicken breasts.
Eileen says
It is not Keto if regular flour is used. Do you have a recommendation for almond vs coconut flour to keep it Keto?
staysnatched says
Hi this isn't a keto recipe. If you want to make it keto use almond meal, which is different than almond flour.
Terry says
Just tried your chicken tender recipe...........Awesome!!!!!! Thank you so much!!!!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed them!
Kendra L. says
Just bought an air fryer and this recipe did not disappoint I switched a few thing but will def. make them again.
thanks for sharing
Kendra
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed them.
Katherine says
This was delicious! My husband said these were the best chicken tenders he's ever had!
staysnatched says
Husbands sometimes know best!
Anna says
I just got my air fryer today so this was my very first recipe. I cannot get over how amazing these were! This recipe is also super easy to follow, 10/10 would recommend!
staysnatched says
Welcome to air frying! I'm glad you enjoyed them!
Nave says
Tried this recipe last night. It's so delicious! It's quick and easy. I will definitely be cooking this again.
staysnatched says
Wonderful! So glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Kurt says
ABSOLUTELY THE BEST AIRFRYER FOOD I have made to date!!! THANK YOU!!!
staysnatched says
Yay! So glad you enjoyed it.
Quinn says
Seriously....amazing. I made these with waffles! I can’t go back to any other chicken tender now! Thank you, they were the best!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm so glad you enjoyed them!
PAT MARINO says
THIS RECIPE WAS GREAT AS ALWAYS.
THANK YOU. PAT.
staysnatched says
You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it!
Angelina says
Made this chicken tender recipe tonight and my entire family loved it! I will be using this recipe from now on! Thank you for share, I cant wait to check out more of your site!
Angelina says
I forgot to rate it. I dont normally like recipes enough to leave comments or stars. ? this was definitely a 5 star recipe!
staysnatched says
I hope you enjoy more recipes!
Judy Brown says
Did you have the chick-Fil-a chicken recipe on here also?
staysnatched says
Yes it's here https://www.staysnatched.com/air-fryer-chicken-sandwich/
Arielle says
Loved it! One of my favorite air fryer recipes so far. Fairly simple and quick too!
staysnatched says
Gotta love quick and easy!
Nielle says
Love this recipe! Chicken tenders came out amazing. Anytime I need to find cooking times or a bomb recipe for something I pull up Brandi’s website and type what I’m looking for in the search and boom there it is.
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm so happy to hear that!
Jess says
This recipe is delicious, easy to make, and versatile. You can expect the same high level of satisfaction for every recipe Brandi posts on Instagram or on her website. If you have an Air Fryer, you need to try all of her recipes, and shop from her Amazon store, which includes her cookbook!
staysnatched says
Thank you so much!
Jill says
Delicious! Turned out very crisp. I had a little issue with mine sticking but that is because my air fryer is a piece. I need to upgrade to the one Brandi recommends.
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed them!
Bhavesh says
I have tried this amazing air fryer chicken tenders recipe and i found this recipe really an amazing recipe. Thanks for sharing this recipe with all of us. Also do check out my special air fryer tender chicken recipe as well.
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Andreea says
So good and easy!! I used egg whites instead of the whole egg and did them in a convection oven at 400° and they turned out perfect!! Definitely will be going into the regular rotation.
staysnatched says
I love your adjustments!
Kelly says
I made these last night for dinner and they came out amazing! Another good one for our air fryer meal rotation. Thanks Brandi!!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm so glad you enjoyed them.
Amanda G. says
I made these for lunch today and they turned out great! Really hit the spot and way more satisfying than fast food chicken tenders. 🙂
Amanda G. says
I made these for lunch today and they turned out really great! Really hit the spot and way more satisfying than fast food chicken tenders 🙂
staysnatched says
Yes! I love making my own at home.
Brea says
Just got an air fryer and this recipe was AMAZING
staysnatched says
These tenders are great for a new air fryer!
Mallory says
Hi, do you cook frozen chicken tenders the same amount of time for this recipe?
staysnatched says
No watch them closely and add additional time as necessary.
Jayda says
I usually have a hard time getting breaded chicken to cook just how I like it in the air fryer but these came out perfectly! These will definitely be thrown in my food prep rotation for a while! 🙂
staysnatched says
Glad to hear you are adding it to the rotation.
PAT says
made these again as usual
all your recipes are great.
staysnatched says
Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed them.
Cara says
Yummmmmm! Made these today for a quick and easy lunch before a full afternoon of house stuff! Could not have been easier - with pantry staples and a foolproof method, aka a perfect “Brandi recipe!” I used some fresh boneless skinless chicken tenders bc it’s what I had on hand - they took about 13 minutes total with my air fryer. Perfect, delicious, and it was the juiciest chicken ever!
staysnatched says
Awesome! I'm glad you enjoyed them.
Emily says
Made these keto and meant to take a picture but I couldn’t wait to dig in! They cooked perfectly in the air fryer, texture like they had been deep fried!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed them.
Susan says
I have made this several times. It is a very easy recipe and the tenders come out very juicy and delicious. The only difference is that I use pre-cut tenders that I buy in the store when they are on sale. Another idea is to cut the tenders into bite size pieces to give the kids a treat of chicken nuggets. The recipe stays the same, but the chicken is just more bite-size. I also find that regular bread crumbs work better than panko in the air fryer. Panko tends to burn more. Great recipe, Brandi, thanks.
staysnatched says
Thanks for sharing!
A. Rocco says
Do you need to preheat the air fryer first?
staysnatched says
Each air fryer is different. Check out the manual for the one you are using.
Marisa says
These turned out great, although my air fryer only took 10 minutes total! When I flipped them at 8, I think they were actually already done, but I couldn't believe it so I cooked them for 2 minutes more (and switched the top/bottom trays too)... so perfectly tender, good flavor, and perfectly crunchy! Thank you!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed them.
Kristal De La Paz says
Great recipe!! The chicken tenders turned out flavorful and juicy!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed them.
Lisa B. says
These are seriously so quick, easy, and delicious! Chicken tenders have always been my go-to at fast food restaurants and these are such a great replacement!
staysnatched says
Yes! Quick and delicious for the win.
Alex says
Made these tonight with Brandi's ranch potatoes! Such a great combo! Nights like these make me wonder if I need a second air fryer! lol
staysnatched says
That sounds like a great combo!
TamaraB says
I made these chicken tenders today and loved how tasty and tender they were. I thought it would be dry based on the time to be cooked. I cooked 8 minutes on one side and between 6-8 on the other since the tenders had a little thickness to them. I will definitely make again.
Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Tamara
staysnatched says
You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed them.
Sabrina Boucher says
So delicious and perfect for a weeknight meal!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed them!
Heather says
These were a hit, and even my toddler boys loved them. Quick and easy for a weeknight meal.
staysnatched says
I'm glad you all enjoyed it!
Cassie B says
Just. So. Good. I usually avoid dredging/breading things bc I falsely believe it's too complicated. This is so uncomplicated and delicious!
staysnatched says
Once you get it down it's not too bad!
LaKenya says
Girl you never disappoint!! These are so juicy, tender and just plain doggone good! The fam loves them! Best chicken tender recipe ever!
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed these.
Colleen says
Simple recipe with easy to follow instructions, and the temp and time were spot on - crisped up really well and were crunchy and tasty! My picky 7-year-old turned his nose up at first, but after he tried it, he cleaned his plate - that's a huge win!
staysnatched says
That is a win!
imsen says
My family and I love it. I will definitely make again. Super easy and great flavor!
staysnatched says
So glad to hear it!
Lisa says
The best! I modify to make mine GF and still taste delicious! These are so easy to make and is a staple in my house! Thank you, Brandi 🙂
staysnatched says
You're welcome! Glad to hear it.
Anonymous says
My family wanted chicken parmesan so I made these as the recipe stated. Then I sliced it open and put some fresh mozzarella cheese inside and microwaved with a cover to melt. Served with tomato basil sauce and a side of thin spaghetti. My family LOVED IT!!!.
staysnatched says
I'm glad to hear they loved it!
Linda says
What if you don't have an air fryer. Can you just fry them in oil?
staysnatched says
Yup!
Linda says
I don't have an air fryer. Can I fry them in oil?
staysnatched says
Yup!
Randy Carlson says
So, does the almond meal replace the flour or the bread crumbs? Or both?
staysnatched says
Both
Noreen Cunningham says
@staysnatched, hi great recipe do y happen to have recipe for the sauce used to dunk chic finger in!
staysnatched says
It's ranch.
Nancy says
Perfect! These were so easy and delicious! To keep the mess down, I used tongs. 😀 Also whipped up the egg and water in a bowl with a seal, placed the tenders in the bowl and gently tossed them. I put the crumbs and seasoning in a gallon size plastic bag and using the tongs placed three or four at a time in the bag and shook to coat them. I dipped them individually for the second coating, but really kept the mess down and went quickly. I will definitely be making these often! Thank you so much!
staysnatched says
You're welcome.
KyLynn says
Wow! These were so tender and tasty. I've made other chicken tenders in the air fryer, but never thought about spraying olive oil on them to brown. Loved that tip!
Made some homemade honey BBQ sauce to go with them. Even my picky, elderly father loved them! He gave 2 thumbs up!
staysnatched says
That sounds so good!
Karen says
The flavor is good, the texture is good, but don’t cook them for 7-8 minutes on each side way to dry. The recipe says check your air fryer book, which I suggest, but in the chefs comments it says to cook for 7-8 minutes each side. 😊