Air Fryer Festive Chicken Tenders (Printable)

Golden, crispy chicken tenders with a savory breadcrumb crust and festive seasoning, air-fried for a light finish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1 lb (500 g) chicken breast tenders, trimmed

→ Breading

02 - 1 cup (100 g) panko breadcrumbs
03 - 1/4 cup (30 g) 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 (40 g) all-purpose flour

→ Optional Garnish

13 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
14 - Cranberry sauce or honey mustard, for serving

# Cooking Steps:

01 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
02 - Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
03 - Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour; one with beaten eggs mixed with milk; one with panko, Parmesan, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest combined.
04 - Dredge each chicken tender in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg mixture, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
05 - Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer without overlapping, working in batches if necessary.
06 - Cook for 8 minutes, flip the tenders, then continue air frying for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
07 - Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley and accompanied by cranberry sauce or honey mustard as desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Crispy and golden with a flavorful breadcrumb crust containing Parmesan and festive seasonings.
  • Healthier than traditional frying thanks to the air fryer method.
  • Quick to prepare and cook — ready in just 30 minutes.
  • Perfect for both appetizers and main dishes, suitable for casual meals or holiday gatherings.
  • Customizable with simple ingredient swaps or spice additions.
02 -
  • Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch and better air circulation during cooking.
  • Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken tenders to ensure even coating.
  • Let the coated tenders rest for a few minutes before air frying to help the breading set.
  • Check internal temperature with a food thermometer to avoid under or overcooking.
  • If you prefer, lightly oil the air fryer basket to prevent sticking and promote crispiness.
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