Description
Enjoy the crispiest, healthier version of chicken tenderloins made in an air fryer. This recipe uses a seasoned panko and parmesan crust to deliver maximum crunch without deep frying, making it a perfect guilt-free snack or meal option.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs Chicken Tenderloins, trimmed of any excess fat
Breading Station
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2 large Eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tbsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
Cooking
- Cooking Spray (Olive Oil or Avocado Oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring better breading adherence and crispiness.
- Set up Breading Station: Arrange three shallow dishes—one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and a third with a mixture of panko bread crumbs, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly so they’re evenly distributed.
- Flour Coating: Dredge each chicken tenderloin in the flour, shaking off any excess to prevent clumps and ensure an even coating.
- Egg Wash: Dip the floured chicken tenderloin into the beaten eggs, allowing excess egg to drip off to avoid sogginess.
- Breadcrumb Coating: Transfer the egg-washed chicken to the seasoned panko mixture. Press firmly on all sides to coat evenly, then repeat on the opposite side for a fully coated tenderloin.
- Repeat: Continue steps 3 through 5 for remaining chicken tenderloins until all are breaded and ready.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure optimal cooking conditions for crispiness.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- Arrange the Chicken: Place breaded chicken tenderloins in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd so that hot air circulates properly. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Spray with Oil: Lightly spray the tops of the breaded chicken with cooking spray to aid in browning and crisping.
- Air Fry: Cook the chicken tenderloins in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispiness and a golden-brown crust. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Check for Doneness: After 8 minutes, check if the chicken is golden brown. If not, continue cooking an additional 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
- Repeat if Necessary: Cook remaining breaded chicken in batches following the same steps to ensure consistent quality.
- Rest the Chicken: Allow the cooked chicken tenderloins to rest a few minutes; this helps juices redistribute and enhances tenderness.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the hot, crispy chicken tenderloins with your favorite dipping sauces and side dishes for a delicious meal or snack.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Using cooking spray helps achieve a golden crust without deep frying.
- Check internal temperature to guarantee safe consumption; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest briefly after cooking to keep it juicy.
- The seasoned panko mixture can be customized with additional herbs or spices as desired.
