Hey friend!
These Parmesan Panko Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are crispy, golden, and packed with flavor—but made without deep frying. That means no greasy mess and a whole lot less oil. They’re light but still crunchy, thanks to the magic combo of panko breadcrumbs and freshly grated parmesan. If you’re after something easy, comforting, and totally delicious—you’ve found it.
🧂 What You’ll Need
- 1½ lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Olive oil spray
💛 Why I Love This Recipe
I came up with this one during a no-fry January and never looked back. It’s got everything I love about fried chicken tenders—crispy coating, juicy center—but without the heaviness. The parmesan brings salty umami flavor and the panko gives you that perfect crunch.
- Crispy outside, tender inside
- Cooks fast in the air fryer
- Parmesan = flavor boost
- Easy cleanup
- Pairs with literally any dipping sauce
🍽️ Servings + Time
- Serves: 4
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 12 minutes
- Total time: 27 minutes
📊 Macros (Per serving – approx.)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 33g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fat: 14g
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The flour sticks to the chicken and helps the egg cling. The egg acts as glue for the panko-parmesan mixture. Air frying circulates hot air around the tenders, crisping the outside while keeping the inside juicy. Parmesan cheese adds richness and browns beautifully in the air fryer.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Skipping the oil spray: It’s key for golden color and crisp.
- Packing on too much coating: Go for even coverage, not clumps.
- Overcrowding the basket: Air needs to flow—cook in batches if needed.
- Using pre-grated parmesan: It doesn’t melt or brown the same as fresh.
🍴 What to Serve With
- Sweet potato fries or regular fries
- Garlic roasted green beans
- Caesar salad
- Mac and cheese
- Dipping sauces: ranch, honey mustard, BBQ, spicy mayo
🔧 Tools You’ll Need
- Air fryer
- 3 shallow bowls or plates (for dredging)
- Tongs
- Grater for parmesan
- Cooking spray
🔁 Substitutions + Variations
- No parmesan? Use grated pecorino or leave it out
- Make it spicy: Add cayenne to the flour or egg
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free panko and flour
- No air fryer? Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway
⏱ Make-Ahead Tips
- Bread the chicken ahead and refrigerate for up to 4 hours
- Leftovers reheat great in the air fryer at 375°F for 4–5 minutes
👨🍳 How to Make Parmesan Panko Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Prep the Coating Stations
Set up 3 shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: 1/2 cup flour + 1/2 tsp salt + 1/4 tsp pepper
- Bowl 2: 2 eggs, beaten
- Bowl 3: 1 cup panko + 1/2 cup grated parmesan + 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Dredge each of the chicken tenders first in flour, then dip into egg, then press into the panko-parmesan mix, making sure it’s fully coated.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. Spray the basket with olive oil spray.
Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken
Place breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray tops with olive oil spray. Cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Remove from air fryer and let rest 2 minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Store in the fridge for 3–4 days
- Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 4–5 minutes
- Avoid the microwave to keep them crispy
❓ FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Yep! Just slice them into even strips for quick cooking.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No problem—bake at 425°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Can I freeze these?
Yes—freeze after breading, then air fry straight from frozen at 400°F for 16–18 minutes.
Why isn’t mine browning?
Make sure you’re spraying the tenders lightly with oil, and don’t overcrowd the basket.
🧀 That’s a Wrap!
These Parmesan Panko Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are crunchy, cheesy, and just plain fun to make. No oil splatter, no stress—just solid, satisfying food. Let me know if you tried them and what dipping sauce you went with! 💬🍗🧄
Happy air frying!