Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe Easy Homemade with Marinara Dip
Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Tenders with a tangy marinara dip, delivering a quick, satisfying, and comforting meal in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) chicken tenders, fresh or thawed
- 1/2 cup (50g) finely grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
- 3/4 cup (75g) panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Olive oil spray
- 1 cup (240ml) marinara sauce, store-bought or homemade
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Red pepper flakes (for heat in dip)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture (about 5 minutes).
- In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
- Dip each chicken tender into the egg wash, letting excess drip off, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat all sides. Place coated tenders on a baking sheet or plate.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Arrange tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch.
- Lightly spray the tenders with olive oil spray for a golden finish.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown, crispy, and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Add 1-2 more minutes if extra crispiness is desired, watching closely to prevent burning.
- While tenders cook, warm the marinara sauce in a small pot or microwave until hot.
- Serve tenders immediately with warm marinara sauce and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Pat chicken dry to ensure coating sticks and crispiness. Press breadcrumb mixture firmly onto chicken. Use olive oil spray before air frying for best golden crust. Cook in a single layer to avoid sogginess. Flip tenders halfway through cooking. Use a thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Warm marinara just before serving. For gluten-free, substitute panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and flax egg or milk alternative instead of eggs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 3-4 tenders pe
- Calories: 320350
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 12
- Protein: 30
Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, parmesan chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, easy chicken recipe, marinara dip, quick dinner, healthy fried chicken alternative