Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins Recipe

I prepared my favorite Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins recipe and was amazed by the balance of flavors. Tender chicken, dipped in beaten egg and coated with Parmesan and panko, meets an aromatic blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. I am excited to share this easy, irresistible dish.

I’m excited to share my take on Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins that are seriously a game changer. This recipe marries a juicy, tender interior with a crispy parmesan crust that just makes you crave a bite.

I start with 1 lb of chicken tenderloins that get a quick dip in a beaten egg before being coated in a mix of grated parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. I season with salt and pepper, spray a light mist of olive oil, and let the air fryer work its magic for just about 8 minutes.

It’s one of the best air fried chicken options I’ve ever made and perfect when you’re craving a healthy meal without a lot of fuss. Every step is straightforward and fun to make, plus you get that amazing crunchy texture and the satisfying flavor each time you serve it.

Enjoy the crispy goodness!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because the chicken comes out juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside which makes every bite super satisfying. I also dig how fast it cooks; just 8 minutes in the air fryer means I can still have time for other stuff and it always turns out great even when Im in a hurry. Another thing I appreciate is that the ingredients are simple and easy to find — I don’t have to stress thinking about some hard-to-get spices when Im in the mood for a meal. Lastly, the mix of grated parmesan and panko breadcrumbs gives it a nice flavor punch that makes it awesome every time I cook it.

Ingredients

• Chicken tenderloins supply lean protein and essential nutrients that fuels your day.
• Egg is a natural binder and offers good protein for a strong taste, ya know.
• Parmesan cheese brings a salty kick and adds a rich umami which enhances flavour.
• Panko breadcrumbs introduce a crunchy texture and some delicate carbohydrates for balance.
• Garlic powder and onion powder impart tasty, savory notes that boosts overall taste profile.
• Smoked paprika adds a slightly smoky spice, giving a subtle warmth into the dish.
• Olive oil spray finishes the dish by giving a light coat without extra fat.
• Salt and pepper season throughout for a balanced, enticing taste.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb chicken tenderloins
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil spray

How to Make this

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F while you get everything ready.

2. Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels to remove extra moisture.

3. In a shallow bowl, beat 1 egg until it’s smooth.

4. In another bowl, mix the grated parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.

5. Dip each chicken tenderloin in the beaten egg then coat it well in the parmesan mixture ensuring every bit is covered.

6. Place the coated tenderloins in the air fryer basket in a single layer making sure they dont overlap.

7. Give them a light spray with olive oil and air fry for about 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through so they crisp up evenly.

8. Once the chicken is cooked through and has a nice crispy crust, remove from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy your meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer with basket
2. Paper towels
3. Two shallow bowls – one for beating the egg and one for mixing the parmesan cheese, panko, and spices
4. Whisk or fork to beat the egg
5. Measuring cups and spoons for the cheese, breadcrumbs, and spices
6. Tongs or a spatula to flip the chicken tenderloins
7. Olive oil spray can

FAQ

Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of using an egg, you can mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water as a binder.
• If you dont have parmesan cheese, try using Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
• Not into panko breadcrumbs? Regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes work just fine.
• If you’re out of olive oil spray, lightly brushing on some vegetable oil or melted butter is a great alternative.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure the chicken is as dry as possible before you dip it, cause if there’s too much moisture the breading wont stick properly and you might end up with a soggy coating.
2. Don’t crowd the air fryer basket; leaving a little space between each tenderloin helps them cook evenly and get that extra crispy finish.
3. Try pressing the egg and the cheese crumbs mixture a bit into the chicken after coating, that can help the spices and crumbs really adhere and give you a better crunch.
4. If you like a little extra kick, don’t be afraid to mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper with your spices for a spicy twist, that should be a game changer.