Hey there! If you’re looking for a quick and tasty meal, I’ve got you covered. Crispy air fryer breaded chicken tenderloins are one of my favorite easy dinners. They come out golden and crunchy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside. Plus, they cook fast and use less oil than frying. Let me walk you through how to make them and share some tips so you get the best results.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 12-14 minutes
- Total time: About 25 minutes
- Nutrients: Calories: 260 | Protein: 28g | Carbs: 14g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 1g
INGREDIENTS
Instructions Step-by-Step
1. Start by drying the chicken tenderloins with paper towels. This step is important because dry chicken helps the breading stick better. If the chicken is wet, the coating might slide off while cooking. Make sure each piece is as dry as possible before moving on.
2. In a medium bowl, crack the eggs and add the milk. Use a whisk or a fork to beat them together until the mixture looks smooth and even. The egg wash will help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. In another bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well so the spices and cheese are spread evenly through the breadcrumbs. This mix will give your chicken a tasty and crunchy crust. Make sure to break up any clumps.
4. Take one chicken tenderloin and dip it into the egg wash. Make sure the whole piece is covered, but don’t let too much drip off. Then, press the chicken into the breadcrumb mix. Press gently but firmly so the crumbs stick well and cover every side.
5. Keep dipping each tenderloin into the egg wash and then into the breadcrumb mix until all the chicken is coated. Place the breaded chicken on a plate or tray as you go. Try not to let the pieces touch each other so the coating stays crunchy. If the coating gets soggy, give the breadcrumbs a quick stir before coating the next piece.
6. Turn on your air fryer and set the temperature to 400°F (200°C). Let it heat up for about 3 minutes. Preheating helps the chicken cook evenly and get crispy on the outside. While the air fryer heats, spray the basket with a little olive oil spray to stop sticking.
7. Place the breaded tenderloins in a single layer inside the basket. Don’t crowd the pieces or stack them. Air needs to flow around each piece to make them crispy. If you have a lot of chicken, cook in batches.
8. Spray the tops of the chicken lightly with olive oil spray. Cook the chicken at 400°F for 8 minutes. After 8 minutes, use tongs to flip each piece over carefully. Spray the tops again with a little oil. Then cook for another 4 to 6 minutes. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked inside.
9. Check the chicken by cutting into one piece. The meat should be white with no pink inside. Or use a meat thermometer to make sure it reads 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 2 minutes before serving. This helps keep the juices inside so the chicken stays tender and moist.
Chef Tips
- Use chicken tenderloins that are about the same size for even cooking.
- Don’t skip spraying the chicken with oil; it makes the crust crispier.
- If you want extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or Italian seasoning to the breading.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy.
Storage Tip
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to bring back the crispiness. You can also freeze cooked tenderloins for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
Crispy Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Tenderloins
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Whisk or fork
- Two mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins about 8 pieces
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Olive oil spray or nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels. This helps the breading stick better.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Dip each tenderloin into the egg wash, letting the excess drip off. Then press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat for about 3 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Place the breaded tenderloins in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
- Lightly spray the tops of the tenderloins with olive oil spray. This helps them get extra crispy.
- Air fry for 8 minutes at 400°F.
- Carefully flip each tenderloin over. Spray the tops again with a little oil.
- Air fry for another 4-6 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 2 minutes before serving. This keeps the juices locked in.
Notes
- For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- You can swap Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free option if needed.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, bake in a 425°F oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Feel free to add your favorite spices to the breadcrumb mix for a different flavor.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to keep the chicken crispy.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy inside.
I love this recipe because it’s quick and super easy, but the results feel special. The air fryer gives the chicken a perfect crunch without using a lot of oil. It’s a healthier way to enjoy that crispy, fried taste we all love. Plus, the Parmesan and spices in the breading add a nice flavor boost that makes these tenderloins taste way better than plain chicken.
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FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Yes, slice chicken breasts into strips about the same size as tenderloins.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs?
Yes, but panko breadcrumbs give a lighter, crunchier texture.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and be white inside.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and check all other ingredients.
What sauces go well with these tenders?
Try ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or spicy mayo.
