Description
This Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin recipe offers a crispy, healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. Coated with a flavorful blend of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices, these tenderloins are air fried to golden perfection, delivering a crunchy texture without the excess oil. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer, this recipe is easy to prepare and yields deliciously juicy chicken every time.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs Chicken Tenderloins, trimmed of any excess fat
Breading
- 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
Other
- Cooking Spray (Olive Oil or Avocado Oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenderloins dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the breading adheres well.
- Set up Breading Station: Arrange three shallow dishes — one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Flour Coating: Dredge each chicken tenderloin in the flour, shaking off any excess to prevent clumps.
- Egg Wash: Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off to avoid sogginess.
- Breadcrumb Coating: Press the egg-coated chicken firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly on both sides to ensure a crisp crust.
- Repeat: Continue steps 3 to 5 until all chicken tenderloins are breaded.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the Chicken: Place the breaded chicken in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook in batches if necessary for even air circulation.
- Spray with Oil: Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenderloins with cooking spray to aid browning and crisping.
- Air Fry: Cook the chicken for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The chicken should turn golden brown, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Check for Doneness: After 8 minutes, check if the chicken is crispy and cooked through. If additional crispness or cooking is needed, continue air frying in 1-2 minute increments, checking frequently.
- Repeat if Necessary: Cook any remaining chicken batches, repeating the arrangement, spraying, and air frying steps.
- Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to retain juices and ensure tender texture.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the crispy chicken tenderloins hot with your favorite dipping sauces and side dishes for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry before breading to get a crispy coating.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
- Using cooking spray on the basket and chicken helps achieve a golden crust without deep frying.
- The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps keep it juicy and tender.
- For extra flavor, you can customize the breadcrumb mixture by adding herbs like thyme or cayenne pepper for heat.
