Description
This Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin recipe offers a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken while delivering irresistibly crispy and flavorful results. Coated with a seasoned panko and Parmesan crust, these tenderloins are air fried to golden perfection, making them a delicious and guilt-free snack or meal.
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
For Cooking
- Cooking Spray (Olive Oil or Avocado Oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels to remove moisture, ensuring the breading will stick better and crisp up nicely.
- Set up Breading Station: Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and combine panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a third dish. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Flour Coating: Dredge each chicken tenderloin in the flour, shaking off any excess to avoid clumps.
- Egg Wash: Dip the floured chicken tenderloins into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off to avoid sogginess.
- Breadcrumb Coating: Transfer the egg-coated chicken tenderloins to the panko mixture and press firmly on both sides to evenly coat with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
- Repeat: Continue the breading process with the remaining chicken tenderloins by repeating the flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb coating steps.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and promote crispiness.
- Arrange the Chicken: Place the breaded chicken tenderloins in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding which could lead to uneven cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Spray with Oil: Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenderloins with cooking spray to help achieve a golden, crispy crust.
- Air Fry: Cook the chicken tenderloins for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown.
- Check for Doneness: At around 8 minutes, check the color and internal temperature. If not golden or fully cooked, continue air frying in 1-2 minute increments, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
- Repeat if Necessary: Repeat the cooking process with any remaining chicken tenderloins, maintaining the same steps for spraying, arranging, and cooking.
- Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking to help juices redistribute for a moist, tender bite.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the air fried chicken tenderloins hot with your favorite dipping sauces and sides for a crispy, delicious meal.
Notes
- You can substitute panko bread crumbs with gluten-free panko for a gluten-free variation.
- Use cooking spray sparingly to keep the chicken crispy without adding excess oil.
- Make sure the chicken tenderloins are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Resting the chicken after cooking helps retain moisture and improves texture.
- Internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: air fried chicken tenderloin, crispy chicken, healthy fried chicken, panko chicken, parmesan chicken, air fryer recipes, low fat chicken, quick chicken recipe
