Name: Healthier Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken tenderloins; 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; olive oil spray

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If you crave that shatteringly crispy chicken bite without the deep-fried guilt, you’re in for a treat! This air fried chicken tenderloin is the crispiest, Healthier Recipe for homemade chicken tenders—think golden panko crunch, juicy center, and a hint of Parmesan for that irresistibly savory finish. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, speedy weeknight meal, or snack attack, this dish brings all the flavor and texture you love while still keeping things light and better-for-you. Your air fryer is about to become your new secret for crave-worthy crunchy chicken!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This lineup of simple ingredients is truly all you need to build outrageous crunch and deep flavor in every bite. Each element brings something unique—whether it’s a crisp coating, punchy seasoning, or savory depth—to create chicken tenders you’ll actually keep coming back for.

Chicken tenderloins: These are naturally tender, cook quickly, and soak up all the flavor from the coating.
Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to ultra-crispy exterior—panko stays crunchier than regular breadcrumbs.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth of flavor and helps with beautiful browning.
Garlic powder: Gives a subtle, savory backbone to the breading.
Paprika: Lends a sweet-smoky note and adds a touch of appealing color.
Salt: Brightens all the other flavors—don’t skip it!
Black pepper: Brings a gentle heat and aromatic kick.
Eggs: Help the coating stick to the chicken, making sure every piece gets perfectly crunchy.
Olive oil spray: Essential for getting that crispy golden crust without deep-frying.

How to Make Healthier Recipe

Step 1: Set Up & Preheat

Fire up your air fryer by preheating it to 400°F (200°C) for about five minutes. Preheating is the shortcut to a crisper crust—it ensures the chicken starts cooking the moment it hits the basket, locking in those juicy insides and helping the outside get that perfect crunch.

Step 2: Make the Coating

Combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a wide, shallow bowl. This flavorful blend is what turns plain chicken into crave-worthy tenders! Give everything a good mix so the seasoning is evenly distributed—no bland bites allowed.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Wash

In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly until the yolks and whites are seamless. The egg wash is what helps our Healthier Recipe’s coating stick so well, ensuring every bite is maximally crispy and flavorful.

Step 4: Dredge the Chicken

One by one, dip each chicken tenderloin into your egg bath, letting the extra drip away, then press it right into the panko mixture. Give it a gentle but firm press so every inch is coated—those little panko pieces are what make this Healthier Recipe so special.

Step 5: The Olive Oil Mist

Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket—don’t crowd them, or you’ll steam instead of crisp! Spritz both sides lightly with olive oil spray. This little step is key for bronze perfection without extra fat.

Step 6: Air Fry to Crispy Bliss

Air fry the chicken at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re looking for a glorious golden exterior and an internal temp of 165°F (74°C). For extra crunch, chill the breaded chicken for 15 minutes before frying—this little trick gives pro-level crisp!

How to Serve Healthier Recipe

Garnishes

Bring these chicken tenderloins to life with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan right out of the fryer, a flurry of chopped fresh parsley, or a dusting of smoked paprika for a pop of color. Lemon wedges are a bright, classic touch, ready to squeeze over for an extra burst of freshness!

Side Dishes

Pair this Healthier Recipe with a crisp green salad, sweet potato fries, or classic coleslaw—the options are endless. For a cozy dinner, serve with roasted veggies and a simple grain salad, or keep it light with sliced cucumbers and cherry tomatoes on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn these into sliders by tucking tenders into whole grain rolls with pickles, stack them over a big salad for a protein punch, or slice them for tacos and wraps. The Healthier Recipe even makes a showstopping party platter with a trio of fun dips like honey mustard, sriracha aioli, or classic ranch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover chicken tenderloins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They’ll stay surprisingly crispy if you keep them uncovered until cool, then seal them—this keeps your Healthier Recipe from soaking up any extra moisture.

Freezing

The finished tenders freeze beautifully! Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag. This makes it easy to pull out just what you need. For best results, eat within two months.

Reheating

For maximum crunch, pop your Healthier Recipe tenders back into the air fryer for 3–4 minutes at 375°F. The oven works, too—bake at 400°F for about 10 minutes. They reheat in the microwave, but you’ll sacrifice that signature crispy shell.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Absolutely! Just slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips about the width of your finger. They’ll work perfectly with this Healthier Recipe and give you all the same juicy, crunchy results.

What dipping sauces go well with this Healthier Recipe?

A classic honey mustard or ranch is always a hit, but don’t be afraid to try spicy sriracha mayo, barbecue, or even a tangy Greek yogurt dip. The crispy, cheesy coating is super versatile!

How do I keep the breading from falling off?

Make sure the chicken is patted dry before dredging, and press the coating on firmly after dipping in egg. Chilling the breaded tenders for 15 minutes before air frying also helps the coating adhere and get even crispier.

Is there a gluten-free option for this Healthier Recipe?

You can easily swap out panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko or even lightly crushed cornflakes. You’ll get the same satisfying crunch and golden color, so everyone can dig in worry-free!

What’s the best way to avoid soggy leftovers?

Store crispy tenders in a single layer or with parchment between layers so they don’t steam each other. Reheat in the air fryer or oven, and add a quick spritz of olive oil spray before reheating to refresh that golden crust.

Final Thoughts

This air fried chicken tenderloin is a Healthier Recipe dream come true—bold on flavor, satisfyingly crunchy, and so easy to pull off on any busy weeknight. If you’re looking to upgrade your chicken game with something lighter yet just as exciting as the classic, you’ve got to try this one. Give it a whirl and discover how truly delicious healthy eating can be!

Healthier Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the crispiest and healthiest Air Fried Chicken Tenderloins with this easy recipe. These flavorful tenderloins are coated in a savory breadcrumb mixture and air fried to perfection, making them a delicious and guilt-free meal option.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Tenderloins:

1 pound chicken tenderloins

Breadcrumb Coating:

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

Other:

2 large eggs
olive oil spray

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Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
Prepare Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Beat Eggs: In another bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken tenderloin in eggs, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
Spray and Air Fry: Lightly spray coated chicken with olive oil. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
Serve: Serve hot with dipping sauce.