Crispy Air-Fried Chicken Tenders

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.1 pounds chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips

→ Breading

02 - 3/4 cup whole-wheat breadcrumbs

03 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

06 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

07 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

09 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Coating

10 - 2 large eggs

11 - 2 tablespoons low-fat milk

12 - Olive oil spray

# How to Cook:

01 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.

02 - Pat chicken tenders dry using paper towels.

03 - Whisk together eggs and low-fat milk in a shallow bowl.

04 - In another bowl, mix whole-wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.

05 - Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then press into breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.

06 - Place coated chicken strips in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Lightly spray both sides with olive oil.

07 - Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

08 - Serve warm with preferred dipping sauce.

# Expert Advice:

01 -

Golden, crunchy exterior with juicy, tender chicken inside—no deep fryer required.
Comes together in under 30 minutes, making weeknight dinners feel less like a chore.
The Parmesan and smoked paprika combo gives restaurant-quality flavor without complicated techniques.

02 -

Never skip the patting-dry step—it's the difference between crispy and soggy, and I learned this the hard way after ruining an entire batch.
The olive oil spray is non-negotiable; without it, the breadcrumbs won't brown properly, no matter how hot your air fryer gets.
Overcrowding the basket is tempting but ruins everything—give each tender space to breathe so the heat circulates evenly.

03 -