If you’re in the mood for a snack that delivers both crunch and flavor, then look no further than these Crispy Air Fryer Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders! Perfectly crispy on the outside with a tender, juicy interior, these chicken tenders are flavored with a savory blend of ranch seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic spices. Whether you’re preparing them for a weeknight dinner, a game-day treat, or a quick snack, these chicken tenders will surely hit the spot.
But wait – there’s more! By using the air fryer, you get all the crispy, golden goodness of traditional fried chicken tenders without the excess oil. This means a healthier, quicker cooking method with no compromising on flavor or texture.
Why You Should Make These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
These Crispy Air Fryer Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders are:
- Quick & Easy: With just a few ingredients and a short cooking time, you can whip up a delicious meal in under 30 minutes!
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of ranch seasoning, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and paprika creates an irresistible savory crust.
- Healthier than Deep-Frying: Thanks to the air fryer, you can enjoy crispy chicken tenders with far less oil than traditional frying, reducing the overall calorie count.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These chicken tenders store well in the fridge and can be reheated for later meals or snacks.
Now, let’s dive into how to make these crispy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned chicken tenders in your air fryer. You’ll be amazed at how easily you can create such a delicious dish in such a short amount of time!
Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Before you get started, gather all the ingredients you’ll need to make these crispy chicken tenders. The ingredient list is simple, yet the combination of flavors ensures that each bite is packed with a mouthwatering blend of savory and cheesy goodness.
The Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders: Chicken tenders are the perfect cut for this recipe. They cook quickly, stay tender, and provide the ideal size for dipping.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, giving the tenders that ultra-crunchy texture we love.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese adds richness and a cheesy bite to the crispy crust, perfectly complementing the flavors of the ranch seasoning.
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix: This is the magic ingredient that brings a burst of tangy, herby flavor to the chicken tenders. It gives them that delicious ranch taste that everyone craves.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a savory depth of flavor to the tenders.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Onion powder works wonderfully with the garlic powder to create a full-bodied seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Paprika adds a mild smokiness and a beautiful color to the tenders.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt brings out the flavors and enhances the seasoning.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Black pepper gives a subtle kick that complements the other spices.
- 2 large eggs: Eggs act as the binding agent for the breading, helping it adhere to the chicken tenders for that crispy outer layer.
- 1 tablespoon water: The addition of water makes the egg wash a bit more fluid, which helps coat the chicken tenders evenly.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Two shallow bowls
- Cooking spray (to ensure the tenders get crispy)
Step-by-Step Directions to Make Crispy Air Fryer Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these steps, and you’ll have perfectly crispy chicken tenders in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Breading
Start by preparing the breading for the chicken tenders. In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed. The combination of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese will form a deliciously crunchy crust that seals in the flavors.
In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and water. The egg wash helps the breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken tenders and gives the tenders that golden brown, crispy texture.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken Tenders
Now it’s time to coat your chicken tenders. First, dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, making sure to coat it completely. Let any excess egg drip off before moving on to the breadcrumb mixture. Then, coat the chicken tender in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure that the breadcrumbs adhere evenly to the chicken.
Be sure to coat the tenders thoroughly so that every bite will have that crunchy, cheesy exterior. Set the coated chicken tenders aside while you preheat the air fryer.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheating the air fryer is essential for ensuring that the chicken tenders cook evenly and become crispy. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. This short preheating time helps the air fryer reach the perfect temperature for crisping up the tenders.
While the air fryer is heating up, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This helps prevent the tenders from sticking to the basket and ensures they cook evenly.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken Tenders
Once your air fryer is preheated, it’s time to cook the chicken tenders. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure the tenders are not overcrowded – this allows hot air to circulate around each tender, ensuring that they cook evenly.
Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray to help them get extra crispy. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The tenders should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Check the chicken tenders with a meat thermometer to make sure they’ve reached the proper temperature. If they need a few extra minutes, don’t hesitate to put them back in the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the chicken tenders are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. These tenders are absolutely delicious on their own, but they’re even better when paired with your favorite dipping sauces.
Try serving these crispy ranch Parmesan chicken tenders with ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. You could also serve them alongside a fresh salad, some crispy fries, or even over a bed of rice. No matter how you enjoy them, they’re sure to become a new favorite!
Tips for Perfect Crispy Chicken Tenders
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For the crispiest results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If the tenders are too close together, they won’t crisp up properly. Cook them in batches if necessary.
- Spray the Tenders with Cooking Spray: A light spray of cooking spray before and during cooking helps the breadcrumbs become extra crispy.
- Flip the Chicken Tenders Halfway Through Cooking: To ensure even cooking, flip the tenders halfway through the cooking time. This allows both sides to get golden brown and crispy.
- Check the Temperature: Always check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to be fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to customize the seasoning in the breadcrumb mixture. If you love a little spice, add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the mix. You can also try other seasoning blends if you prefer different flavors.
Nutritional Information for Crispy Air Fryer Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders
These crispy chicken tenders are a great option for a delicious meal without the guilt of deep frying. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving (approximately 4 servings):
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
With a generous amount of protein and minimal carbs, these tenders make for a satisfying meal that won’t derail your healthy eating goals.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Recipe for Chicken Lovers
These Crispy Air Fryer Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders are a game-changer when it comes to making a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal. With their crunchy, cheesy coating and the bold flavor of ranch seasoning, they’re guaranteed to become a family favorite. Plus, thanks to the air fryer, you get all the crispiness of fried chicken tenders without the extra oil!
Whether you’re making them for dinner, a party, or just a snack, these chicken tenders are the perfect choice. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, pair them with a fresh salad, or add them to a sandwich for a crispy chicken twist. However you enjoy them, they’re bound to be a hit!
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share your creation on social media! And for more delicious ideas, check out these other recipes you’re sure to enjoy:
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Roll-Ups
- Smoky Bacon Cheddar-Crusted Chicken Fingers
- Garlic Butter Parmesan Chicken Strips
Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Crispy Air Fryer Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders are everything you’ve been craving: crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Coated in a flavorful ranch Parmesan mixture, these chicken tenders cook up to perfection in the air fryer for a healthier, crispy bite without all the oil. Perfect for dinner, snacks, or game day!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Breading: In a shallow bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with water.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Then, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Cook the Chicken Tenders: Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!
Notes
- You can adjust the seasoning according to your preference, adding more garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor.
- Serve with a side of vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (3-4 chicken tenders)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Crispy chicken tenders, air fryer chicken tenders, ranch Parmesan chicken, crispy ranch chicken tenders, air fryer Parmesan chicken tenders, cheesy chicken tenders, healthy chicken tenders