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garlic parmesan chicken tenders christmas recipe
Carmen Spillette

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders (air fryer or baked)

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Crispy, golden chicken tenders tossed in a rich garlic parmesan butter, these are ridiculously good and super easy to make in either the air fryer or oven. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, or whenever you’re craving something crispy and cheesy!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course: Air Fryer
Cuisine: Air Fryer
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Tenders:
  • 1 lb chicken breasts sliced into tenders
  • 2 eggs whisked
  • 2 cups cornflakes crushed
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
  • 4 tablespoon butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano around ¼ cup
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Equipment

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Season the chicken
  2. Season the chicken with garlic powder, salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
  3. Step 2: Bread the chicken
  4. Crush the cornflakes. 
  5. Dip each chicken tender into the whisked eggs, then coat in the cornflakes. Press hard to help it stick.
  6. Set aside on a tray or plate.
  7. Air Fryer Instructions
  8. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  9. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Add chicken tenders in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
  10. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
  11. Oven Instructions
  12. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and a wire rack if you have one.
  13. Arrange tenders in a single layer and lightly spray with oil.
  14. Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
  15. Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
  16. In a microwave safe bowl, add the butter, minced garlic and salt. 
  17. Microwave on high for 1–2 minutes until the butter is bubbly and the garlic is fragrant.
  18.  
  19. Step 4: Toss & Serve
  20. Toss the cooked chicken tenders in the garlic parmesan sauce. 
  21. Plate the chicken tenders and freshly grate parmesan cheese on top, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. 

Notes

  • Crush the cornflakes finely for even coating, but leave a bit of texture for crunch.
  • Don’t overcrowd your air fryer basket for maximum crispiness. Flip halfway to get both sides crispy.
  • Use a thermometer to check doneness—chicken should hit 165°F.

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