Prepare the Chicken: Begin by trimming any excess fat from the chicken tenders. Set them aside while preparing the coating stations.
Set Up Coating Stations: Arrange three separate bowls:
Bowl 1: Combine the white flour, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Bowl 2: Mix together olive oil (or melted butter) and minced garlic.
Bowl 3: Blend Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and paprika.
Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture first, ensuring it is lightly coated. Then, dip it into the garlic oil mixture, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat it thoroughly in the Panko-Parmesan mixture. Press gently to help the coating adhere.
Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap. Cook for 9 minutes, then flip the tenders over and cook for another 8-9 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 18 minutes | Total Time: 33 minutes | Servings: 4
