How do you make crispy parmesan chicken tenders in the oven?

To make them in the oven, coat the chicken with a mix of parmesan and breadcrumbs, place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 18–20 minutes , flipping once. This ensures even crispiness without deep frying.

Can you make parmesan chicken tenders without flour?

Yes, you can! Simply dip the chicken directly into beaten eggs, then coat with a parmesan-breadcrumb mixture. To help the coating stick better, you can whisk a spoonful of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt into the egg wash. This method makes the tenders lighter and perfect for a gluten-free option.

How to cook parmesan chicken tenders in an air fryer?

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) , spray the basket lightly with oil, and cook the breaded tenders in a single layer for 8–10 minutes , flipping halfway. They’ll come out golden, crispy, and juicy — just like fried, but with less oil.

Are baked parmesan chicken tenders as crispy as fried ones?

While fried tenders tend to be the crispiest, baked parmesan chicken tenders can be just as crunchy when done right. Using panko breadcrumbs, spraying the coating lightly with oil, and baking on a wire rack all help achieve that golden crunch without frying. For another cheesy comfort dish, check out our Chicken Parmesan Soup — it’s like a cozy bowl version of this recipe, packed with flavor.

Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders – The Best Crunchy Recipe

Name: Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenderloins; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; Olive oil spray

Description

Golden, cheesy, and crispy parmesan chicken tenders baked, fried, or air-fried to perfection. Juicy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and ready in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb chicken tenderloins (or breast strips)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred)
2 large eggs, beaten
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Olive oil spray

Instructions

Preheat oven or air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Set up a breading station: beaten eggs in one bowl, parmesan + breadcrumbs + seasonings in another.
Dip chicken tenders into eggs, then coat in parmesan-breadcrumb mixture. Press gently so coating sticks.
For oven: Place on a wire rack over a baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
For air fryer: Lightly spray basket with oil, cook tenders in a single layer for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Serve hot with dipping sauces of choice.

Notes

Double coat the tenders (egg + crumbs twice) for extra crunch.

For gluten-free, swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed cornflakes.

Use freshly grated parmesan for best texture and flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baked / Air Fried / Fried
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 3–4 tenders
Calories: 290 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 510 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 125 mg

Keywords: crispy parmesan chicken tenders, baked chicken tenders, air fryer chicken strips