Air fryer garlic parmesan chicken tenders are bursting with incredible flavor and are made with just 5 simple ingredients! These unbreaded chicken tenders are air-fried to perfection and drizzled with a delicious garlic butter and parmesan sauce. Serve as an appetizer or as a main dish on a salad, in a wrap, or with a side dish for a 20-minute meal!
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Why You Should These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders
- Garlic parmesan tenders are a super easy air fryer chicken recipe with just a few simple ingredients.
- Best flavor of delicious garlic and parmesan.
- Made without breadcrumbs and low carb compared to breaded versions. High in protein.
- Versatile to use on a salad or eat with a side dish.
- Quick dinner to make meals on busy weeknights easier.
- Family favorite meal that the entire family will love - even picky eaters!
- These homemade chicken tenders are healthier than deep frying!
- Juicy tender texture!
Ingredients and Substitutions
Here are the ingredients you need to make this recipe. Reference the recipe card at the bottom for exact measurements and the notes below for substitution ideas.
- Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top and air-fried for a cheesy and crispy topping.
- Butter or olive oil creates the garlic butter sauce (similar to our air fryer halibut).
- Chicken tenders: Sometimes labeled as chicken tenderloins in the grocery store. You can also cut up skinless chicken breasts into chicken strips, or cut large chicken breasts into chicken fingers or chicken nuggets.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves or garlic powder will work.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate any chicken recipe.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Below are step-by-step instructions for how to cook this recipe with the best results. The recipe card at the bottom shows the exact cooking time and temperatures.
- Heat the butter and garlic on low heat in a small saucepan. Pat the raw chicken dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Place chicken tenders in a single layer on the air fryer basket. Spray them with cooking spray and then season them with salt and pepper. Air fry at 350 F for 6 minutes per side.
- Place cooked chicken tenders into a large bowl and pour the garlic butter sauce over them. Coat them evenly with the sauce and with Parmesan cheese.
- Place the tenders back onto the air fryer tray and top with extra cheese if desired. Air fry for a couple of minutes (3-5 minutes) or until the cheese is golden brown and melted.
Expert Tips
- For best results follow the recipe card as written.
- Cook time for this parmesan chicken recipe will depend on your air fryer model. Ovens with air fryer settings will take longer than a smaller air fryer.
- Chicken is cooked when the internal temperature is 165 F when a meat thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.
- For a breaded chicken tender recipe, try this crispy air fryer chicken tender recipe that uses either Panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs.
- For other no breading chicken tender recipes try our buffalo chicken tenders or our unbreaded chicken tenderloins.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and french fries!
- Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freeze leftovers in a freezer bag or a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Other Air Fryer Chicken Recipes to Try!
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Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken tenders
- 1 cup parmesan cheese grated or shredded
- 4 whole garlic cloves minced
- 3 tablespoon butter
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the butter and garlic on low heat in a small saucepan. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.4 whole garlic cloves, 3 tablespoon butter, 2 pounds chicken tenders
- Place the chicken tenders in a single layer on the air fryer pan. Spray them with cooking spray and then season them with salt and pepper. Air fry at 350 F for 6 minutes per side.salt and pepper to taste
- Place the cooked chicken tenders into a large bowl and pour the melted butter and garlic over them. Coat them evenly with the sauce and then with Parmesan cheese.1 cup parmesan cheese
- Place the chicken tenders back onto the air fryer tray and top with extra cheese if desired. Air fry for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and melted.
Notes
- The cooking time will depend on your air fryer model. Ovens with an air fryer setting will take longer than a smaller air fryer model.
- Chicken is cooked at 165 F when an instant-read thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
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