# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 1 lb chicken breast tenders, trimmed
→ Breading
02 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
03 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
09 - Zest of 1 lemon
→ Dipping & Coating
10 - 2 large eggs
11 - 2 tbsp milk
12 - 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
→ Optional Garnish
13 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
14 - Cranberry sauce or honey mustard, for serving
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
02 - Pat chicken tenders dry using paper towels.
03 - Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour; second with beaten eggs and milk; third with panko, Parmesan, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest mixed uniformly.
04 - Dredge each tender in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into egg mixture, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
05 - Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil and arrange chicken tenders in a single layer; cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
06 - Air fry tenders for 8 minutes, flip, then continue air frying for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
07 - Serve warm garnished with chopped parsley and accompanied by cranberry sauce or honey mustard.
