# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 1 pound chicken breast tenders, trimmed
→ Breading
02 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
03 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
09 - Zest of 1 lemon
→ Dipping & Coating
10 - 2 large eggs
11 - 2 tablespoons milk
12 - 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
→ Optional Garnish
13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
14 - Cranberry sauce or honey mustard, for serving
# Method:
01 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
02 - Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
03 - Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour; one with beaten eggs and milk; one with panko, Parmesan, smoked paprika, garlic powder, thyme, salt, black pepper, and lemon zest combined.
04 - Dredge each tender in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg mixture, then press into breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated.
05 - Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place chicken tenders in a single layer without crowding, working in batches if necessary.
06 - Cook for 8 minutes, flip tenders, then cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
07 - Plate tenders warm, garnish with parsley, and serve with cranberry sauce or honey mustard as desired.
