Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins: The Secret to Getting Them Crispy Without Eggs

Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins: The Secret to Getting Them Crispy Without Eggs:
Are you tired of the usual dry and sad chicken breast? Today I reveal how to prepare air fryer chicken tenderloins that will make you forget traditional frying. What’s special? We won’t use eggs for the breading! A light, protein-rich, and super-fast recipe, perfect for those short on time but unwilling to compromise on taste.

Tray of crispy air fryer chicken tenderloins without eggs, golden and juicy
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cost: Cheap
  • Preparation time: 10 Minutes
  • Cooking time: 10 Minutes
  • Portions: 4
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Seasonality: All seasons
6.57 Kcal
calories per serving
Info Close
  • Energy 6.57 (Kcal)
  • Carbohydrates 0.17 (g) of which sugars 0.02 (g)
  • Proteins 0.30 (g)
  • Fat 0.55 (g) of which saturated 0.18 (g)of which unsaturated 0.36 (g)
  • Fibers 0.09 (g)
  • Sodium 5.51 (mg)

Indicative values for a portion of 150 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.

* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov

Ingredients

The strength of this recipe lies in its simplicity: we will use a few basic components that you surely already have in the pantry. No eggs, no scale, and no complications, just a clever mix of flavors and a smart breading that keeps the chicken juicy. Here’s what you need for this light and tasty version:

  • to taste olive oil
  • to taste dried parsley
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan

Nutritional Information (Per 100g)
Macro-nutrients
Average value
Calories 165 kcal
Proteins 22 g
Fats 4 g
Carbohydrates 9 g

Tools

To make these tenderloins so crispy they seem fried, you don’t need a professional kitchen, just your trusty air fryer and a few small adjustments. Having the right tools at hand will allow you to prepare dinner in less than 15 minutes without dirtying anything else. Here’s the necessary equipment for a top-notch result:

  • 1 oil sprayer
  • 1 Bowl large bowl
  • 1 Tongs kitchen tongs

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Method: air fryer chicken

Follow me step by step: you’ll see that the trick to keeping the breading from coming off is simpler than you think. Even if it’s your first time with the air fryer, this method will guarantee golden fillets on the outside and very soft on the inside in no time. Let’s get to work and prepare this time-saving dinner together:

  • Preparation: Quickly pass the chicken fillets through milk (or brush them with a little oil). This step replaces the egg and makes the breadcrumbs adhere perfectly.

  • Breading: In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, dried parsley, just like I did, but feel free to vary also with fresh ingredients. Coat each fillet well, pressing with your fingers.

  • Arrangement: Place the fillets in the air fryer basket. Be careful not to overlap them too much to allow the air to circulate.

  • Cooking: Cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Halfway through cooking, turn the fillets and give them a light spray of oil if you want them extra golden.
    Result: Serve immediately when they are still hot and crunchy!

This recipe is perfect for the next day’s lunchbox or to get kids to eat white meat without complaints!

Air fryer chicken tenderloin:
The Extra Touch: Add some grated lemon zest to the breading for an incredible freshness.

Spicy Variation: Add a pinch of chili or hot paprika if you love strong flavors.

breaded air fryer chicken tenderloin showing super crunchy breadcrumb and Parmesan crust.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins: The Secret to Getting Them Crispy Without Eggs

FAQ (Questions and Answers) air fryer chicken

Cooking chicken may seem obvious, but one minute too long can make it dry and tough. In this section, I’ve gathered your most frequently asked questions to ensure your tenderloins are always impeccable and to give you some tips on how to best manage your air fryer:

  • How to keep chicken from drying out?

    Do not exceed 12 minutes of cooking. Tenderloins are tender and cook quickly.

  • Can I use frozen chicken?

    It’s better not to for the breading, but if you do, make sure it is completely thawed and dried with paper towels.

  • What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?

    For a gluten-free version, use cornmeal or crushed corn flakes.

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Sonia Lunghetti

Hello, I'm Sonia, passionate about cooking, photography, and with a clear mission: to make cooking simpler and more accessible for everyone! Whether you are a busy mom, a dessert enthusiast, or someone looking for easy yet delicious recipes, here you will find ideas that will make you fall in love with cooking.

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