Crispy Air Fried Chicken

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.1 lbs chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips

→ Breading

02 - 3/4 cup whole-wheat breadcrumbs

03 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

04 - 1 tsp smoked paprika

05 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder

06 - 1/2 tsp onion powder

07 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano

08 - 1/2 tsp salt

09 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Coating

10 - 2 large eggs

11 - 2 tbsp low-fat milk

12 - Olive oil spray

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.

02 - Pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

03 - In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and low-fat milk until fully combined.

04 - In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix whole-wheat breadcrumbs, Parmesan, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

05 - Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mix to adhere.

06 - Place coated chicken strips in a single layer inside the air fryer basket and lightly spray both sides with olive oil.

07 - Cook in the air fryer at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

08 - Serve immediately with your preferred dipping sauce or side accompaniment.

# Expert Tips:

01 -

They're done in under 15 minutes from prep to plate, making weeknight dinners genuinely stress-free.
The smoked paprika and Parmesan turn ordinary breadcrumbs into something that tastes intentional and restaurant-quality.
You get that satisfying crunch without oil splattering all over your stove or lingering in your hair.

02 -

Crowding the basket is the fastest way to steamed disappointment; if pieces touch, the steam rises up and softens the bottom, turning your crispy dream soggy.
That egg mixture does more than bind the breadcrumbs; it's creating a moisture barrier that keeps the chicken juicy inside while the outside shatters.

03 -