Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Lemon and Garlic

For the chicken tenders:

• 1 lb (about 450 g) chicken tenders or boneless chicken breast sliced into strips
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra crispiness)

🥣 Instructions:

1. Prepare the marinade:
   In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder.
2. Marinate the chicken:
   Add chicken tenders to the bowl and toss to coat well. Let them marinate for at least 15–30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge for extra flavor).
3. Coat the tenders:
   In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan (if using).
   Dredge each tender in the breadcrumb mixture to coat them evenly.
4. Air fry:
   • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
   • Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer (you may need to cook in batches).
   • Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Serve:
   Remove from the air fryer and squeeze a little extra lemon juice on top before serving.