Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.

Set Up the Breading Station:

In one shallow bowl, place the flour.

In a second bowl, beat the eggs.

In a third bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Bread the Chicken Tenders:

Coat each chicken tender in flour, shaking off any excess.

Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.

Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breading sticks.

Air Fry the Chicken Tenders:

Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.

Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. Spray the tops lightly with olive oil spray.

Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Serve:

Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce.