Creating Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders can be straightforward if you follow these simple steps:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken tenders with buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).

2. Prepare the Breading: In another shallow dish, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.

3. Coat the Chicken: Remove each chicken tender from the marinade, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off. Dredge each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.

5. Arrange the Chicken Tenders: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not overlap. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.

6. Cook the Chicken Tenders: Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray to promote browning. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

7. Check for Doneness: Ensure that the chicken tenders are cooked through and crispy on the outside. Adjust cooking time as necessary based on your air fryer model and the thickness of the tenders.

8. Serve Warm: Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.