Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins Recipe for Juicy Weeknight Wins

Crispy and golden air fryer chicken tenderloins promise a delightful meal that’s both quick and mouthwatering.

These tender chicken strips sizzle with flavor when cooked in the air fryer, creating a perfect weeknight dinner solution.

Packed with juicy goodness and a satisfying crunch, the recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen.

You’ll love how effortlessly these tenderloins come together with just a few simple ingredients.

The air fryer works its magic, sealing in moisture while creating an irresistibly crisp exterior that everyone will adore.

Seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, these chicken tenderloins are sure to become a family favorite that disappears from the plate in minutes.

Let’s unlock the secret to making the most delectable chicken tenderloins that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins Flavorful Perks

• Speedy Cooking: Whip up delicious chicken tenderloins in just minutes using an air fryer, perfect for busy weeknights or quick meal solutions.
• Healthier Twist: Enjoy crispy, golden chicken with minimal oil, creating a lighter version of a classic comfort food that doesn't sacrifice flavor.
• Kid-Approved Delight: Parmesan-coated chicken tenders offer a crowd-pleasing meal that both children and adults will love, making dinnertime a breeze.
• Versatile Meal Option: Easily pair these tenders with various sides like salad, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients for Chicken Tenderloins in Air Fryer

• Chicken Tenderloins: Tender, lean cuts of chicken that cook quickly and absorb flavors beautifully.

• Parmesan Cheese, Spices: Provides a savory, cheesy coating that adds depth and a crispy texture to the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Helps the seasonings adhere to the chicken and promotes even browning in the air fryer.

Making Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins

Step 1: Craft a Zesty Seasoning Blend

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in the chicken tenderloins.

• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Salt

Massage the seasonings into the chicken, ensuring every nook and cranny gets coated with flavor.

Step 2: Fire Up the Air Fryer

Activate your air fryer and set the temperature to a crispy 375°F.

Let it warm up for about 3 minutes, creating the perfect cooking environment for golden, juicy tenderloins.

Step 3: Arrange and Sizzle

Carefully place the seasoned chicken tenderloins inside the air fryer basket.

Make sure they’re not overcrowded, allowing hot air to circulate freely.

Cook for 4 minutes, then use tongs to flip each tenderloin.

Step 4: Finish to Perfection

Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes.

The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and boasts a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the tenderloins from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes.

This helps retain their juicy goodness.

Serve hot and enjoy your crispy, flavor-packed chicken!

Pro Tips for Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins

• Marinate chicken in the seasoning mix for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance taste and tenderness.
• Pat chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure a crispy exterior and prevent soggy texture.
• Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature reaches 165F for safe consumption.
• Lightly spray air fryer basket with cooking spray to help chicken release easily and maintain its coating.
• Swap parmesan for nutritional yeast to make the recipe dairy-free and still keep a cheesy flavor profile.

Chicken Tenderloin Flavor Options

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace parmesan with almond flour and add gluten-free breadcrumbs for a crispy coating.
• Mediterranean Style: Swap spices with oregano, garlic powder, and lemon zest for a zesty Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick Version: Mix in cayenne pepper, chili powder, and smoked paprika to create a hot and bold chicken tenderloin experience.
• Low-Carb Protein Option: Substitute parmesan with crushed pork rinds for extra protein and zero carbohydrate coating, perfect for keto dieters.

Serving Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins

• Protein-Packed Plate Companions: Serve alongside fluffy quinoa or wild rice for a balanced meal that adds nutrition and texture.
• Family-Style Dipping Delight: Prepare quick honey mustard, ranch, or spicy sriracha sauce for interactive and fun eating experience that lets everyone customize their chicken.
• Fresh Veggie Sidekick: Pair with roasted broccoli, crispy air-fried asparagus, or colorful mixed salad to create a vibrant and wholesome dinner plate that boosts vegetable intake.
• Quick Sandwich Transformation: Slice tenderloins and layer on soft brioche buns with fresh lettuce, tomato, and light mayo for a quick lunch upgrade that takes minimal extra effort.

Storage Tips for Chicken Tenderloins

• Store leftover chicken tenderloins in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Wrap individual tenderloins in plastic wrap or place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months to preserve flavor and texture. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Warm refrigerated chicken in the air fryer at 350F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy results. Add a light spray of oil to help revive the crisp coating.
• Allow cooked chicken to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation inside the container, which can make the crispy coating soggy and compromise taste and texture.

FAQs

• Are chicken tenderloins the same as chicken breast?

Chicken tenderloins are smaller, more tender strips of meat located beneath chicken breasts. They cook faster and are more delicate compared to full chicken breasts.

• Can I use frozen chicken tenderloins?

Yes, but thaw completely first and pat dry before seasoning. Frozen chicken can increase cooking time and affect the crispy texture.

• What types of seasonings work best with chicken tenderloins?

Herbs like garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese are excellent. Salt, pepper, and dried herbs enhance flavor without overwhelming the meat’s natural taste.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 13 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy golden air fryer chicken tenderloins bring Southern comfort to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken emerges from the air fryer, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken tenderloins

Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cooking Liquid:

• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Combine chicken tenderloins with olive oil, grated parmesan, and selected seasonings in a mixing bowl, ensuring each piece is thoroughly and uniformly coated with the flavorful mixture.
2. Activate the air fryer and set the temperature to 375°F, allowing it to warm up for approximately 3 minutes to create an optimal cooking environment.
3. Carefully arrange the seasoned chicken tenderloins inside the air fryer basket, maintaining a single layer without overcrowding to promote even heat circulation.
4. Cook the tenderloins for 4 minutes, then gently flip each piece using tongs to promote balanced browning and consistent cooking.
5. Continue air frying for an additional 3-4 minutes, monitoring the internal temperature until it reaches the safe threshold of 165°F, indicating the chicken is fully cooked and safe to consume.
6. Once completed, remove the tenderloins from the air fryer and let them rest for 2-3 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, tender texture before serving.

Notes

• Achieve maximum flavor by letting chicken marinate in seasoning mix for 15-30 minutes before cooking, allowing spices to deeply penetrate the meat.
• Prevent sticking by lightly spraying air fryer basket with cooking spray or brushing with olive oil before adding chicken tenderloins.
• For extra crispy exterior, dust tenderloins with a thin layer of cornstarch or panko breadcrumbs before seasoning, creating a delightful crunchy texture.
• Customize seasoning blend by experimenting with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika to match personal taste preferences or complement side dishes.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg