Hey there my friend 
. If you want crispy, juicy, and delicious chicken tenderloins without deep frying, you are in the right place. This air fryer recipe gives you golden-brown chicken with a crunchy outside and tender inside. And guess what? No greasy mess.
The best part? It takes just a few minutes to prep, and you only need a handful of ingredients. Let’s get cooking.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs
- Measuring spoons
- Baking sheet (optional for resting the cooked tenders)
Important Info
- Servings: 4 servings
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: About $8
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 15 minutes
- Calories per serving: About 250 kcal
- Cook method: Air Frying
- Season: Perfect all year round
- Courses: Main Course, Snack
- Cuisine: American
- Diets: High-Protein, Low-Carb
How to Make Chicken Tenderloin in Air Fryer
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for a crispy coating)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | Melted butter or avocado oil |
| Breadcrumbs | Crushed cornflakes or panko |
| Parmesan cheese | Nutritional yeast or cheddar cheese |
| Paprika | Cayenne pepper for more heat |
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Prepare the chicken by patting the tenderloins dry with a paper towel.
- Season the chicken in a bowl by mixing olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Toss the chicken in the mixture until fully coated.
- For a crispy coating (optional): Mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a separate bowl, then press the seasoned chicken into the mixture.
- Arrange in the air fryer: Place the tenderloins in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd them.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let them rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Do not stack the chicken in the air fryer. It needs space to cook evenly.
- If using frozen tenderloins, thaw them first for better seasoning and crispiness.
- Spray a little cooking oil on the chicken before air frying for an extra crispy texture.
- If your air fryer is small, cook in batches instead of overcrowding.
What to Serve with Chicken Tenderloin in Air Fryer
These chicken tenderloins pair well with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. You can also serve them with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
Serve them on a plate with your favorite sides. If using them in wraps or sandwiches, slice them and stuff them into tortillas or buns with lettuce and sauce.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
These tenderloins are great for game nights, parties, and family dinners. They also work well for meal prep since they stay juicy even when reheated. Pack them in lunchboxes for an easy, high-protein meal.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- Keep the cooked chicken covered on a plate for up to 2 hours.
Refrigeration
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to get them crispy again.
Freezing
- Freeze cooked tenderloins in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat straight from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of tenderloins?
Yes, but cut the chicken breast into strips for even cooking. Tenderloins cook faster and are naturally softer.
Can I make these without oil?
Yes, but a little oil helps the seasoning stick and makes the tenders crispier. If you skip the oil, they may be slightly drier.
Can I air fry frozen chicken tenderloins?
Yes, but increase the cooking time to 12-14 minutes and check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
What temperature should chicken tenderloins be cooked to?
They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding makes them cook unevenly and less crispy.
