Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins – Easy, Juicy, and Perfectly Crisp

There’s something magical about biting into Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins that are perfectly cooked – juicy on the inside with that satisfying golden crust on the outside. After a particularly hectic Tuesday last week, I found myself staring into the refrigerator at 6 PM, wondering what I could prepare quickly without sacrificing flavor. These Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins saved dinner that night and have become a regular in my weeknight rotation.

The beauty of Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins lies in their versatility and simplicity. With minimal prep and hardly any cleanup, you’ll have a protein-packed main course ready in minutes rather than hours. The air fryer creates that wonderful crispy exterior without the extra oil of deep frying, making these tenders a healthier option that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.

Whether you’re feeding picky kids, preparing a quick lunch, or looking for an easy protein to add to salads and wraps, these Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The gentle circulating heat of the air fryer ensures they cook evenly and stay incredibly moist – a common challenge when cooking chicken in conventional ovens.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins

• ✅ Ready in just 15 minutes – perfect for crispy air fryer chicken tenderloins without breading when time is tight
• ✅ Consistently juicy results with the optimal air fryer chicken tenderloins cooking time that prevents dryness
• ✅ Endless customization options using various healthy air fryer chicken tenderloins marinades
• ✅ Naturally gluten-free recipe that’s ideal for dietary restrictions
• ✅ Kid-friendly favorite that adults love too – the best seasonings for air fryer chicken tenderloins please everyone
• ✅ Perfect for meal prep – easy to make ahead and reheat throughout the week
• ✅ Healthier than traditional fried chicken with a fraction of the oil

Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins

• 1 pound chicken tenderloins (about 8-10 pieces)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
• Cooking spray (for the air fryer basket)

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• For a spicy kick, add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
• Substitute avocado oil for olive oil if you prefer a higher smoke point oil
• Try different seasoning blends like taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, or Cajun spice for variety
• For those watching sodium, reduce salt and add more herbs for flavor
• If you prefer a breaded version, dip tenderloins in beaten egg then in panko mixed with your seasonings

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins – Step by Step

Preparation

Step 1: Pat chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels. This is one of the essential air fryer chicken tenderloins cooking tips as it helps seasonings stick and ensures crispy exterior.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt (add pepper if using).

Step 3: Add chicken tenderloins to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. For best results, use your hands to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated.

Cooking

Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Preheating is key for crispy air fryer chicken tenderloins without breading.

Step 5: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.

Step 6: Place the seasoned chicken tenderloins in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.

Step 7: Cook for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The exact air fryer chicken tenderloins cooking time may vary based on your air fryer model and the thickness of your chicken pieces.

Step 8: Check that chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.

Step 9: Remove the Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins and let them rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins

• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Cook in batches if necessary to allow air circulation for even cooking.
• Flip halfway through: This ensures even browning on all sides.
• Marinate for extra flavor: For the most flavorful results, try different healthy air fryer chicken tenderloins marinades by marinating for 2+ hours before cooking.
• Uniform sizing: Try to use tenderloins of similar size, or cut larger pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Check early: Start checking for doneness at the 7-minute mark, as cooking times can vary between air fryer models.
• Try different temperatures: For extra juicy results, try cooking at 375°F for 9-11 minutes instead of 400°F.

Best Ways to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins

Air fryer chicken tenderloins with dipping sauces create a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish. Try serving with:

For complete meals, consider these serving suggestions:

1. Air fryer chicken tenderloins with vegetables side dish: Serve alongside roasted broccoli, sweet potato fries, or a crisp green salad.
2. Slice and add to grain bowls with quinoa, brown rice, or farro.
3. Chop and add to wraps or pita pockets with fresh vegetables and tzatziki.
4. For a low-carb air fryer chicken tenderloins meal prep option, serve with cauliflower rice and steamed vegetables.
5. Create a kid-friendly dinner with a side of mac and cheese or air fryer tater tots.

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerator: Store cooled Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer: For tender air fryer chicken tenderloins with freezing instructions, cool completely, then place in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating: For the best texture when reheating, place in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave on 70% power for 1-2 minutes.

Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins

Per Serving (about 3 tenderloins):

• Calories: 200 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Sodium: 380mg
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

This gluten-free air fryer chicken tenderloins recipe is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, making it perfect for various dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long to cook chicken tenderloins in an air fryer?

The optimal cooking time for Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins is 7-10 minutes at 400°F (200°C), flipping halfway through. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

What temperature should I set my air fryer for chicken tenderloins?

For the best results, cook Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins at 400°F (200°C). If you prefer juicier tenderloins, you can cook at 375°F (190°C) for 9-11 minutes.

Can I marinate chicken tenderloins before air frying?

Absolutely! Marinating enhances flavor and tenderness. Try healthy air fryer chicken tenderloins marinades like lemon herb, Greek yogurt, or teriyaki for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours before cooking.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer for chicken tenderloins?

Yes, preheating your air fryer for 3 minutes helps achieve the perfect crispy exterior on your Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins. This is especially important when making crispy air fryer chicken tenderloins without breading.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins prove that delicious, restaurant-quality meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With just a few ingredients and less than 20 minutes, you can create a versatile protein that works for everything from quick weeknight dinners to meal prep to kid-friendly meals.

The air fryer truly transforms ordinary chicken tenderloins into something special – juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned without the need for excessive oil or complicated techniques. Master this basic recipe, and you’ll have an endless variety of meals at your fingertips.

Have you tried making Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins at home? What are your favorite seasonings or dipping sauces? Let me know in the comments below!

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