Craving a quick and easy dinner that’s healthy and delicious? Look no further than air fryer chicken tenderloins! These tender, juicy strips of chicken are seasoned to perfection and air-fried to a crispy, golden brown in just a few minutes. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a surefire winner.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this air fryer chicken tenderloins recipe is its simplicity. You can prepare all the ingredients in no time, and the outcome is bursting with flavor.
Here’s What You’ll Need:
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins : These are boneless, skinless strips of chicken perfect for air frying.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil : Olive oil helps the seasoning adhere to the chicken and develop that golden-brown crispy exterior.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika : This adds a smoky depth to the chicken, elevating the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning : A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme will give the tenderloins an irresistible Italian flair.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder : Garlic powder enhances the savory and robust flavors of the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt : A pinch of salt will bring out all the other flavors.
Each ingredient plays an important role and can easily be found in your pantry. These seasonings will give your chicken a delightful balance of smoky, savory, and aromatic flavors, making every bite a delight!
Preparing the Chicken Tenderloins
Now that you have the ingredients ready, it’s time to prepare the chicken tenderloins for air frying. This step is super easy and can be done in under 5 minutes!
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F) . Preheating helps ensure even cooking and gives the chicken a head start on achieving that extra crispiness.
- While the air fryer is warming up, lightly grease the air fryer basket with a non-stick spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
- In a large mixing bowl, place your 1 pound of chicken tenderloins .
- Drizzle the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the tenderloins, coating them well. The oil adds moisture to the chicken, making it juicy while helping the seasonings stick.
- Sprinkle the smoked paprika , Italian seasoning , garlic powder , and salt over the chicken.
- Use your hands or a pair of tongs to mix everything thoroughly, ensuring each chicken tender is evenly coated with both the oil and seasonings.
At this point, your seasoned chicken should be fragrant and ready to air fry. The olive oil and seasonings will create a delectable crust once cooked, while the inside remains tender and juicy.
Cooking the Chicken Tenderloins in the Air Fryer
With your chicken tenderloins perfectly seasoned, it’s time to let your air fryer work its magic. The beauty of air frying is that you get a crispy, “fried” finish with minimal oil, making it a healthier choice without compromising on texture or flavor.
Step 1: Arrange the Chicken in a Single Layer
- Place the seasoned chicken tenderloins into the preheated air fryer basket , ensuring they are in a single layer .
- Don’t overcrowd the basket because proper air circulation is key to achieving a crispy exterior. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken
- Cook the chicken tenderloins for 7-8 minutes at 190°C (375°F) .
- Halfway through the cooking time , after about 3-4 minutes, open the air fryer and flip the tenderloins to ensure even cooking on both sides. This step helps both sides achieve that perfect golden color and ensures the chicken cooks all the way through.
Step 3: Check for Doneness
- After 7-8 minutes, check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer . The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F (75°C) to ensure the chicken is safe to eat.
- If the tenderloins aren’t fully cooked, add an extra minute or two, but be careful not to overcook, as this can lead to dry chicken.
The air fryer locks in the juiciness while creating the crispy outer layer you crave. The result is flavorful, perfectly cooked chicken that’s ideal for serving in a variety of ways!
Resting, Serving, and Storage
Congratulations! Your air fryer chicken tenderloins are cooked to perfection. Now let’s make sure they rest for peak juiciness and explore a few serving ideas to wow your hungry crowd.
Step 1: Let the Chicken Rest
- Once the chicken tenderloins are done cooking, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket using tongs or a spatula.
- Allow the tenderloins to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This step is important because it lets the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy.
Step 2: Serving Suggestions
These air fryer chicken tenderloins are incredibly versatile and can be served in multiple delicious ways:
- As a Main Dish : Serve them with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
- In a Wrap or Sandwich : Add the tenderloins to a tortilla or sandwich, toss in some lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Over a Salad : Chop them up and toss them over a crisp green salad with your favorite dressing for a light yet protein-packed lunch.
- With Dipping Sauces : Pair with ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or even hot sauce for a tasty snack or appetizer option.
Step 3: Storing Your Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), here’s how to store them for later enjoyment:
- Refrigerator : Store cooked chicken tenderloins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days .
- Freezer : You can also freeze the cooked tenderloins. Once they’ve fully cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months . To reheat, thaw them in the fridge and pop them back in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 3-4 minutes to crisp them up again.
And there you have it—crispy, golden, and juicy air-fried chicken tenderloins that are sure to become a go-to in your meal rotation. They’re quick, easy, and loaded with flavor, making them the perfect choice for those busy weeknights or hassle-free meal preps.
Conclusion
Air fryer chicken tenderloins are a game-changer when it comes to quick, healthy, and delicious meals. With minimal oil, you can achieve that irresistible crispy exterior without sacrificing the juicy tenderness inside. The combination of smoky paprika, Italian herbs, and garlic makes every bite packed with bold flavors. Plus, using the air fryer dramatically cuts down on cooking time without compromising taste or texture.
Whether you’re preparing for a busy weeknight dinner, feeding a crowd, or meal-prepping for the days ahead, this recipe provides a convenient, nutritious solution with endless serving possibilities. From wraps and salads to a quick snack dipped in your favorite sauce, these chicken tenderloins are versatile and sure to become a family favorite.
The best part ? Cleanup is a breeze, and the air fryer keeps things simple and stress-free in the kitchen. With your chicken tenderloins perfectly seasoned, air-fried, and served, this recipe is bound to be a regular in your meal rotation.
Give this easy recipe a try and enjoy your crispy chicken without the guilt!