Air Fryer Breaded Tenderloins: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to cook breaded tenderloins, and they can be used to cook both chicken and pork tenderloins. Breaded tenderloins are a popular dish, especially in the Midwest, where they are often served as a sandwich. The air fryer is a great option for cooking breaded tenderloins as it helps to create a crispy exterior while keeping the meat moist and tender.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for breaded tenderloins in an air fryer depend on the type of meat and the thickness of the tenderloin pieces.

For chicken breast tenderloins, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer before cooking. One source suggests cooking chicken tenderloins for 4 minutes on each side at 400°F (8 minutes in total), flipping them halfway through. Another source recommends cooking for 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, which is supported by several other sources. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165°F when it is completely cooked.

For pork tenderloins, it is recommended to cook at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. The internal temperature should be 145°F when the tenderloin is cooked. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the tenderloin pieces and the model of the air fryer.

Ingredients

The ingredients you will need for breaded tenderloins in an air fryer will depend on your personal preferences and the type of tenderloin you are preparing. Here are the ingredients for two popular options: breaded chicken tenderloins and breaded pork tenderloin.

Breaded Chicken Tenderloins

For breaded chicken tenderloins, you will need the following ingredients:

• Chicken tenderloins or, alternatively, regular boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into large strips
• Spices such as smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
• Olive oil or another neutral-flavored oil
• Parsley and lemon slices for garnish
• Lemon juice (optional)

You can also add other spices such as cayenne pepper, chili pepper, or red pepper flakes to spice up your recipe.

Breaded Pork Tenderloin

For breaded pork tenderloin, you will need the following ingredients:

• Pork tenderloin, cut into 1/4-inch rounds—ensure the meat is a pinkish color, avoiding any with pale colors or dark spots on the fat
• Egg
• Breadcrumbs
• Seasoned salt
• Flour (optional)
• Oil spray
• Your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, sauteed vegetables, or rice

You can also add other spices such as Cajun, salt, and pepper to taste.

Tenderloin preparation

Trimming and Tying:

Start by trimming any excess fat or silver skin from the tenderloin. The silver skin is a thin, tough membrane that can be found on one side of the tenderloin, and it's important to remove it to ensure the meat is tender. Use a sharp boning knife to gently separate the skin from the meat and trim it away.

Next, curl the small end of the tenderloin towards the middle to create an even thickness. This step ensures that the meat cooks evenly. Then, use kitchen twine to tie the tenderloin into 1-inch thick sections. This process helps hold the meat together during cooking and ensures even cooking throughout.

Dry Aging and Seasoning:

After trimming and tying, it's time to dry age the tenderloin. Place the tied tenderloin on a rack in a roasting pan and let it rest uncovered in the refrigerator for at least one hour or up to 24 hours. This process helps develop flavour and creates a nice crust on the meat.

Before cooking, remove the tenderloin from the refrigerator and season it generously with salt and pepper. You can also experiment with other seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or thyme to add extra flavour.

Breadcrumbs and Oil:

For a crispy coating, coat the seasoned tenderloin with breadcrumbs. You can use traditional breadcrumbs or opt for panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy texture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the surface of the tenderloin to ensure an even coating.

Drizzle or spray the tenderloin with a light coating of olive oil. This step helps the breadcrumbs brown and adds moisture to the meat. Let the tenderloin sit for a few minutes after coating to allow the breadcrumbs to adhere to the meat properly.

Cooking:

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 350°F to 400°F. Place the tenderloin in the air fryer, ensuring there is only a single layer of meat in the basket to allow for even cooking.

Cooking time will depend on the thickness of the tenderloin and the model of your air fryer. For a single-layer tenderloin, cook for approximately 10-12 minutes at 350°F-375°F, or 8-14 minutes at 400°F, flipping the tenderloin halfway through.

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat. For chicken tenderloins, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. For pork tenderloins, cook to an internal temperature of 145°F for food safety.

Let the tenderloin rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a juicy, tender bite.

Storage and Reheating:

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze them indefinitely. To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F and cook for 3-4 minutes, or longer if reheating from frozen. Ensure the pork tenderloin reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F before serving.

Preparing breaded tenderloins for the air fryer is a simple process that delivers delicious results. By following these steps, you can enjoy tender, juicy, and flavourful meat with a crispy coating that's hard to resist!

Storage and reheating

Breaded tenderloins can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To store, place the cooked and cooled tenderloins in an airtight container or freezer bag and move them to the fridge or freezer within 2 hours of cooking.

To reheat, you can use an air fryer, a preheated oven, a hot skillet, or a microwave. When reheating in an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F to prevent the meat from drying out. Reheat the tenderloins for 3-5 minutes, and if reheating from frozen, allow an additional 8-10 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the tenderloins have reached a safe internal temperature of 145°F before serving.

Serving suggestions

Breaded tenderloin is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions for breaded tenderloin cooked in an air fryer:

Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

A classic Midwestern dish, the breaded pork tenderloin sandwich is a hearty and indulgent option. To make this sandwich, start by buttering some buns and cooking them on a hot skillet until they are toasted. Then, take your cooked tenderloins and place them between the buns. The traditional way to serve this sandwich is with a squirt of mustard, slices of dill pickles, and thinly sliced white or yellow onion. For a complete meal, serve it with a side of potato chips, french fries, potato salad, or coleslaw.

Salad

Breaded tenderloin also makes a great addition to a salad. You can serve it on a bed of greens with your favourite vegetables and a light vinaigrette dressing. The contrast between the crispy, breaded tenderloin and the fresh vegetables will make for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Dipping Sauce

If you're looking for a more interactive and hands-on eating experience, serve your breaded tenderloin with a dipping sauce. Ranch dressing or barbecue sauce are great options that will complement the flavour of the meat well. You can also offer a variety of sauces for your guests to choose from, such as honey mustard, sweet and sour sauce, or even a spicy Sriracha mayo.

Sides

Breaded tenderloin can also be served as a main course with a variety of sides. Some options include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, you can also serve it with a side of fries.

Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for longer. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through. This will help maintain the crispy texture of the breading while ensuring the meat stays moist and tender.

Frequently asked questions