Air-Frying Chicken Tenderloins: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Chicken tenderloins are a versatile and quick meal option that can be cooked in an air fryer in under 20 minutes. They are a great option for a weeknight dinner as they are easy to prepare and can be served with a variety of sides. The cooking time for chicken tenderloins in an air fryer varies depending on the thickness of the meat and the model and power of the air fryer, but on average, they take around 8-12 minutes to cook. The key to achieving juicy and tender chicken tenderloins is to ensure they are cooked thoroughly without overcooking, and to use an instant-read meat thermometer to check that they have reached an internal temperature of 165°F.

How long to cook chicken tenderloins in an air fryer

Chicken tenderloins can be cooked in an air fryer in under 20 minutes. The exact cooking time depends on the thickness of the tenderloins, with thinner ones cooking faster and thicker ones requiring a few extra minutes. It is recommended that you cook chicken tenderloins in an air fryer for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they are cooked through and golden on the outside. Smaller tenderloins will take less time to cook. You can also cook frozen chicken tenderloins in an air fryer, which will take about 12 minutes.

To cook chicken tenderloins in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 4 minutes. Then, add the chicken tenders to the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding and leave enough space between them to ensure even cooking. Make sure to grease the air fryer basket to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Cook the chicken tenderloins for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them once halfway through the cooking time. The cooking time can be adjusted based on the desired level of crispiness. The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, which can be checked using a meat thermometer.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer immediately to prevent overcooking. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. The cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

How to season chicken tenderloins for an air fryer

Chicken tenderloins are a versatile dish that can be seasoned in a variety of ways to suit your taste. Here are some tips and suggestions for seasoning chicken tenderloins for an air fryer:

Choosing the Right Chicken Tenderloins:

Start by selecting tenderloins of similar size so that they cook evenly. If you can't find chicken tenderloins, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into large strips.

Preparing the Chicken:

Before seasoning, it is recommended to pat the chicken dry using a paper towel. This will help the seasonings adhere better to the meat. You can also score the tenderloins with a crosshatch pattern, which will increase the surface area and allow for more seasoning.

Seasoning Options:

You can season chicken tenderloins with a variety of spices, herbs, and marinades. Here are some options:

• Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
• Smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
• Grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
• Greek yogurt and tandoori spice mix
• Kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper
• White pepper, dried parsley, rosemary, thyme, cumin, and mustard powder

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of spices and herbs to find your favorite blend. You can also marinate the chicken in sauces, dressings, or a chicken marinade for added flavor.

Adding Oil:

After seasoning, it is essential to add a light coating of oil to the chicken. This helps the seasonings stick to the meat and promotes even cooking in the air fryer. You can use olive oil or a neutral-flavored oil, such as avocado oil or canola oil.

Cooking Instructions:

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 375°F to 400°F. Lightly grease the air fryer basket to prevent the chicken from sticking. Place the seasoned chicken tenderloins in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Cook for 7 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F to ensure it is safely cooked.

Remember to adjust cooking times based on the thickness of your chicken tenderloins and the specific model and power of your air fryer. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly.

How to prevent chicken tenderloins from sticking to the air fryer

Yes, you can cook chicken tenderloins in an air fryer. They will be juicy and crispy, and only take around 8 minutes to cook.

To prevent chicken tenderloins from sticking to the air fryer, there are a few simple steps you can take. Firstly, always preheat your air fryer. Most brands specify that you must preheat the fryer to ensure even cooking. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, just set it to the desired temperature and let it run for about 3 minutes before adding your food.

The next step is to grease the air fryer basket. Even if your food doesn't require oil, it is important to grease the basket to prevent sticking. You can use a light coating of vegetable oil spray or another oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or sunflower oil. Avoid using oils with a low smoke point, like extra virgin olive oil, as these can damage the non-stick coating.

Another way to prevent sticking is to use a foil sling. You can do this by folding a sheet of aluminum foil and placing it in the basket, pressing it up and into the sides. This will not only prevent sticking but also make it easier to remove your food from the basket.

Finally, ensure that you don't overcrowd the basket. Cook the chicken in a single layer and in batches if necessary.

How to store leftover chicken tenderloins

You can store leftover chicken tenderloins in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them for longer, transfer the leftover chicken to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 to 3 months.

Allow the tenderloins to thaw in the fridge before reheating. You can reheat them in the air fryer, a preheated oven, a hot skillet, or a microwave. However, microwaving might dry out the chicken.

To reheat in the air fryer, preheat it to 375°F and heat the chicken for 4-5 minutes until warmed through and the exterior is crispy.

How to reheat chicken tenderloins

Reheating chicken tenderloins is a simple process. You can use an air fryer, preheated oven, or a hot skillet. If you're short on time, you can even use a microwave.

Firstly, ensure your chicken tenderloins are fully defrosted. It is best to let them thaw in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave.

Now, to the reheating! If you're using an air fryer, preheat it to 350-375°F (180-190°C). Place the chicken tenderloins in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Reheat for 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is warmed through and the exterior is crispy.

If you're using an oven, preheat it to 350°F (180°C). Place the chicken tenderloins on a baking sheet or in a baking dish and reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

For a hot skillet, simply place the chicken tenderloins in the skillet and heat over medium heat for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.

There you have it! Your chicken tenderloins are now ready to enjoy.

Frequently asked questions