Air-Fryer Chicken Tenderloins: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Chicken tenderloins are a quick and easy meal to make in an air fryer, taking only 7 to 12 minutes to cook. They are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and sauces. The tenderloins are coated in a simple blend of oil and spices, and the air fryer ensures they are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Pre-cook preparation

Preparing chicken breast tenderloins for the air fryer is a quick and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Choosing the Right Cut

Chicken tenderloins are thin strips of meat located under the breast and are the leanest part of the chicken. You can also use chicken breast cut into strips or chicken thighs for this recipe. If you opt for chicken tenderloins, make sure they are of similar size so that they cook evenly.

Marination

While some recipes call for a simple seasoning of the chicken tenderloins, others suggest a quick marination to enhance the flavour and tenderness of the meat. For a basic seasoning, you can use olive oil, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix the spices with the olive oil and coat the chicken tenderloins evenly. For a more complex flavour profile, you can experiment with additional spices such as cayenne pepper, chilli pepper, or red pepper flakes.

If you choose to marinate the chicken, prepare a mixture of oil (avocado or olive), white vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir the chicken strips into this mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge to marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Do not exceed a marination time of 12 hours, as this can over-tenderize the meat and give it a mushy texture.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Before adding the chicken to the air fryer, it is crucial to preheat the appliance. Set your air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C) and lightly grease the air fryer basket to prevent the chicken from sticking. Preheating ensures even and quick cooking, helping to achieve that desirable crispy texture.

Cooking the Chicken

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook the chicken. Place the tenderloins in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Depending on the thickness of your chicken tenderloins, cook them for 7-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. For thicker cuts, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly.

Resting and Serving

Finally, transfer the cooked chicken to a serving dish and let it rest for about 5 minutes. You can garnish with lemon slices and chopped parsley, and serve with your choice of dipping sauces such as BBQ sauce, ranch, or honey sriracha sauce.

Cooking method

Air fryer chicken breast tenderloins are a quick and easy meal to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner. The cooking time is generally around 7 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the tenderloins and the model of your air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook juicy and tender chicken breast tenderloins in your air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

Start by slicing raw chicken breasts into uniform strips, about 1 inch thick. These strips are your tenderloins. You can also use pre-cut chicken tenderloins or chicken tenders for this recipe.

Step 2: Marinade (optional)

Place the chicken strips into a large bowl and add your preferred marinade. A simple marinade could include olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add vinegar to the marinade to help tenderize the chicken. Mix well and ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge to marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Do not marinate for more than 12 hours, as this may over-tenderize the meat.

Step 3: Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 375F and 400F. Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Step 4: Season the chicken

If you skipped the marinade step, now is the time to season your chicken. Add the tenderloins to a mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil (or another neutral-flavoured oil). Toss to coat the chicken completely, then sprinkle your chosen spices and herbs over the chicken. Mix well to ensure the tenderloins are evenly coated.

Step 5: Cook the chicken

Place the chicken tenderloins into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Cook for 7 to 12 minutes, flipping the tenderloins halfway through the cooking process. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your tenderloins. For thicker cuts, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be at least 165F when the chicken is cooked.

Step 6: Rest and serve

Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a serving dish and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. You can serve air fryer chicken breast tenderloins with a variety of sides, such as French fries, tater tots, sweet potato fries, onion rings, or a salad. They are also great for dipping, so you can serve them with your favourite sauces, such as BBQ sauce, ranch, or honey sriracha sauce.

Post-cook preparation

Once your chicken tenderloins are cooked, it's time to prepare them for serving. Here are some tips for post-cook preparation:

Resting

Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain moisture and ensures the chicken is juicy and tender. Five minutes should be enough, but you can leave it for longer if needed.

Garnishing

Garnishes can add a pop of colour and a boost of flavour to your dish. Fresh herbs like parsley or coriander are great options, and a squeeze of lemon juice can also enhance the flavour of the chicken.

Serving

Chicken tenderloins are versatile and can be served in many ways. You can serve them as a main dish with sides like French fries, tater tots, sweet potato fries, onion rings, or a salad. They also work well in wraps, sandwiches, or on top of a salad.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover chicken tenderloins, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating

When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, you can reheat the chicken tenderloins in the air fryer, oven, skillet, or even the microwave if you're short on time. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they're safely heated through.

Sides and Sauces

To elevate your meal, serve your chicken tenderloins with a dipping sauce on the side. BBQ sauce, ranch, honey sriracha, and buffalo sauce are all great options. For a healthier option, serve with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, carrots, or green beans.

What to serve with chicken tenderloins

Chicken tenderloins are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to create a well-balanced and tasty meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with chicken tenderloins:

Healthy Sides

• Air fryer vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, asparagus, green beans, or thinly sliced bell peppers.
• Salad, such as a main-dish salad with a honey-dijon dressing, or a Greek salad with feta cheese and pita bread.
• Rice or pasta, such as garlic butter pasta, or seasoned rice.
• Baked potato or sweet potato fries.

Dipping Sauces

• BBQ sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Honey Sriracha sauce
• Buffalo sauce
• Homemade sauces such as Copycat Cane’s Sauce or Copycat Taco Bell Quesadilla Sauce.

Other Sides

• French fries, tater tots, or onion rings.
• Glazed baby carrots or peas.
• Grilled vegetables.

Storage instructions

Storing your air-fried chicken breast tenderloins correctly is essential to ensure they remain tasty and safe to eat. Here are some detailed storage instructions to keep your leftovers in top condition:

Refrigeration

To store your cooked and cooled chicken breast tenderloins in the refrigerator, place them in an airtight container. This will prevent odours from affecting the flavour of the chicken and stop bacteria from entering the container. The tenderloins will stay fresh for up to four days when stored this way.

Freezing

If you want to store your cooked chicken breast tenderloins for longer, you can freeze them. Again, use an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn and odours from affecting the flavour. They will keep in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating

When you're ready to enjoy your tenderloins again, simply take them out of the fridge or freezer and reheat them. You can use the air fryer, a preheated oven, or a hot skillet for this. If you're short on time, you can even microwave them!

Frequently asked questions