Air-Fried Chicken Tenderloins: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Chicken tenderloins are a tasty, quick, and easy meal to make in an air fryer. They are a thin muscle found along the breast and are quite tender compared to other parts of the chicken. You can cook them in an air fryer in under 15 minutes, and they come out tender on the inside and crunchy on the outside.

How to season chicken tenderloins

Seasoning chicken tenderloins is a simple process that can be done in a few different ways, depending on your preferences and the ingredients you have available. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season chicken tenderloins:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Tenderloins

Before seasoning, it is important to pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This will help remove any excess moisture and ensure that the seasoning adheres well to the surface. You can also trim any excess fat or tendons from the tenderloins, though this is not necessary.

Step 2: Choose Your Seasonings

You can use a variety of seasonings to flavour your chicken tenderloins. Here are some popular options:

• Salt and pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried thyme, oregano, and basil
• Cayenne pepper

You can also get creative and experiment with other spices and herbs that you enjoy.

Step 3: Apply the Seasonings

Once you have chosen your seasonings, there are a few different ways to apply them:

• Mixing Bowl Method: Place the chicken tenderloins in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil (or another cooking oil of your choice) and toss to coat the tenderloins evenly. Then, add your chosen seasonings and mix until the tenderloins are thoroughly coated.
• Sprinkle and Rub Method: Simply sprinkle the seasonings over the chicken tenderloins and use your hands to rub the spices into the meat, ensuring an even coating.
• Marinade Method: Combine the chicken tenderloins with oil, seasonings, and other flavourful ingredients (such as soy sauce or herbs) in a bowl or ziplock bag. Allow the tenderloins to marinate in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight before cooking. This method infuses the meat with flavour and can result in juicier, more tender chicken.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken Tenderloins

After seasoning, cook the chicken tenderloins according to your preferred method (such as air frying, grilling, baking, or pan-frying). Ensure that the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Allow the chicken tenderloins to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain moisture and ensures juicy, tender meat. Serve with your favourite sides and enjoy!

How to cook chicken tenderloins in an air fryer

Chicken tenderloins are a great, quick and easy meal to make in an air fryer. They are a thin muscle found along the breast and are quite tender compared to other parts of the chicken.

Ingredients

You will need:

• Chicken tenderloins
• Olive oil (or vegetable/corn oil)
• Spices (e.g. smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, chilli pepper, red pepper flakes)
• Parsley and lemon slices to garnish (optional)

Method

First, preheat your air fryer to between 350-400 degrees F. Lightly grease the air fryer basket to prevent the chicken from sticking. Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels, then place them in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat completely.

Next, add your chosen spices to a small bowl and mix. Sprinkle the spices evenly over the chicken tenderloins.

Place the chicken tenderloins in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring the basket is not overcrowded. Air fry for 7-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken is done when it is golden brown and has an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Finally, transfer to a serving dish and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes. Give a squeeze of lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley to serve.

Tips

• Ensure you have greased the air fryer basket to prevent the spices and chicken from sticking.
• If needed, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
• Choose tenderloins of a similar size so that they cook evenly and completely.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer.
• For a crispy texture, always let the air fryer preheat before adding the chicken.
• For gluten-free chicken tenderloins, skip the breading and simply season the chicken.
• For keto-friendly chicken tenderloins, serve with a low-carb dipping sauce.
• You can also cook frozen chicken tenderloins in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F, spray the basket with oil, and cook the frozen tenderloins for 5 minutes. Remove, place in a marinade for a few minutes, then place back in the air fryer for an additional 7-8 minutes.

Serving suggestions

Chicken tenderloins are a versatile dish that can be served with a range of sides. For a low-carb option, serve with asparagus, carrots, green beans, or a salad. For a more traditional option, serve with French fries or sweet potato fries.

How to make crispy chicken tenderloins

Ingredients

• Chicken tenderloins
• Olive oil (or vegetable/corn/avocado oil)
• Spices (e.g. smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper)
• Breadcrumbs (optional)
• Eggs (optional)
• Flour (optional)
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Method

• Prepare the chicken: If your chicken tenderloins are frozen, you'll need to defrost them first. Then, pat them dry with paper towels.
• Marinate (optional) : Add your chicken tenderloins to a bowl with a marinade made from olive oil, minced garlic, hot sauce, and crushed red pepper. Leave to sit for at least 15 minutes, or up to overnight.
• Preheat the air fryer: Lightly grease the air fryer basket to prevent sticking, and preheat to 375°F-400°F.
• Season the chicken: Place the chicken tenderloins in a mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Add your chosen spices and toss to coat.
• Bread the chicken (optional): Dip each tenderloin in beaten egg, then into a bowl of breadcrumbs.
• Air fry: Place the chicken tenderloins in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. Air fry for 7-12 minutes, turning halfway through. The chicken is done when it's golden brown and crispy on the outside, and an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
• Rest and serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving dish and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges and your choice of dipping sauce, such as BBQ sauce, ranch, or honey sriracha sauce.

Tips

• Always preheat your air fryer to ensure the chicken gets crispy without overcooking.
• For thicker cuts of chicken, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Chicken is cooked when it reaches 165°F.
• If your air fryer basket is overcrowded, cook the chicken in batches.
• For gluten-free chicken tenderloins, omit the breadcrumbs and use gluten-free flour or cornflake crumbs.

How to serve chicken tenderloins

Chicken tenderloins are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways depending on your preferences and dietary needs. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

Side Dishes

• Healthy Options: If you're looking for something nutritious to accompany your chicken tenderloins, consider air fryer Brussels sprouts, air fryer French fries, air fryer sweet potato fries, or an air fryer baked potato. You can also opt for asparagus, carrots, green beans, or a salad.
• Traditional Options: For a more classic approach, serve your chicken tenderloins with regular French fries or sweet potato fries. You can cook these in the air fryer as well for added convenience.

Dipping Sauces

• Keto-Friendly: If you're watching your carb intake, pair your chicken tenderloins with a low-carb dipping sauce. Some options include buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.
• Classic Choices: For those who want a more traditional dipping experience, ketchup, ranch, BBQ sauce, and honey sriracha sauce are always crowd-pleasers.

Meal Ideas

• Salads: Chicken tenderloins go great with salads, such as a Greek salad, chicken Cobb salad, or a simple avocado and kale salad.
• Casseroles: They can also be used in casseroles like a chicken bacon ranch casserole or a chicken green chili casserole.
• Bowls: Create a hearty bowl by serving them with BBQ chicken bowls or chicken bacon soup.
• Sandwiches: For a heartier option, use chicken tenderloins as a sandwich filling.
• Pasta: Chicken tenderloins pair well with pasta dishes such as orzo with zucchini and tomatoes, orzo with broccoli, or a spicy vodka pasta.
• Rice: Serve them with rice, such as seasoned rice or buttered rice with peas.

Remember, chicken tenderloins are a versatile protein that can be adapted to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with different side dishes, sauces, and meal ideas to find your perfect combination!

How to store leftover chicken tenderloins

Leftover chicken tenderloins can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you wish to keep them longer, you can freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

To reheat, you can use an air fryer, a preheated oven, a hot skillet, or a microwave if you are short on time.

When storing leftover chicken, it is important to let it cool down first and then place it in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. This will help ensure that your chicken stays safe to eat and reduces the risk of bacterial growth.

Additionally, it is recommended to use a food thermometer to check that the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F before consuming it.

Frequently asked questions