Air Fryer Tenderloins: Cooking Time For Perfect Results

Chicken tenderloins are a versatile, quick, and easy meal to make in an air fryer. They are a great option for a weeknight dinner as they take less than 20 minutes to cook and require minimal prep. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the chicken and the temperature of the air fryer, but on average, they take 7 to 12 minutes to cook at temperatures ranging from 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The key to juicy, tender chicken tenderloins is to not overcook them and to let them rest for a few minutes after cooking.

Cooking Chicken Tenderloins in an Air Fryer

How to get tenderloins crispy

To get tenderloins crispy, it is recommended to cook them in an air fryer for around 8 minutes at 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the outside is crispy, while the inside remains juicy and moist.

Firstly, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket. In a mixing bowl, add the chicken tenders and oil, and mix well. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil. Then, add your choice of seasonings and mix until combined. For a basic recipe, you can use Italian breadcrumbs and add some cayenne pepper. Get creative and experiment with different spices and seasonings to find your perfect flavor.

Next, dip the chicken tenders in an egg and flour mixture, letting the excess liquid drip off. Place the tenders in the breadcrumbs and pack the breading in well, pressing tightly with your hands. Lay them onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet or plate. Spray the top side of the chicken tenders with the oil spray.

Now you are ready to place the chicken tenders in the air fryer. Put them in a single layer, with the sprayed side facing down. Spray the other side with another layer of oil spray. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes. Then, flip the tenders and air fry again at the same temperature for another 4-6 minutes. The panko crust should be golden and crispy.

If you are cooking pre-cooked frozen chicken tenders, cook them at 360°F for about 12 minutes. For thicker chicken tenders, you may need to increase the cooking time. Always ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (74°C).

To keep your tenders crispy, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, use a preheated air fryer, oven, or hot skillet. You can also freeze the cooked tenders for up to 3 months.

Recommended temperature and time

The recommended temperature and time for cooking chicken tenderloins in an air fryer vary depending on the recipe and the desired level of doneness. However, most sources recommend cooking chicken tenderloins at a temperature between 375°F and 400°F for 7 to 12 minutes.

Some sources suggest preheating the air fryer to 375°F and cooking the chicken tenderloins for 7 to 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This results in juicy and tender chicken that is crispy on the outside.

Other sources recommend cooking chicken tenderloins at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them once halfway through. This higher temperature and longer cooking time ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, which is the safe temperature for consuming chicken.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken tenderloins. Thicker cuts may require a longer cooking time or a lower temperature to ensure they are cooked through without drying out. Additionally, it is recommended to cook the chicken tenderloins in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.

For frozen chicken tenderloins, the cooking time may be slightly longer, but it is still a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious and healthy meal.

How to store and reheat tenderloins

Storing and reheating tenderloins depends on the type of meat. Here is a guide for chicken, beef, and pork tenderloins.

Chicken Tenderloins

To store cooked chicken tenderloins, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, use an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.

To reheat, you can use an air fryer, a preheated oven, a hot skillet, or a microwave. When reheating in an air fryer, preheat the device to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and brush the basket with oil. Heat the chicken tenderloins for 2-3 minutes until they are warm.

Beef Tenderloins

Beef tenderloins can be reheated in an oven, on a stovetop, in a microwave, or on a grill. To reheat in an oven, preheat the device to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and wrap the tenderloin in aluminum foil. Heat for 10-15 minutes. For a microwave, place the meat in a microwave-safe dish, add gravy or sauce, cover with aluminum foil, and heat for at least 30 seconds on a low or medium setting.

Another option is to place the beef in a plastic bag and seal it. Heat water to 140 degrees Fahrenheit and place the bag in the water for 7 minutes. You can also reheat beef tenderloin on a grill, but be sure to use a non-stick pan to prevent sticking or burning. Cook both sides evenly until heated through.

Pork Tenderloins

Pork tenderloin can be reheated in an oven, on a stovetop, or in a microwave. To reheat in an oven, heat for 10-15 minutes for sliced tenderloin and 20-25 minutes for a whole tenderloin, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. For a stovetop, heat oil or butter in a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the pork tenderloin for 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through.

When reheating in a microwave, cover the pork tenderloin with a damp paper towel or microwave-safe lid to retain moisture. Reheat on a lower power setting to avoid drying out the meat.

What to cook tenderloins with

Chicken tenderloins are a great option to cook in an air fryer as they are tender, juicy, and full of flavor. They are also quick and easy to make, making them a perfect weeknight dinner option. You can cook them in under 20 minutes and serve them with a variety of side dishes.

When cooking chicken tenderloins in an air fryer, it is important to choose tenderloins of a similar size so that they cook evenly and completely. You can season them with simple, everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. You can also add a little brown sugar to add a subtle hint of sweetness and a caramelized coating.

To cook chicken tenderloins in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350-390 degrees Fahrenheit. In a mixing bowl, add the olive oil, spices, and brown sugar, and stir until well blended. Add the chicken tenderloins to the bowl and toss until they are well coated. Then, place the tenderloins in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Air fry for 7-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken and the size of your air fryer, so it is important to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit when they are done.

In addition to chicken tenderloins, you can also cook pork tenderloin in an air fryer. Pork tenderloin is a boneless, thin cut of meat that cooks evenly in an air fryer. To cook pork tenderloin, you can make a spice rub with salt, brown sugar, pepper, thyme, paprika, and garlic powder. Brush or rub olive oil all over the pork tenderloin, then sprinkle the spice mixture on top, pressing it into the meat. Place the tenderloin in the air fryer basket with space between the two pieces and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Then, flip the pork and reduce the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Whether you choose to cook chicken or pork tenderloin in your air fryer, there are a variety of side dishes and dipping sauces that you can serve them with. Some ideas for side dishes include air fryer corn on the cob, air fryer crinkle-cut fries, potato slices, or a salad. For dipping sauces, you can try BBQ sauce, ranch, or Turkish chilli sauce.

Chicken tenderloin alternatives

Chicken tenderloins are a great option for a quick and easy meal, but if you're looking for something a little different, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from. Here are some ideas for chicken tenderloin alternatives that you can make in your air fryer:

• Chicken drumsticks, chicken breast, chicken thighs, or chicken wings: These cuts of chicken can be cooked in the air fryer in a similar way to chicken tenderloins. Simply season and cook in the air fryer until crispy and cooked through.
• Chicken strips or nuggets: Cut chicken breasts into large strips or use pre-made chicken nuggets. Coat the chicken in a breadcrumb and spice mixture, then cook in the air fryer until crispy and golden.
• Crumbed chicken tenderloins: This alternative involves coating the chicken tenderloins in a breadcrumb and oil mixture before air frying. This gives the chicken a crispy, crumbly texture.
• Frozen chicken tenderloins: You can also cook frozen chicken tenderloins in the air fryer. Simply season and cook for a slightly longer time, until cooked through.

When cooking any of these alternatives in the air fryer, it's important to preheat the air fryer, grease the basket, and cook the chicken in a single layer to ensure even cooking. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken and the size of your air fryer, so it's always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.

Frequently asked questions