Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins: How Long To Fry?

Chicken tenderloins are a versatile dish that can be cooked in an air fryer in under 15 minutes. They are a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal, and can be served with a variety of sides and dipping sauces. In this article, we will explore different ways to cook chicken tenderloins in an air fryer, including cooking times and temperatures, as well as tips and tricks for getting juicy and crispy results. We will also suggest some ideas for customising the recipe to your taste.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is the first step in making juicy, delicious chicken tenderloins. This step is important as it helps to ensure that the outside of the chicken gets crispy without overcooking the inside.

To preheat your air fryer, start by setting it to the correct temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you should always refer to your specific recipe for the best results. For example, one recipe recommends preheating your air fryer to 190 degrees Celsius or 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once you've set the temperature, you'll need to wait for your air fryer to come up to temperature. This may take a few minutes, depending on the model of your air fryer. Some air fryers will have a preheat setting, while others may require you to manually check the temperature. If you're unsure, refer to your air fryer's instruction manual.

While you're waiting for your air fryer to preheat, you can prepare your chicken tenderloins by patting them dry, adding seasonings, and coating them in flour or breadcrumbs, depending on your recipe.

Once your air fryer has preheated, it's time to add the chicken. Place the tenderloins in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd them. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

Now that your air fryer is preheated and the chicken is inside, you're ready to start cooking! Depending on your recipe, you may need to cook the chicken for anywhere from 7 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Remember, preheating your air fryer is crucial to ensuring your chicken tenderloins cook evenly and come out crispy and delicious. By taking the time to properly preheat your air fryer, you'll be well on your way to a successful and tasty meal!

Season the chicken

Seasoning the chicken is a crucial step in ensuring your chicken tenderloins are packed with flavour.

Firstly, you'll want to pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place them in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and toss to ensure the chicken is completely coated.

Next, it's time to add your seasonings. You can use a variety of spices, such as smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, and dried basil. Mix your chosen seasonings in a small bowl, then sprinkle them evenly over the chicken tenderloins.

Make sure you mix the chicken and seasonings well to ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated. You can now proceed to air-fry your chicken tenderloins, following the cooking instructions provided earlier.

If you're looking for a breaded option, you can dip the chicken tenderloins in a beaten egg and then coat them with breadcrumbs or flour before air-frying.

Bread the chicken

There are a few different ways to bread chicken for the air fryer. One popular method is to use a classic dredge of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. You can also try a simpler method and just use breadcrumbs.

Classic dredge method

For the classic dredge method, you will need flour, an egg, and breadcrumbs. You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs. If you use panko, you will need to dip the chicken in egg first so that the breadcrumbs adhere. You can also add some spices to your breadcrumbs for extra flavor. Try garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, thyme, or cayenne pepper.

To bread the chicken, first, whisk an egg in a bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, and spices (if using). Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally coat it with the breadcrumbs. Make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly in each step.

Breadcrumbs only method

If you want to skip the flour and egg step, you can just use breadcrumbs. This method is simpler and faster, but still gives a crispy and delicious result.

To bread the chicken with this method, simply combine the breadcrumbs with your desired spices in a bowl. Then, dredge the chicken tenders in the breadcrumb mixture, making sure they are thoroughly coated.

Cooking the chicken

Once your chicken is breaded, it's time to cook it in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350-400 degrees F. Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees F when it is done.

Cook the chicken

Now that you've preheated your air fryer to 350–400°F (175–200°C) and prepared your chicken tenderloins by patting them dry, drizzling them in olive oil, and tossing them in your chosen seasonings, it's time to cook!

Place the tenderloins in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches. Lightly mist the tops of the tenders with cooking spray to help them crisp up.

Air fry for 7–12 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken and the specifics of your air fryer, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on them. The tenders are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), which you can check with a meat thermometer.

Once they're done, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Rest and serve

Once your chicken tenderloins are cooked, it's important to let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the meat retain its juices and ensures a moist, tender texture.

After resting, you can serve the chicken tenderloins with your choice of sides and sauces. Some popular side dishes include French fries, tater tots, sweet potato fries, onion rings, asparagus, carrots, or frozen green beans. For a healthier option, serve them with a salad or some steamed vegetables.

If you're feeling saucy, try dipping your tenderloins in BBQ sauce, ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy Asian sauce. Or, if you're feeling fancy, squeeze some lemon juice and sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a refreshing twist.

For a complete meal, why not chop up the tenderloins and toss them into a delicious buffalo chicken salad? Or get creative and experiment with different spices and sauces to find your perfect combination.

Remember, the key to a great dish is not just in the cooking but also in the resting and serving. So take your time, let those tenderloins rest, and then enjoy a delicious, juicy meal with your favourite sides and sauces. Bon appétit!

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