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

Chicken tenderloins are a fantastic option for a quick and easy meal. Cooking chicken tenderloins in the air fryer is a breeze and only takes around 7 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the tenderloin and the model and power of the air fryer. The air fryer method yields tenderloins that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The simple ingredients are easy to find in your pantry, and the versatility of this dish means it can be served with a variety of sides and sauces.

Characteristics and Values Table for Air Frying Chicken Tenderloins

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your chicken tenderloins cook evenly and quickly. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for around 4 minutes.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and place them in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and toss to ensure the chicken is completely coated.

Once the air fryer has preheated, it's time to add the chicken. Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure that no pieces overlap. About 4 tenders in the basket at a time is a good amount.

Spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer. This will help to ensure that the chicken gets crispy.

Prepare the chicken with oil and seasoning

Preparing the chicken with oil and seasoning is a crucial step in ensuring your chicken tenderloins are juicy and flavourful.

Firstly, pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the oil and seasoning stick to the chicken. Next, place the chicken tenders in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with oil. Toss the chicken in the oil until it is completely coated. You can use a neutral oil spray or olive oil, ensuring that all parts of the chicken are covered.

Now it's time to add the seasoning. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, rosemary, thyme, or cumin. Mix your chosen seasonings in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the chicken tenders. Toss the chicken in the mixing bowl until it is evenly coated in the spice blend.

At this point, you can also add some flour to the chicken tenders. This step is optional but can help create a crispy crust. Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and toss to coat. If you want to create an extra crunchy crust, you can also dip the chicken in beaten egg and then dredge it in a mixture of flour and breadcrumbs.

Your chicken tenderloins are now ready to be placed in the air fryer basket and cooked to perfection!

Cook for 7-11 minutes

Cooking chicken tenderloins in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. After preheating your air fryer and preparing the chicken, it's time to cook the tenderloins for 7-11 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the tenderloins and the model and power of your air fryer, so it's important to keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook.

First, place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. This allows for even cooking and a crispy texture. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.

Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 360-400 degrees Fahrenheit, and cook the chicken tenders for 7-10 minutes. Flip the tenders halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking on both sides. For thicker chicken tenderloins, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

While the exact cooking time may vary, the goal is to achieve an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be checked using an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken. This ensures that your chicken is cooked safely and is delicious and juicy.

Once the desired internal temperature is reached, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer basket and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures that your chicken is moist and tender.

Rest the chicken for 3-5 minutes

Resting the chicken for 3-5 minutes after air frying is an important step in the cooking process. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that the chicken tenderloins are juicy and tender. It also gives the chicken a chance to cool down slightly, making it easier and safer to handle and eat.

During the resting period, the chicken will continue to cook slightly due to residual heat. This is known as carry-over cooking. It is important to take this into account when determining the total cooking time for the chicken. If you are using a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the chicken, make sure to remove the chicken from the air fryer just before it reaches the desired internal temperature of 165°F, as it will continue to cook during the resting period.

The resting period also provides an opportunity to prepare any sides or sauces to serve with the chicken. Simple vegetable sides, such as roasted broccoli, green beans, or a salad, pair well with the chicken tenderloins. You can also offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as BBQ sauce, ranch, honey mustard, or a sweet-spicy sauce.

Finally, the resting period allows the crispy coating on the chicken tenderloins to cool and crisp up. This results in a crunchier texture when the chicken is served and bitten into.

Serve with a dipping sauce

Chicken tenderloins are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces. The options are endless, but here are some ideas to get you started:

BBQ Sauce and Ranch

A classic combination that is always a crowd-pleaser. The tanginess of the BBQ sauce and the creaminess of the ranch provide a delicious contrast. This pairing is perfect for those who want a familiar, comforting flavour.

Buffalo Sauce

If you're looking for something with a kick, buffalo sauce is a great option. It's spicy and tangy and pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken. For those who enjoy bold flavours, this sauce will surely satisfy.

Honey Mustard Sauce

A sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce is another excellent choice for a dipping sauce. The honey adds a touch of sweetness, while the mustard provides a sharp, savoury note. This sauce is especially good if you're serving the chicken tenderloins as a main course, as it adds extra flavour and moisture.

Asian Dipping Sauce

For something a little different, an Asian-inspired dipping sauce can be a tasty option. This sauce can include flavours such as soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, adding a unique twist to your chicken tenderloins.

Sweet-Spicy Sauce

This sauce is perfect for those who enjoy a balance of sweet and spicy flavours. The sweetness can help to counteract the spice, creating a delicious and addictive combination. This sauce is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, especially for those who enjoy a little extra kick.

Remember, when serving chicken tenderloins with a dipping sauce, it's a good idea to have some sides to round out the meal. Some simple vegetable sides or a salad can help to balance the richness of the dish. Enjoy experimenting with different sauces and finding your favourites!

Frequently asked questions