Emilie Meyer
Cooking chicken tenderloins in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and tasty way to prepare chicken. The air fryer seals in the juices, leaving the meat tender and full of flavor. With a variety of seasoning options, you can create a delicious, versatile dish that can be served with a range of sides and sauces. The cooking time is minimal, and the method is straightforward, making this a convenient choice for a quick, healthy meal.
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer to 390-400°F
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your chicken tenderloins cook evenly and helps to get the outside of the chicken as crispy as possible without overcooking the meat.
To preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F, start by turning on the air fryer and setting the temperature to the desired level. Allow the air fryer to heat up for 3 to 5 minutes. While the air fryer is heating up, you can prepare your chicken tenderloins. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the meat cook more evenly. Place the tenderloins in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil, tossing to coat completely.
Some recipes suggest lightly spraying or brushing the tenderloins with oil at this stage, which can help the chicken brown and crisp. However, others recommend doing this after the chicken has been seasoned and placed in the air fryer basket.
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Pat the chicken dry, then coat with oil and seasoning
To prepare your chicken tenderloins for the air fryer, start by patting them dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the chicken cook more evenly and prevents it from becoming soggy. Once the chicken is dry, place the tenderloins in a large mixing bowl.
Next, it's time to add some oil. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and toss the tenderloins until they are completely coated. Using oil helps keep the chicken moist and juicy while also ensuring a crispy exterior.
Now it's time to season the chicken. Mix your chosen seasonings in a small bowl. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, or even a little brown sugar for a subtle hint of sweetness. Once your seasoning mix is ready, sprinkle it evenly over the oiled chicken tenderloins, tossing them to ensure an even coating.
Finally, arrange the seasoned chicken tenderloins in a single layer in the air fryer basket, taking care not to overcrowd the basket. This arrangement ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and achieves that perfect crispy texture on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside.
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Arrange chicken in a single layer in the fryer
When arranging the chicken in the air fryer, it's important to place them in a single layer, without overcrowding the air fryer basket. This will ensure that the tenders cook evenly and completely. If your air fryer basket is not big enough to fit all the tenders in a single layer, you may need to cook them in batches.
To arrange the chicken in a single layer, start by placing the tenders in the basket, leaving a small gap between each tender to allow for airflow. The exact number of tenders that can fit in a single layer will depend on the size of your air fryer and the thickness of the tenders. Aim to leave enough space so that the tenders are not touching each other.
If you are cooking a large number of tenders, you may need to cook them in multiple batches. This will ensure that each tender has enough space to cook properly and that the air fryer is not overcrowded. Overcrowding the air fryer can lead to uneven cooking and may cause the tenders to become tough.
Additionally, when arranging the chicken in the air fryer, try to choose tenders that are of a similar size. This will help ensure that they cook at the same rate and that none are overcooked or undercooked.
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Cook for 7-12 minutes, flipping halfway through
Now that you've prepared your chicken tenderloins for air frying, it's time to cook them! Place the chicken tenderloins in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Set the air fryer temperature to between 375°F and 400°F. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken tenderloins. For thinner cuts, cook for 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Thicker tenderloins may take up to 10-12 minutes, so be sure to monitor the cooking process. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F, which you can check with a meat thermometer.
During the cooking process, keep an eye on your chicken tenderloins to avoid overcooking. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can also lead to uneven cooking. If needed, cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking. Flipping your tenderloins halfway through the cooking time helps ensure they cook evenly on both sides and prevents them from drying out.
Once your chicken tenderloins have reached the desired internal temperature, remove them from the air fryer immediately. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your chicken is juicy and tender.
Now, your chicken tenderloins are ready to be served! Enjoy them as a quick and easy weeknight meal, paired with your favorite dipping sauces and healthy sides.
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Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before serving
Resting the chicken for 5 minutes before serving is an essential step in the cooking process. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that they are locked in and keeping the chicken tender and moist. It also gives the chicken time to cool slightly, so you don't burn yourself when taking that first juicy bite.
During the resting period, the chicken will continue to cook slightly due to residual heat. This is known as carry-over cooking. This means that even if your chicken is still a little pink when you remove it from the air fryer, it will continue to cook during the resting period and reach the desired internal temperature of 165°F.
Resting the chicken also gives you the perfect opportunity to prepare any sides or sauces to accompany your meal. Some great side options include a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or a bowl of rice. For sauces, you could go for something like BBQ, ranch, or a low-carb option like buffalo sauce.
Finally, the resting period gives the chicken time to absorb even more flavour from the seasonings and spices used during cooking. This means that when you take that first bite, you'll be met with an explosion of flavour. So, while 5 minutes may feel like a long time when you're hungry and your chicken tenders are looking delicious, it's well worth the wait!
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 7 to 12 minutes to cook raw chicken tenderloins in an air fryer. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the chicken and the model and power of the air fryer.
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F to 400°F.
Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels. Then, place them in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat completely. Mix your seasonings in a separate bowl, then sprinkle them evenly over the chicken.
