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

Chicken tenderloins are a great, quick meal to make in an air fryer. They are the leanest part of the chicken and are found under the breast. You can use fresh or frozen chicken tenderloins, and they can be cooked in the air fryer with or without breading. The key to getting them crispy is to pat them dry and use enough oil. You can also brine the chicken to keep it juicy.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is the first step to getting perfect chicken tenderloins. This step is crucial as it helps the outside of the chicken get as crispy as possible without overcooking the meat. Depending on the recipe you are following, you should preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F.

For example, if you are making chicken tenderloins with a breadcrumb coating, you should preheat your air fryer to 350°F. On the other hand, if you are making chicken tenderloins with a spice rub, you should preheat your air fryer to 375°F.

It is also important to lightly grease the air fryer basket before preheating to prevent the chicken from sticking. You can use any neutral-flavoured oil for this, such as olive, avocado, canola, or vegetable oil.

Once your air fryer is preheated, you can move on to the next step of the recipe.

Prepare the chicken tenderloins

Start by patting your chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels. Place them in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil (or another neutral-flavoured oil). Toss the chicken to ensure they are completely coated.

Next, prepare your marinade or seasoning. You can either add your chosen spices directly to the mixing bowl and toss with the chicken, or mix them in a separate bowl before sprinkling over the chicken.

If you are marinating your chicken, leave it to sit for a minimum of 15 minutes, or even overnight. If you are seasoning the chicken, you can move straight to the next step.

Now, preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F. Lightly grease the air fryer basket to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Add the chicken tenderloins to the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. If you have a lot of chicken, you may need to cook in batches.

Make a marinade

Making a marinade for your chicken tenderloins is a great way to add flavour to your dish. Here is a simple recipe for a marinade that will take your chicken tenderloins to the next level.

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need a large bowl, paper towels, olive oil or an alternative cooking oil, minced garlic or garlic powder, hot sauce (such as Frank's Red Hot), crushed red pepper, and other spices of your choice. You can also add coconut aminos and dijon mustard for extra flavour.

Next, pat your chicken tenderloins dry with the paper towels. This will help the marinade to stick to the chicken and ensure that your chicken is not soggy.

Now, it's time to make the marinade. Add your chosen oil, minced garlic or garlic powder, hot sauce, and crushed red pepper to the large bowl. If you want to include them, also add the coconut aminos and dijon mustard. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined.

Once your marinade is ready, add the chicken tenderloins to the bowl and let them sit. For the best results, leave the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or even overnight if you have the time. This will allow the flavours to really absorb into the meat.

Finally, when you are ready to cook your chicken tenderloins, simply follow the instructions for air frying. Enjoy your delicious and flavourful chicken tenderloins!

Cook the chicken

Now that your air fryer is preheated and your chicken is seasoned, it's time to cook the chicken tenderloins. Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps ensure the juices are retained and results in juicy, tender chicken tenderloins.

If you're cooking a large batch, you may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Additionally, ensure you grease the basket to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Your air fryer chicken tenderloins are now ready to be served! Enjoy them as a weeknight dinner or a quick and easy meal. They are best served with your favourite dipping sauces and sides, such as fries, salad, or roasted vegetables.

Serve with a dipping sauce

When it comes to serving your air-fried chicken tenderloins, a dipping sauce is a must! Here are some ideas to elevate your dish and impress your guests or family:

BBQ Sauce

A classic choice that pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken. It adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavour to the tenderloins and is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ranch Dressing

Creamy and herby, ranch dressing is another excellent option for dipping your chicken tenderloins. It complements the crispiness of the chicken and adds a refreshing touch to your meal.

Honey Mustard

This dipping sauce is a delightful combination of tangy mustard and sweet honey. It offers a unique flavour profile that balances sweetness and savouriness.

Sweet and Sour Sauce

For a flavour explosion, opt for sweet and sour sauce. The perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavours will take your chicken tenderloins to the next level.

Spicy Korean Sauce

If you're feeling adventurous, try a spicy Korean sauce. It adds a kick to your chicken and is an excellent choice if you like your food with some heat.

Buffalo Sauce

For those who crave spice, buffalo sauce is an ideal choice. It's not just spicy but also tangy, making it perfect for cutting through the richness of the chicken.

Ketchup

While it may seem simple, ketchup is a classic condiment that never goes out of style. Its sweet and tangy flavour is a safe bet for all ages and palates.

Honey Sriracha Sauce

This sauce combines the sweetness of honey with the spiciness of sriracha. It's an unexpected but delightful pairing that will tantalise your taste buds.

Honky Tonk Heat Sauce

If you're feeling bold, try something like Honky Tonk Heat Sauce. It will undoubtedly bring the heat and add a unique, spicy kick to your chicken tenderloins.

Chick-Fil-A Sauce

This copycat Chick-Fil-A Sauce is a delicious, creamy option that will elevate your chicken tenderloins. It's the perfect blend of flavours to complement the crispy chicken.

Sides

In addition to dipping sauces, consider serving your air-fried chicken tenderloins with some tasty sides. Here are a few ideas:

• French fries
• Tater tots
• Sweet potato fries
• Onion rings
• Asparagus
• Carrots
• Frozen green beans
• Salad

Frequently asked questions