Air-Fryer Tenderloins: Quick, Crispy, And Tender

Air fryers are a great way to make tenderloins, and they come out juicy and delicious. The air fryer ensures the tenders are crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. The best part is that they are ready in under 15 minutes! You can use a variety of seasonings, from smoked paprika to Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also brine the chicken to keep it extra juicy. Serve with a side of fries or a salad, and you have a well-balanced, quick, and tasty meal.

Choosing your cut of chicken

If you're using chicken breasts, it's important to pound them to an even thickness before cooking. This helps ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and prevents overcooking or drying out. You can also brine the chicken, either using a wet brine (saltwater solution) or a dry brine (sprinkling with salt), to add moisture and flavour. This step is especially important if you're using chicken breasts, as they can easily dry out.

When it comes to seasoning, keep it simple with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also experiment with other spices like cayenne pepper, chili pepper, or red pepper flakes to add some heat. Don't be afraid to get creative and find a blend that suits your taste preferences.

In terms of preparation, pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step will help promote better crisping during cooking. Then, drizzle the chicken with olive oil or another neutral-flavoured oil and toss to coat. You can also add some oil to the air fryer basket to prevent sticking and ensure a crispy exterior.

Finally, when cooking your chicken tenderloins in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Marinating the chicken

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need chicken tenderloins, oil (such as olive oil or vegetable oil), and your choice of seasonings. Common seasonings used for chicken tenderloins include smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, onion powder, dried thyme, oregano, and basil. You can also add cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.

Next, prepare your marinade by mixing the oil and seasonings together in a small bowl. You can also add other ingredients to your marinade, such as lemon juice or yoghurt, to enhance the flavour and tenderness of the chicken. It is important to note that the amount of marinade you need will depend on the amount of chicken you are preparing, so adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly.

Once your marinade is ready, place your chicken tenderloins in a large bowl or container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. You can use your hands or a brush to rub the marinade into the meat. For even more flavour, pierce the chicken with a fork in several places before adding the marinade, as this will help the meat absorb more of the flavours.

After coating the chicken, you have two options. You can let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for more intense flavours. Alternatively, if you are short on time, you can cook the chicken immediately after marinating.

When you are ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the air fryer is heating up, take the chicken out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This will help ensure even cooking.

Finally, place the marinated chicken tenderloins in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Cook the chicken according to your air fryer's instructions, usually for around 10-12 minutes, flipping the tenderloins halfway through the cooking process. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

By following these steps, you will have delicious, flavourful, and juicy air-fried chicken tenderloins!

Breading the chicken

One popular method is to use a combination of eggs and breadcrumbs. Start by whisking an egg in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, mix dry breadcrumbs with oil until you have a loose, crumbly mixture. Dip each chicken tenderloin into the egg, shaking off any excess, and then into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring the chicken is evenly and fully coated.

Another option is to use a flour and egg mixture as your wet batter, with breadcrumbs as your dry batter. Mix eggs and flour together, adding water if needed to achieve a slightly looser consistency than pancake batter. In a separate bowl, prepare your breadcrumbs by mixing in your chosen seasonings. Remove the chicken from the brine and pat dry with a paper towel. Next, dip the chicken into the egg and flour mixture, followed by the seasoned breadcrumbs. Be sure to press the breadcrumbs into the chicken firmly to ensure an even coating.

If you're short on time, you can simply coat the chicken tenderloins in olive oil and a spice mix of your choice, which is a quicker way to achieve a tasty, crispy exterior.

Cooking the chicken

Now that you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to cook your chicken tenderloins in the air fryer! Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide to ensure your chicken turns out perfectly crispy, juicy, and delicious.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to the recommended temperature. Most recipes suggest preheating to around 350°F to 400°F (about 175°C to 200°C). This step is crucial, as it ensures even cooking and helps the outside of the chicken get crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

If you're using a marinade or seasoning, coat your chicken tenderloins with the desired mixture. You can do this by placing the chicken in a large bowl or freezer bag, adding the marinade or seasoning, and mixing or massaging it into the meat. Some recipes suggest letting the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, in the refrigerator for maximum flavour.

If you're breading your chicken, you'll first want to pat the tenderloins dry with paper towels. Then, place them in a mixing bowl and drizzle with oil, tossing to coat evenly. In a separate bowl, mix your desired seasonings. Next, sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken, ensuring each tenderloin is evenly coated.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Place the chicken tenderloins in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

Cook the chicken for about 7 to 12 minutes, flipping the tenderloins halfway through the cooking process. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken and the model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook.

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. The exterior should be golden and crispy, while the inside should be juicy and cooked through.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Once your chicken is cooked to perfection, transfer it to a serving dish and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender bite. You can serve your air-fried chicken tenderloins with your favourite dipping sauces, such as BBQ sauce, ranch, honey mustard, or sweet and sour sauce. Enjoy!

Serving suggestions

There are many different ways to serve air-fried chicken tenderloins. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Keep it simple: A squeeze of lemon juice and some chopped parsley can really make the flavours pop.
• Salads: A salad is a great way to make a well-balanced meal. Try a Mediterranean quinoa salad, or a simple salad with some ranch dressing.
• Veggies: Air fryer tenderloins go well with a variety of vegetables, such as asparagus, carrots, green beans, or zucchini. You could also try air fryer Brussels sprouts, French fries, sweet potato fries, or a baked potato.
• Dips and sauces: For a real crowd-pleaser, serve with some dipping sauces. BBQ sauce, ranch, honey mustard, and sweet and sour sauce all work well.
• Pastas: Hawaiian macaroni salad or baked mac and cheese are delicious options for a more filling meal.
• Potatoes: Try air fryer ranch potatoes, or regular French fries or sweet potato fries.
• Carbs: For a heartier meal, serve with brown sugar-glazed carrots, creamy mac and cheese, or a broccoli and orzo dish.

Frequently asked questions