Say hello to weeknight magic: Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin. This easy, flavor-packed recipe delivers juicy, golden chicken in minutes, thanks to a handful of pantry spices and your trusty air fryer. Whether you’re serving a crowd or looking for a quick, high-protein meal, these tenderloins are about to become your new go-to. The best part? They’re so versatile, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a few kitchen staples can transform chicken into something truly crave-worthy. Each ingredient in this Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin recipe plays a vital role, from building flavor to creating that irresistible golden exterior.
- Chicken tenderloins (1 pound): These naturally tender cuts cook up juicy and fast, perfect for busy nights.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A quick toss in olive oil helps the spices cling and ensures the chicken stays moist.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, savory kick that makes the flavor pop.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the spice blend with a mellow, aromatic sweetness.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a hint of smokiness and a gorgeous color to the finished chicken.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances every bite; you can always adjust to taste.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A dash of pepper adds gentle warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and helps the chicken turn beautifully golden in the air fryer.
How to Make Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. This little step is worth it—getting the basket hot before adding the chicken helps seal in all those delicious juices and gives the tenderloins a better sear. Just 3 to 5 minutes is all it takes, so you can gather your spices while it heats up.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a large bowl, add the chicken tenderloins along with the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. This is where the magic happens—the oil and spices work together to flavor every bite and ensure a beautiful crust.
Step 3: Prep the Air Fryer Basket
Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray. This simple trick keeps the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Plus, it helps the outsides get that signature golden glow that makes Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin so inviting.
Step 4: Arrange the Chicken
Place the seasoned tenderloins in a single layer in the basket. Try not to overlap them—giving each piece a little space ensures they all cook evenly and get that irresistible crispness on the outside.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Cook the chicken for 9 to 11 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when the outside is golden and the internal temperature hits 165°F. The flip midway gives both sides a chance to brown beautifully, so don’t skip it! Serve immediately for best results.
How to Serve Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a finishing touch! Sprinkle your Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin with fresh chopped parsley or a touch of flaky sea salt for a pop of color and extra flavor. A wedge of lemon on the side adds brightness and pairs perfectly with the smoky spices.
Side Dishes
This chicken plays well with so many sides. Pair it with roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting dinner. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or a tangy slaw—the possibilities are endless and always delicious.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, slice the tenderloins and tuck them into warm tortillas for quick tacos, or lay them over a fresh salad for extra protein. They’re also fantastic in wraps, lunchboxes, or even chopped on top of a grain bowl. Let your imagination (and your appetite) lead the way!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch just as tempting as tonight’s dinner.
Freezing
Want to meal prep? Cool the cooked tenderloins completely, then freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just be sure to label and date your stash. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
To recapture that just-cooked taste, reheat the chicken in your air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through. This brings back the crispiness far better than the microwave, and it’s so quick! You can also warm them in a skillet if you don’t have access to your air fryer.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! Just slice chicken breasts into strips about the same size as tenderloins. Keep an eye on the cook time—thicker pieces may need an extra minute or two in the air fryer.
Do I need to marinate the chicken?
It’s not required, but marinating for 30 minutes can add even more flavor if you have the time. The spice blend does a great job on its own, so feel free to skip the wait if you’re in a hurry.
Can I make these Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin pieces crispy?
Definitely! For a crunchy version, dip the seasoned chicken in beaten egg, then coat with seasoned breadcrumbs before air frying. It’s a fun twist that adds texture and pairs well with your favorite dipping sauces.
What dipping sauces go well with this recipe?
Classic ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo are all tasty choices. The seasoned chicken is flavorful enough to enjoy on its own, but a sauce makes it extra fun, especially for kids.
Is Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin gluten-free?
Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. If you decide to bread the chicken, just be sure to use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a safe and delicious result.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that’s fast, flavorful, and sure to please everyone at the table, Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin is the answer. Give it a try and see how easy it is to create mouthwatering chicken with your air fryer—it might just become your new favorite weeknight recipe!
Print
Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin recipe offers a quick, healthy, and flavorful way to enjoy juicy chicken tenderloins with a perfectly crispy exterior. Seasoned with a blend of garlic, onion, and smoked paprika, these tenderloins are air fried to golden perfection in just minutes, making them ideal for a nutritious weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal any time.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes to ensure it is hot and ready for cooking the chicken evenly.
- Season Chicken: In a medium-sized bowl, toss the chicken tenderloins with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until each piece is thoroughly coated with the seasoning mix.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and place the seasoned chicken tenderloins in a single layer, making sure none overlap for even cooking.
- Air Fry: Cook the chicken tenderloins in the air fryer at 400°F for 9–11 minutes, flipping them halfway through to achieve an even golden-brown crust.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or side dish such as roasted vegetables, salad, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken tenderloins in the seasoning and olive oil mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
- These tenderloins pair excellently with roasted vegetables, fresh salads, or creamy mashed potatoes as sides.
- For a crispy breaded version, dip tenderloins in beaten egg and coat with seasoned breadcrumbs before air frying.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and a crispy finish.
- Adjust seasoning to taste or try adding cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approximately 4 ounces)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
