Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin: The Crispiest, Healthier Recipe

Air fried chicken tenderloin: crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and ready in under 20 minutes! Forget greasy takeout; this recipe delivers all the satisfaction of classic chicken tenders without the guilt. I’m so excited to share this game-changing method with you.

While the exact origins of breaded and fried chicken are debated, its popularity exploded in the United States during the 20th century. The convenience and deliciousness of fried chicken made it a staple at family gatherings, picnics, and fast-food restaurants. However, the traditional deep-frying method can be messy and unhealthy. That’s where the air fryer comes in to save the day!

People adore chicken tenderloins for their tender texture and mild flavor, making them incredibly versatile. They’re perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces, adding to salads, or enjoying as a quick and easy meal. But what truly elevates this dish is the air fryer. This appliance creates a perfectly crispy exterior without all the added oil, making it a healthier and more convenient option. With this air fried chicken tenderloin recipe, you can enjoy all the flavor and satisfaction of fried chicken with a fraction of the calories and effort. Get ready to experience chicken tender perfection!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs Chicken Tenderloins, trimmed of any excess fat
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 2 large Eggs, beaten
• 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs
• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tbsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
• Cooking Spray (Olive Oil or Avocado Oil)

Preparing the Chicken and Breading Station

1. Prepare the Chicken: First, make sure your chicken tenderloins are properly trimmed. Pat them dry with paper towels. This is crucial because excess moisture will prevent the breading from adhering properly. We want a nice, crispy coating, so dry chicken is key!
2. Set up the Breading Station: This is where the magic happens! You’ll need three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, whisk the eggs until they are well beaten. In the third dish, combine the panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavor.

Breading the Chicken Tenderloins

1. The Flour Coating: Take one chicken tenderloin at a time and dredge it completely in the flour. Make sure every nook and cranny is covered. Then, shake off any excess flour. This step helps the egg wash adhere better.
2. The Egg Wash: Next, dip the floured chicken tenderloin into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess egg drip off. The egg acts like glue, helping the breadcrumbs stick.
3. The Breadcrumb Coating: Finally, transfer the egg-coated chicken tenderloin to the panko breadcrumb mixture. Press the chicken firmly into the breadcrumbs to ensure a thick, even coating. Turn the chicken over and repeat, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the other side. You want a generous layer of breadcrumbs for maximum crispiness.
4. Repeat: Repeat steps 1-3 with the remaining chicken tenderloins until all are breaded.

Air Frying the Chicken Tenderloins

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This is important for even cooking and crispy results. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, simply run it at 400°F for about 5 minutes before adding the chicken.
2. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and help it crisp up nicely.
3. Arrange the Chicken: Place the breaded chicken tenderloins in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this will prevent the chicken from cooking evenly and becoming crispy. You may need to cook the chicken in batches.
4. Spray with Oil: Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenderloins with cooking spray. This helps the breadcrumbs brown and crisp up beautifully.
5. Air Fry: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken tenderloins and the power of your air fryer. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked.
6. Check for Doneness: After 8 minutes, check the chicken for doneness. If they’re not quite golden brown and crispy, continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning.
7. Repeat if Necessary: If you cooked the chicken in batches, repeat steps 3-6 with the remaining chicken tenderloins.

Serving and Enjoying Your Air Fried Chicken Tenderloins

1. Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
2. Serve Immediately: Serve the air fried chicken tenderloins immediately while they’re still hot and crispy.
3. Dipping Sauces: These chicken tenderloins are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with your favorite dipping sauces. Some popular choices include:
   • Ranch dressing
   • Honey mustard
   • Barbecue sauce
   • Ketchup
   • Sweet chili sauce
4. Side Dishes: Pair your air fried chicken tenderloins with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal. Some great options include:
   • French fries
   • Coleslaw
   • Mashed potatoes
   • Corn on the cob
   • Salad
5. Storage: If you have any leftover chicken tenderloins, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven for the best results. Microwaving them will make them soggy.

Tips for Perfect Air Fried Chicken Tenderloins

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: This is the most important tip! Overcrowding the air fryer basket will prevent the chicken from cooking evenly and becoming crispy. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Use Cooking Spray: Spraying the air fryer basket and the chicken with cooking spray is essential for preventing sticking and promoting browning.
• Adjust Cooking Time: The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the size of your chicken tenderloins. Keep an eye on the chicken and adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: The best way to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken tenderloin. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings in the breadcrumb mixture. Try adding some chili powder for a little heat, or some Italian seasoning for a more herbaceous flavor.
• Make it Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour and use gluten-free panko bread crumbs.
• For Extra Crispy Chicken: Double dip the chicken in the egg and breadcrumb mixture for an extra crispy coating.

Variations

• Spicy Chicken Tenderloins: Add 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for spicy chicken tenderloins.
• Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenderloins: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon pepper seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture for lemon pepper chicken tenderloins.
• Honey Garlic Chicken Tenderloins: After air frying, toss the chicken tenderloins in a honey garlic sauce.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This air fried chicken tenderloin recipe is truly a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation. Why? Because it delivers on all fronts: incredible flavor, satisfyingly crispy texture, and a significantly healthier cooking method compared to traditional deep-frying. We’re talking about juicy, tender chicken encased in a perfectly seasoned, golden-brown crust, all achieved with minimal oil and maximum convenience. What’s not to love?

But the real magic lies in its versatility. This isn’t just a one-trick pony. Think of this recipe as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Feeling like a quick and easy dinner? Serve these crispy tenderloins with a side of roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or even some sweet potato fries for a balanced and delicious meal. Craving something a bit more indulgent? Dunk them in your favorite dipping sauce – honey mustard, barbecue, ranch, or even a spicy sriracha mayo would be absolutely divine.

And the variations are endless! Want to kick up the heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the breading mixture. Prefer a sweeter flavor profile? Incorporate a touch of brown sugar or maple syrup. You could even experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own signature blend. Imagine a lemon-herb version, a smoky paprika-infused batch, or even a parmesan-garlic explosion of flavor! The possibilities are truly limitless.

Beyond the simple sides and dipping sauces, consider incorporating these air fried chicken tenderloins into other dishes. Slice them up and add them to a vibrant salad for a protein-packed lunch. Use them as a topping for homemade pizzas or flatbreads. Stuff them into warm pita pockets with hummus, tzatziki, and your favorite veggies for a Mediterranean-inspired feast. Or, get creative and use them as the star ingredient in chicken tacos or wraps.

I’ve personally found that these air fried chicken tenderloins are a lifesaver on busy weeknights. They cook up in a fraction of the time compared to oven-baked or pan-fried chicken, and the cleanup is a breeze. Plus, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even with picky eaters. My kids absolutely devour them, and I love knowing that I’m serving them a healthier alternative to processed chicken nuggets.

But don’t just take my word for it! I urge you to give this recipe a try. I’m confident that you’ll be amazed by how easy it is to make and how delicious the results are. And more importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you try any variations? What dipping sauces did you pair them with? What did your family think?

Please, share your thoughts and feedback in the comments below. Your insights are invaluable, and they help me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. So, go ahead, fire up that air fryer, and get ready to enjoy the best chicken tenderloins you’ve ever tasted! I can’t wait to hear what you think! Happy cooking!