Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and healthier way to satisfy your fried chicken cravings, this Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned, these chicken tenderloins deliver that crave-worthy crispy exterior without the mess or guilt of deep frying. It’s so simple to prepare and makes for a fantastic weeknight dinner, snack, or party appetizer that everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These everyday pantry staples combine effortlessly to create a mouthwatering coating and flavorful chicken that’s juicy inside with a crispy outside. Each ingredient plays a key role in marrying aroma, texture, and color to elevate this simple dish.

• Olive oil: Provides moisture and helps the spices stick to the chicken while promoting browning in the air fryer.
• Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that adds a touch of herbal brightness.
• Garlic powder: Offers a deep savory note that complements the tender chicken beautifully.
• Onion powder: Adds sweetness and complexity without overpowering the palate.
• Fine sea salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
• Paprika: Gives a subtle smoky flavor and lovely color to the crust.
• Ground black pepper: Provides a mild heat and sharpness that rounds out the seasoning.
• Chicken tenderloin (1 pound): The star of the dish, naturally tender and quick to cook.
• Finely chopped parsley (optional): A fresh garnish that adds a pop of green and a little brightness when served.

How to Make Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Blend and Chicken

In a large bowl, combine olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, paprika, and black pepper. This blend not only seasons the chicken perfectly but also forms the base for a crispy and flavorful crust. Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels; this step is key to achieving that crisp texture. Toss the chicken in the seasoned oil mixture until every piece is evenly coated. Set aside as the air fryer preheats.

Step 2: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and let it warm up for about 4 minutes. Preheating is a crucial step to ensure your chicken cooks evenly and develops that irresistible golden exterior straight away.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Tenderloins

Place the tenderloins in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overlapping to allow for optimal air circulation. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip to cook on the other side. Depending on the size of your tenderloins, cook for an additional 3 to 6 minutes. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check for doneness — the chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit at the thickest part.

How to Serve Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley not only adds a lovely fresh color contrast but also a subtle herbal fragrance that brightens up every bite. If you love a little extra zing, a wedge of lemon on the side can elevate the flavors even more.

Side Dishes

These tenderloins pair beautifully with crisp, refreshing salads like a classic Caesar or a tangy coleslaw. For something heartier, try serving alongside roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or even a creamy mac and cheese for ultimate comfort food vibes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the cooked tenders and serve them as protein-packed toppings on grain bowls or atop leafy greens. They’re also fantastic tucked into wraps with fresh veggies and your favorite sauce or even skewered with veggies for a party-friendly finger food platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow leftover chicken tenderloins to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or snacks.

Freezing

If you want to keep these on hand longer, freezing cooked chicken tenderloins is a great option. Wrap them tightly or store in freezer-safe bags and they’ll maintain quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back the delightful crispiness, reheat the tenderloins in the air fryer or a conventional oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make the breading soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenderloins for this Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin Recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken tenderloins to ensure even cooking and the best texture. If using frozen, thaw completely before seasoning and air frying.

Do I need to coat the chicken tenderloins with breadcrumbs?

This recipe relies on a seasoned oil and spice blend to create a flavorful exterior without breadcrumbs. You can add panko or breadcrumbs if you want extra crunch, but it’s delicious as is.

What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake these instead?

Absolutely! Baking at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, will yield tasty results, though the texture might be slightly less crispy than air frying.

How spicy is this Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin Recipe?

The seasoning is mildly spiced with paprika and pepper, creating a balanced and approachable flavor. You can adjust the pepper quantity or add cayenne if you prefer more heat.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just make sure you cook the chicken in batches so they don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. This helps each piece cook evenly and stay crispy.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fried Chicken Tenderloin Recipe is an absolute winner for anyone who loves juicy, flavorful chicken without the hassle of deep frying. It’s straightforward, quick, and so versatile that it fits into any meal or occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how ridiculously easy it is to make restaurant-quality chicken right at home. Your taste buds will thank you!

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