Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins
Learn how to make Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins in just 10 minutes or less! This easy protein can be made with the help of your air fryer or Ninja Foodi and pairs well with almost any side dish!
Chicken tenderloins are a lean and protein-packed cut of chicken that is perfect for grilling, sautéing, or in this case, air frying. Tenderloins are the muscle that runs along the breastbone and are known for their tender texture and mild flavor. They’re also incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to salads to wraps.
🍗Why The Air Fryer Is The Best Way To Cook Chicken Tenderloins
Air frying is a much healthier alternative to deep-frying. Instead of submerging the chicken in oil, the air fryer uses hot circulating air to cook the chicken, resulting in a crispy exterior without all the extra fat and calories.
Plus, it’s incredibly easy to use – simply season the chicken, place it in the air fryer basket, and let the machine do the work without having to worry about uneven cooking.
The high heat of the air fryer creates a perfectly crispy crust while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful. Plus, you can customize the seasoning to your liking, making it a great option to use in a variety of different ways!
🧂Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken Tenderloins – This is the star ingredient of the dish. Chicken tenderloins are a lean and tender cut of chicken that is perfect for air frying. They’re a great source of protein and can be used in a variety of recipes. You can use plain or breaded.
- Spices – A mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion, powder, salt, and pepper make the perfect seasoning blend to bring out the flavor of the chicken. Feel free to use whatever seasonings you enjoy.
- Cooking Oil – Avocado oil or olive oil is used to coat the chicken and helps to create a crispy crust when air fried.
📖How To Make Chicken Tenderloins In Air Fryer
1️⃣Preheat the air fryer: Turn your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheat for 3-5 minutes.
2️⃣Season the chicken tenderloins: In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Place chicken tenderloins in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle seasoning mixture over chicken and toss to coat evenly.
3️⃣Air fry chicken tenderloin: Arrange chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook chicken for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and crispy on the outside.
4️⃣Remove and serve: Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 165°F (74°C). Enjoy!
👩🍳Chef’s Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave enough space between the chicken tenderloins so that they can cook properly. If you need to cook a larger batch, do it in batches rather than trying to fit them all in at once.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. You want it to reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure that it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
- If you want to make the chicken even crispier, try spraying it with cooking spray halfway through cooking. This will help to create an extra crispy crust.
- How long it takes to cook chicken tenderloins in the air fryer will depend on their size. You may need a few minutes more or less of cooking time, which is why using a kitchen thermometer is important!
❄Storing & Freezing
Storing: Once you’ve cooked the chicken tenderloins, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken in the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Freezing: If you want to freeze the chicken tenderloins, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Label the container with the date so you know how long they’ve been frozen. Frozen chicken tenderloins can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to reheat the frozen chicken, place them in the air fryer and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes or until heated through and crispy. You can also thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating if you prefer.
❔FAQ
🍳More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
- Air Fryer Chicken Cutlets
- Air Fryer Bone In Chicken Breast
- Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Breast
- Air Fryer Chicken Burger
- Air Fryer Chicken Meatloaf
- Air Fryer Chicken Katsu
Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins
Equipment
- Air Fryer or Ninja Foodi
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Place chicken tenderloins in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle seasoning mixture over chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- Arrange chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook chicken for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and crispy on the outside.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 165°F (74°C).
- Serve hot and enjoy!
