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Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins
These air fryer chicken tenderloins are crispy, juicy, and quick to make! Perfect for easy, and delicious family meals.
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These air fryer chicken tenderloins cook up golden, juicy, and bursting with flavor! You’ll love how quick and easy they are to make. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a fun snack, they’re ready in just minutes. Enjoy tender, crispy chicken with a fraction of the oil and all the taste.
This recipe is super easy to make—just follow the guide below! We’ve got step-by-step photos and directions to help. Check out pro tips and tricks for the best results. Plus, find answers to your most frequently asked recipe questions!
More Recipes ⭐ Air Fryer Chicken Thighs | Buffalo Chicken Tenders | Air Fryer Pizza
These air fryer chicken tenderloins are ready in no time, making them perfect for busy weeknights or quick snacks. Each bite is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. They’re great for family dinners, parties, or meal prep because everyone loves a tasty, guilt-free option. Try this recipe and enjoy restaurant-quality chicken with less oil and more convenience right at home!
Ingredients
What you'll need to make this Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins recipe:
- 1 pound of chicken tenderloins (approximately 7 to 8 pieces)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- ½ cup of plain panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup of plain original breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon of onion powder
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Pro Tip
If you buy the extra large, family-size bag of frozen chicken tenders from your big box grocery store, you will want to thaw just the amount (or the number of pieces) you will be air frying for this quick recipe.
Thaw them completely in the refrigerator before proceeding. You can pat them dry with paper towels before adding them to the egg wash to ensure the egg adheres to the chicken.
Substitutions and Additions
Personalize your air fryer chicken tenderloins with simple changes and additions that make your chicken uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions:
Substitute Seasonings: Try garlic powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning for a fun twist on flavor.
Substitute Breading: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes or panko for an extra crispy coating.
Add Spice: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicy kick to your chicken tenderloins.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins
Follow along with our step-by-step pictures and instructions to make these tasty baked chicken tenderloins. Check out the tips and tricks below for extra help. Let’s get started and create crispy, juicy chicken everyone will love!
FIRST STEP: Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 400°F.
While your air fryer is preheating, you can coat your raw chicken tenderloins with the egg wash and breadcrumb coating.
SECOND STEP: Whisk together the eggs and Dijon mustard in a shallow bowl. Set aside.
THIRD STEP: In a second shallow dish, combine the panko crumbs, original breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper until all the spices are thoroughly distributed in the breadcrumbs.
FOURTH STEP: Add the olive oil to the breadcrumb mixture and combine until the breadcrumbs have been evenly coated with the olive oil.
This will not be a greasy mixture, but you should not have any big lumps of oil-coated breadcrumbs.
FIFTH STEP: Add three to four chicken tenderloins to the egg wash and toss to coat.
Be sure to allow any excess egg mixture to drip back into the dish before proceeding to the breadcrumb coating.
SIXTH STEP: Carefully add the egg-coated chicken pieces to the breadcrumb mixture. Coat the chicken tenderloin strips with breadcrumbs on both sides.
Allow any excess breadcrumbs to fall back into the dish and place them onto a plate while you repeat steps five and six until all the chicken tenderloins have been coated.
SEVENTH STEP: Arrange three to four coated chicken tenderloins into the preheated air fryer basket of the air fryer and cook at 400°F for 12 to 13 minutes.
Flip the chicken strips halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning of your chicken tenderloins.
Pro Tip
This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled if serving a large crowd. You will need to allow for enough time to cook multiple batches depending on the size of your air fryer. You do not want to overcrowd the basket of your air fryer. Do not allow the pieces of breaded chicken tenderloins to overlap. This will ensure that you get a beautiful golden brown evenly on each chicken tenderloin.
EIGHTH STEP: Repeat steps five to seven until all the chicken tenderloins have been cooked.
Pro Tip
You can use a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature of the cooked chicken to be sure that it reaches 165°F on a meat thermometer for safe consumption. You may notice that some of your pieces are larger than others in your package of chicken tenderloins. Add 1 to 2 minutes to your total cook time if your pieces are a little larger.
How To Serve Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloin
Serve these air fryer chicken tenderloins in fun, delicious ways for any occasion! They’re perfect for parties, dinners, or quick snacks. Kids and adults alike will love these crispy bites.
- Family Dinner Night: Serve these tenderloins with mac and cheese or cheesy bacon ranch potatoes for a meal everyone will enjoy. Add steamed broccoli for a healthy twist.
- Game Day Snacks: These chicken tenderloins are perfect finger food for cheering on your team! Pair them with chicken dipping sauce or honey mustard sauce. Serve with loaded fries for the ultimate snack spread.
- Kid-Friendly Lunches: Kids love these juicy chicken tenderloins in their lunchboxes! Add carrot sticks and a side of applesauce. Serve with cheesy garlic bread for a fun meal.
Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Fingers Recipe
Air fryer chicken breast tenderloins will be your new favorite for so many tasty reasons!
- Crispy and Juicy Perfection: These chicken tenderloins deliver the best of both worlds—crispy on the outside and tender inside. The air fryer creates the perfect texture without loads of oil.
- Quick and Easy Delight: Ready in just 15 minutes, these tenderloins save time and effort. You get a fast, delicious meal everyone loves.
- Flavorful for All Ages: Kids and adults can’t get enough of these seasoned bites! The savory flavors make them a hit for every mealtime.
Air fryer chicken tenderloins are a fun, flavorful experience that brings joy to any table!
Recipe FAQ
How long do air fryer chicken tenderloins take to cook?
These chicken tenderloins cook in just twenty-four minutes! They’re perfect for a quick meal when you're short on time.
What temperature should I use for air fryer chicken tenderloins?
Cook the tenderloins at 400°F. This temperature gives them a crispy outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
How do I keep air fryer chicken tenderloins from drying out?
Don’t overcook the chicken, and always preheat your air fryer. These steps keep the tenderloins moist and flavorful.
Can I use frozen chicken tenderloins in the air fryer?
Yes, you can! Just add three or four extra minutes of cooking time and check the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Serving FAQ
What’s the best way to serve air fryer chicken tenderloins at a party?
Serve them on a platter with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue for easy, crowd-pleasing bites.
Can I cut chicken tenderloins into smaller pieces for kids?
Yes! Slice the tenderloins into smaller pieces after cooking. This makes them easier for kids to handle and enjoy.
How can I make these chicken tenderloins extra fun to serve?
Stick toothpicks in each tenderloin for a fun, bite-sized appetizer. Kids and adults love this easy-to-grab option!
Should I serve air fryer chicken tenderloins hot or cold?
Serve them hot for the best crispy texture and juicy flavor. Freshly cooked chicken always tastes the most delicious!
Storage FAQ
Follow the directions, tips, and tricks below for the best way to store, make ahead, and reheat air fryer chicken tenderloins. We’ve got everything covered so your chicken stays crispy, juicy, and delicious!
Can I prepare air fryer chicken tenderloins ahead of time?
Yes, season the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to twenty-four hours before cooking. This saves time and boosts flavor.
What’s the best way to store leftover chicken tenderloins?
Store leftover tenderloins in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days.
How do I reheat air fryer chicken tenderloins?
Reheat the tenderloins in the air fryer at 350°F for three to four minutes to keep them crispy and warm.
Can I freeze cooked chicken tenderloins?
Yes, freeze them in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins
These air fryer chicken tenderloins are crispy, juicy, and quick to make! Perfect for easy, and delicious family meals.
Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins (approximately 7 to 8 pieces)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ cup plain panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup plain original breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 400°F. While your air fryer is preheating, you can coat your chicken tenderloins with the egg wash and breadcrumb coating.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and Dijon mustard. Set aside.
- In a second shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, original breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper until all the spices are thoroughly distributed in the breadcrumbs.
- Add the olive oil to the breadcrumb mixture and combine until the breadcrumbs have been evenly coated with the olive oil. This will not be a greasy mixture, but you should not have any big lumps of oil-coated breadcrumbs.
- Add 3 to 4 chicken tenderloins to the egg wash and toss to coat. Be sure to allow any excess egg mixture to drip back into the dish before proceeding to the breadcrumb coating.
- Carefully add the egg-coated chicken tenderloins to the breadcrumb mixture. Coat the chicken tenderloin strips with breadcrumbs on both sides. Allow any excess breadcrumbs to fall back into the dish and place them onto a plate while you repeat steps 5 and 6 until all the chicken tenderloins have been coated.
- Arrange 3 to 4 coated chicken tenderloins into the preheated basket of the air fryer and cook at 400°F for 12 to 13 minutes. Flip the chicken strips half ways through the cooking time to ensure even browning of your chicken tenderloins.
- Repeat steps 5 to 7 until all the chicken tenderloins have been cooked.
- Serve these air fryer chicken tenderloins alongside a small bowl of chicken finger dipping sauce. These should be served while they are still warm. You can store the cooked chicken tenderloins in an airtight container, in the refrigerator, for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the air fryer at 400°F for 5 minutes or until warmed through.
Notes
- Allow your chicken tenderloins to sit at room temperature for a few minutes to allow the chill to come off them. This will help ensure that your chicken cooks evenly.
- This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled if serving a large crowd. You will need to allow for enough time to cook multiple batches depending on the size of your air fryer. You do not want to overcrowd the basket of your air fryer. Do not allow the pieces of breaded chicken tenderloins to overlap. This will ensure that you get a beautiful golden brown evenly on each chicken tenderloin.
- You can use a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature of the cooked chicken to be sure that it reaches 165°F on a meat thermometer for safe consumption. You may notice that some of your pieces are larger than others in your package of chicken tenderloins. You can add 1-2 minutes to your total cook time if your pieces are a little larger.
Nutrition
Calories: 155kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 325mg | Potassium: 254mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 109IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 1mg
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