Are you wondering how to get perfectly juicy and crispy chicken tenderloins in your air fryer? You’re not alone! This convenient cooking method has revolutionized how we prepare this lean cut of meat, making dinner prep quicker and healthier than ever. I’ve experimented with countless batches to find the ideal cooking time and temperature for chicken tenderloins, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned with you.
What Are Chicken Tenderloins?
Before diving into cooking times, let’s clarify what we’re working with Chicken tenderloins (also called chicken tenders or chicken strips) are the long, thin strips of meat found underneath the chicken breast They’re naturally more tender than chicken breasts because they have less connective tissue, making them perfect for quick cooking methods like air frying.
Many people confuse chicken tenderloins with chicken nuggets or breaded tenders, but we’re talking about the actual cut of meat here. You can buy them separately or sometimes find them still attached to the breast. If you can’t find tenderloins specifically, you can always slice chicken breasts lengthwise into strips as a substitute.
How Long to Air Fry Chicken Tenderloins
The burning question exactly how long should those tenders stay in the air fryer? The answer depends on several factors but here’s the quick version
Average cooking time: 8-15 minutes at 375°F-400°F
But there’s more to the story! The exact time varies based on:
Tenderloin Thickness
| Thickness | Cooking Time (at 400°F) |
|---|---|
| Thin (1/2 inch or less) | 7-10 minutes |
| Medium (3/4 inch) | 10-12 minutes |
| Thick (1 inch or more) | 12-15 minutes |
Some recipes, like the one from The Big Man’s World, suggest an even quicker cooking time of just 7-8 minutes for average-sized tenderloins. It’s important to remember that every air fryer model cooks slightly differently, so these times are starting points that you might need to adjust.
Temperature Settings
While most recipes recommend cooking at 375°F-400°F, the exact temperature affects cooking time:
- At 380°F (193°C): 10-12 minutes for average tenderloins
- At 400°F (204°C): 8-10 minutes for average tenderloins
Higher temperatures will cook the chicken faster but might risk drying out the meat if you’re not careful. I’ve found that 400°F gives that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy, especially if you’re careful with the timing.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins
Let me walk you through the process I use to get consistently great results:
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- Seasonings of your choice (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, etc.)
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F-400°F (I prefer 400°F for extra crispiness)
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels (this helps them get crispier)
- Season the chicken – In a bowl, drizzle the tenderloins with oil and add your seasonings. Toss to coat evenly, making sure there’s no bare chicken showing.
- Arrange in the air fryer – Place the tenderloins in a single layer in your air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook and flip – Air fry for 5-6 minutes, then flip the tenderloins and cook for another 3-5 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Rest before serving – Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
The Secret to Juicy Tenderloins
The biggest challenge with chicken tenderloins is preventing them from drying out. Here are my pro tips:
- Don’t overcook – This is the #1 reason for dry chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check when they reach 165°F and remove them immediately.
- Flip halfway – Turning the tenderloins ensures even cooking and browning on both sides.
- Let them rest – Those 5 minutes of resting time after cooking makes a huge difference in juiciness.
- Consider a marinade – While not necessary, marinating for 30 minutes to 2 hours can add flavor and moisture.
Flavor Variations
One thing I love about air fryer chicken tenderloins is how versatile they are! Here are some of my favorite seasoning combinations:
- Classic – Garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper
- Cajun Style – Swap in your favorite Cajun seasoning blend
- BBQ – Use your basic seasonings but brush with barbecue sauce before serving
- Italian – Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese
- Honey Mustard – Mix equal parts honey and Dijon mustard as a glaze
You can keep them simple with just salt and pepper or get creative with different spice blends. The possibilities are endless!
Common Questions About Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins
Do I need to use breading?
Nope! While you certainly can bread your tenderloins if you want, it’s not necessary. A light coating of oil and seasonings will give you delicious results with fewer calories and carbs. This makes air fryer chicken tenderloins naturally keto-friendly, gluten-free, and paleo-compatible.
Can I cook frozen chicken tenderloins in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Add about 3-5 minutes to your cooking time if starting from frozen. The texture might be slightly different, but it still works great in a pinch. Just make sure they reach that internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Should I spray the chicken with oil?
Yes, a light coating of oil helps the seasonings stick and promotes browning. You don’t need much—just 1-2 tablespoons for a pound of tenderloins is plenty.
How do I know when they’re done?
The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F. Visually, the chicken should be opaque and white throughout with no pink remaining, and the juices should run clear.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Made too many tenderloins? Lucky you! They’re great for meal prep:
- Refrigerate cooked tenderloins in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until warmed through. This maintains the crispy texture better than microwaving.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins
These versatile tenders pair well with practically anything! Some of my go-to sides include:
- Air fryer french fries or sweet potato fries
- Fresh garden salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Rice or quinoa
- Mashed potatoes
Don’t forget the dipping sauces! Ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or buffalo sauce are all fantastic options.
Health Benefits of Chicken Tenderloins
Besides being delicious, chicken tenderloins are a nutritional powerhouse:
- High in protein – About 25 grams per 3-ounce serving
- Low in calories – Especially when air fried instead of deep-fried
- Rich in B vitamins – Important for energy production
- Contains minerals like phosphorus and selenium
Air frying allows you to enjoy the satisfying crispiness of fried chicken with significantly less oil than traditional methods. It’s a win-win!
Final Thoughts
Air frying chicken tenderloins is one of those cooking techniques that, once mastered, will become a regular in your meal rotation. The combination of quick cooking time, minimal cleanup, and delicious results makes it hard to beat for busy weeknights.
Remember that the exact cooking time might vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the size of your tenderloins. Start with the guidelines I’ve provided (8-12 minutes at 400°F for average tenderloins), but don’t be afraid to adjust based on your results. With a little practice, you’ll find the perfect timing for your specific setup.
How To Make Chicken Tenderloins In The Air Fryer
Making these chicken tenderloins air fryer-style is my favorite new weeknight dinner hack. They’re so stinkin’ simple! Here’s what to do to make this easy meal:
Step 1: Season Chicken. Add the chicken tenderloins, olive oil, light brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to a large mixing bowl. Toss until the chicken tenderloins are thoroughly coated.
Step 2: Marinate. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, or transfer the chicken tenders to an airtight container. Place the chicken in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 15 minutes and up to overnight if possible.
Step 3: Prep Air Fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F. Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray. Add the seasoned chicken tenders to the basket in an even, single layer.
Step 4: Cook chicken tenderloins for 7-9 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They are done cooking when they hit an internal temperature of 165F. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the tenderloins.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Tender Recipe
- Busy Weeknight Dinner? ✅Air frying chicken tenderloins is a snap. This quick and easy recipe takes just 10 minutes of prep and less than 10 minutes of cooking time, so a hearty, protein-packed meal can be on the table in just 20 minutes or less.
- Made With Fewer Than 10 Ingredients – And most of them are spice cabinet staples.
- Kid-Tested, Mom-Approved – These delicious, well-seasoned air fryer chicken tenders are a hit with both parents and their tots. They’re made with lean, protein-packed white meat chicken, have no breading, and are air-fried, so they’re super healthy! Perfect for the whole family.
- Versatile AF – Whether you eat them like chicken fingers with your favorite dipping sauce, tuck them into sandwiches or wraps, add them to your favorite salads and pasta dishes, or simply serve them alongside mashies and steamed veggies, these easy air fryer chicken tenders are bound to be a hit.
This recipe for chicken tenders in the air fryer requires just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what to grab:
- Chicken Tenderloins – If you can find them, this cut offers the most tender, succulent white meat option on the bird. If not, you can swap in boneless, skinless chicken breasts that have been pounded out and cut into chicken strips.
- Olive Oil – No need to bust out the fancy stuff; just your normal cooking oil is perfect. You can also use another heart-healthy oil like avocado or canola if you prefer.
- Light Brown Sugar – My favorite part about these air fried chicken tenderloins is the slight sweetness in the spice rub. Adding a touch of light brown sugar helps the tenders crisp up beautifully while adding a rich caramel undertone. In a pinch, you can swap in dark brown sugar but be prepared for a more intense molasses flavor.
- Garlic Powder – For the sweet flavor of cooked garlic without any fuss. If you can’t have garlic, try adding a pinch or two of asafoetida instead.
- Smoked Paprika – For warmth and smokiness that echoes chicken cooked on the grill. For a spicier option, use ground chipotle powder instead. You can also use either sweet or hot paprika if you don’t have smoked. (If you go that route and you have liquid smoke, add a ¼ teaspoon to the olive oil!)
- Dried Oregano – I love the earthy, minty, almost camphor-y flavor of oregano. Feel free to swap in an equal amount of thyme, or use Italian seasoning instead.
- Chili Powder – Interestingly enough, chili powder is a spice blend that usually contains at least 2 different types of chiles and additional spices like cumin. If you don’t have any, you can either make your own, or swap in taco seasoning and omit the added salt. You could also swap in cayenne pepper for extra heat!
- Salt & Black Pepper – For basic seasoning. I recommend using either sea salt or kosher salt instead of iodized table salt, and using freshly cracked black pepper over the pre-ground stuff that comes in a tin.
- Non-Aerosol Cooking Spray – Note that some cooking sprays aren’t great for air fryers. If yours falls in this camp, you can lightly brush the air fryer basket with olive or avocado oil instead.
