Remember those after-school chicken tender nights, with crinkly TV dinner trays and way too much ketchup? Well, Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins are bringing that vibe backwith a crispy, grown-up glow-up. Thanks to TikTok and some weeknight desperation, this easy recipe is everywhere. Takes under 20 mins, no deep fryer, no weird ingredients. Just hit start and wait for golden perfection.
It’s a cozy dish that warms the soul and doesn’t make a mess. Just seasoned chicken, a drizzle of oil, and your magic air fryer. Stuff you already got. Think mom’s comfort food with a crunchy, modern twist. Full details in the blog!
Honestly? I used to scorch everything but toast. But when my daughter dared me to air fry chicken and not ruin it… we got magic. Years of skillet mishaps led to this moment. I keep it simpleno fluff, no gadgets. I tested it. You’ll love the secret spice blend.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins are the answer to every busy, hungry weeknight or weekend snack craving. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and require less oil than traditional fried chicken, so you can indulge guilt-free. Plus, they’re made with simple pantry staples and ready in under 10 minutesfaster than takeout or digging through your freezer for a forgotten frozen dinner.
This recipe brings back the nostalgic comfort of crispy chicken fingers but makes them feel a little more grown-up and way easier to clean up. No greasy stovetop, no baking trays to scrubjust seasoned perfection from your air fryer. Cozy, practical, and way better than anything you’d get in a drive-thru!
Ingredients & Tools
The beauty of these chicken tenderloins is how simple they are. You only need a handful of ingredients:
Chicken tenderloins: The star of the showjuicy, lean, and perfect for quick cooking.
Olive oil: Helps crisp up the chicken without deep frying.
Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky warmth that takes these tenders to the next level.
Italian seasoning: A cozy mix of herbs for a subtle, savory boost.
Garlic powder and salt: To round out the flavor with just the right amount of seasoning.
For tools, all you need is an air fryer (any model works), a mixing bowl, and a pair of tongs to flip your tenders. Bonus: no extra pans or kitchen gadgets, just mess-free magic!
How to Make It
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease the basket to make sure nothing sticks. While it heats, toss your chicken tenderloins in olive oil in a mixing bowlthis helps the seasonings adhere and locks in moisture.
Step 2: Combine smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt, then coat the chicken evenly with this flavorful mix. Don’t be shyget in there with your tongs or hands to make sure every tender is coated.
Step 3: Lay the tenderloins in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd them or you’ll risk steaming instead of crisping. Cook for 7–8 minutes, flipping halfway through to get that golden perfection on both sides. Let them rest for 5 minutes after cooking to lock in the juices.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Problem: Soggy, sad tenders? Solution: Always leave space between each tenderloin in the basket for proper airflow. Overlapping leads to uneven cooking and less crispiness.
Problem: Dry or tough chicken? Solution: Stick to the listed cook time and don’t skip the olive oil. Air fryers cook quickly, so an extra minute or two can dry them out fast.
Pro Tip: Got a smaller air fryer? Cook in batches instead of crowding the basket. Trust meit’s worth the extra couple minutes for evenly golden chicken.
Serving & Storage
These tenderloins are a blank canvas for your favorite dipping saucesthink creamy ranch, honey mustard, or classic BBQ sauce. Pair with fries, a crisp salad, or even piled onto a sandwich for an easy meal. Feeling fancy? Serve them over pasta with a drizzle of Alfredo sauce for a cozy twist!
Leftovers? No problem! Store cooked tenderloins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat them in your air fryer for a minute or two to bring back that crispy texture. Want to freeze them? Lay them flat in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months, and reheat straight from frozen in your air fryer for the ultimate lazy day dinner.
Air Fryer Cook Times and Temps
Chicken Thickness
Air Fryer Temp
Cook Time
Thin (1/2 inch)
375°F (190°C)
6–7 minutes
Medium (3/4 inch)
375°F (190°C)
7–8 minutes
Thick (1 inch+)
375°F (190°C)
8–9 minutes
Expert Insight: Mastering Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins
Chicken tenderloins cook quickly and evenly in an air fryer, making them an ideal choice for a healthy, convenient meal. The high heat and circulating air help achieve a crispy exterior without added oil, preserving moisture inside. For best results, avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and optimal texture.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
Why I Love Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins
These Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins remind me of all those rushed weeknights when Rachel and I would race to get dinner ready before the chaos of homework and bedtime kicked in. Crispy, quick, and practically foolproofthis recipe has saved more than one frazzled evening in our kitchen. Plus, even I can’t mess this one up!
FAQs ( Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins )
How long do you cook chicken tenderloins in air fryer?
Cook chicken tenderloins in the air fryer for 8-12 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through. The exact time depends on the thickness of your tenderloins – thinner pieces will cook faster. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety. Start checking at 8 minutes to avoid overcooking these tender cuts of chicken.
What temperature should air fryer chicken tenderloins be?
Air fryer chicken tenderloins should be cooked at 400°F for the perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior. This temperature ensures even cooking without drying out the meat. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer. Cooking at 400°F also helps achieve that golden-brown color we all love!
Do you need to flip chicken tenderloins in air fryer?
Yes, you should flip chicken tenderloins halfway through cooking for even browning and cooking. Flip them at the 4-6 minute mark depending on your total cook time. This ensures both sides get crispy and golden while preventing one side from overcooking. Use tongs to gently turn them over to maintain any coating or seasoning.
Should I use oil on air fryer chicken tenderloins?
A light spray or brush of oil on chicken tenderloins helps achieve better browning and crispiness in the air fryer. You only need about 1-2 teaspoons of oil for a batch of tenderloins. Olive oil, avocado oil, or cooking spray all work well. The oil also helps seasonings stick better to the chicken for more flavorful results.
How do you keep air fryer chicken tenderloins from drying out?
To prevent air fryer chicken tenderloins from drying out, don’t overcook them and consider brining or marinating beforehand. Check the internal temperature at 8 minutes and remove when it reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices. Using a light coating of oil and not overcrowding the basket also helps maintain moisture.
Wrapping Up Your Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins Adventure
Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins are your new go-to for quick, crispy comfort that’s way easier than frying and full of cozy flavor. Ready in under 20 minutes, these tenderloins come out perfectly golden and juicy every timeno fancy gadgets, just simple kitchen magic you’ll wanna make again and again.
Feeling adventurous? Swap smoked paprika for Cajun seasoning, or toss in a sprinkle of parmesan before air frying. Leftovers reheat beautifully (a pro tip from my most forgiving kitchen moments), and pair perfectly with salads, sandwiches, or your favorite dipping sauce for a cozy homemade meal that feels like an hug from the inside.
Give this recipe a try and share your twists, mishaps, or family favorites with me! Did your childhood have a dish that brought everyone to the table? Pass this along to a friend who needs a no-fuss, all-flavor winnerbecause food’s best when shared and cooked with love.
Learn to cook chicken tenderloins in the air fryer perfectly; juicy, delicious and easy. Ready in 8 minutes, a secret trick ensures they never dry out for a quick and tasty meal.
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound chicken tenderloins
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 190C/375F and lightly grease the air fryer basket.
In a mixing bowl, add the chicken tenders and oil and mix well. Add the seasonings and mix until combined.
Add the chicken tenders to an air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Remove the tenderloins from the air fryer basket and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
TO STORE: Place the cooked and cooled chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
TO FREEZE: Keep them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 3 months
TO REHEAT: You can reheat them back in the air fryer, a preheated oven, or a hot skillet
You can also microwave them if you are in a time crunch
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas—together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
