Remember those mysterious “chicken cutlets” your mom used to slap in a pan with salt, pepper, and lots of hope? Well, this air fryer chicken tenderloins no breading situation is basically thatbut crispier, juicier, and trending like wildfire on Pinterest and TikTok. It’s speedy, easy, and perfect for nights when you want dinner without drama.
These tenderloins are gloriously simple: just chicken, olive oil, garlic powder, and whatever seasoning you’ve got on the lazy Susan. No breading means no messjust clean flavor, golden edges, and a taste like your grandma’s skillet, minus the grease. Full details in the blog!
I first made these after nearly setting off the smoke alarm with a “quick” skillet meal (oops). But this one? Safe, tested, and family-approved. It’s practical meets flavorful with a little trick that makes it extra juicy. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins
If weeknight dinners frequently feel like a sprint, these air fryer chicken tenderloins no breading will be your new best friend. They’re quick, easy, and so versatile that you’ll want to make them on repeat. Here’s why:
No breading, no mess: Say goodbye to sticky breading stations and hello to clean, flavorful chicken.
Family-friendly flavor: The marinade gives these tenderloins all the taste they needbold, tangy, and with a little kick!
Healthy and protein-packed: Perfect for those looking for a gluten-free, guilt-free main dish.
Cooked in 8 minutes: Whether it’s a busy weeknight or last-minute dinner, these tenderloins are ready in record time.
Ingredients Breakdown
This recipe keeps things simple but bold with ingredients you probably already have (or can easily grab). Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredient
Amount
Purpose
Chicken Tenderloins
1.5 lbs
The juicy star of the show.
Olive Oil
⅓ cup
Locks in moisture and flavor while air frying.
Coconut Aminos
3 tbsp
Adds a slightly sweet, savory bite to the marinade.
No need to overthink itthis recipe is as simple as mix, marinate, and air fry! Here’s the breakdown:
Combine all marinade ingredients in a large bowl and whisk them together.
Add chicken tenderloins to the bowl, making sure each piece is coated. Let them sit for 15 minutes or overnight if you want even more flavor.
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F and lightly spray the basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
Place chicken tenderloins in a single layer inside the basket. Don’t overcrowdcook in batches if necessary.
Cook for 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check for an internal temp of 165°F to ensure they’re done.
Step
Action
Key Tips
1
Mix marinade ingredients
Whisk thoroughly for even flavor distribution.
2
Marinate chicken
Longer marinating = deeper flavor (up to overnight).
3
Preheat air fryer
Don’t skip preheatingit helps achieve that golden finish!
4
Cook chicken
Flip halfway for even cooking.
Pro Tips & Swaps
Want to change things up or troubleshoot? Here are some tips to make this recipe even easier:
Swap ideas: No coconut aminos? Use low-sodium soy sauce. Out of Dijon? Try yellow mustard (it’s a bit milder).
Cooking frozen chicken tenderloins: Air fry frozen pieces at 390°F for 5 minutes first, then marinate quickly and finish cooking for 7-8 minutes.
If you’re missing olive oil: Avocado oil works too, as it handles high heat just as well.
Want more spice? Double the crushed red pepper or add a pinch of cayenne to the marinade.
Ingredient
Swap
Reason
Coconut Aminos
Soy Sauce (low-sodium)
Provides a similar salty-sweet flavor.
Dijon Mustard
Yellow Mustard
A milder but acceptable substitute.
Olive Oil
Avocado Oil
Handles high heat and keeps chicken moist.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? These tenderloins store beautifully for make-ahead meals. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
In the freezer: Freeze cooked tenderloins individually on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
Reheat: In the air fryer at 375°F for 2-3 minutes or until hot and crispy again. No air fryer? Use a skillet or oven.
Method
Temperature
Reheat Time
Air Fryer
375°F
2-3 minutes
Oven
350°F
5-7 minutes
Skillet
Medium Heat
4-5 minutes
Expert Says: Perfecting Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins Without Breading
Cooking air fryer chicken tenderloins no breading ensures a tender, juicy result with less added fat and carbs. The high, even heat of the air fryer locks in moisture quickly, making it an ideal method for lean cuts while maintaining a crispy exterior without the need for breading.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
A Little Kitchen Truth
Making air fryer chicken tenderloins no breading started as my attempt to keep things simple during a weeknight rush. Watching my daughter Rachel happily dive in without waiting for sauce or sides reminded me that sometimes the best meals are the easiestand mess-freeones we make together.
FAQs ( air fryer chicken tenderloins no breading )
How long do you cook air fryer chicken tenderloins with no breading?
Cook air fryer chicken tenderloins without breading at 400°F for 8-12 minutes, depending on their thickness. Flip them halfway through cooking for even browning. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F with a meat thermometer. Thinner tenderloins may cook faster, so start checking at the 8-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
Do you need to preheat the air fryer for chicken tenderloins?
Yes, preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 400°F is recommended for the best results. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior on your chicken tenderloins. Preheating also helps prevent the chicken from sticking to the basket. Most air fryers heat up quickly, so this step only adds a few minutes to your cooking time.
How do you keep air fryer chicken tenderloins moist without breading?
Keep your chicken tenderloins moist by not overcooking them and using a light coating of oil or cooking spray. Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking adds extra moisture and flavor. Avoid opening the air fryer basket too frequently during cooking, as this releases steam. Let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
What temperature should air fryer chicken tenderloins be cooked at?
Cook air fryer chicken tenderloins at 400°F for the best balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior. This temperature allows the chicken to cook through evenly without drying out. Some recipes call for 375°F, but 400°F gives you that nice golden color in less time. Always verify doneness with a meat thermometer – the internal temperature should reach 165°F regardless of the cooking temperature you choose.
Can you stack chicken tenderloins in the air fryer?
It’s best to arrange chicken tenderloins in a single layer without stacking for even cooking and proper air circulation. If you have too many tenderloins for one layer, cook them in batches instead. Overlapping pieces can result in uneven cooking with some parts undercooked and others overcooked. If you must overlap slightly, flip and rearrange the pieces halfway through cooking to ensure all sides get proper heat exposure.
Wrapping It Up
This air fryer chicken tenderloins no breading recipe is your new go-to for quick, juicy, and fuss-free dinners. In under 10 minutes, you get tender, flavorful chicken that feels homemade without the hassle. You’ll love how the simple ingredients come together to create that perfect crispy edge and juicy center.
Feel free to switch up the heat with extra crushed red pepper or swap olive oil for avocado oil if you prefer. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the air fryerjust like fresh out of the basket. A little tip from the kitchen vault: marinate longer for deeper flavorit truly makes a difference!
Now it’s your turn! Snap a pic, try your own spin, and share it with the community. Did this remind you of a family favorite? Pass it on and make someone’s night a little easier and tastier. Here’s to meals that bring joy, not stresshappy cooking!
Air fryer chicken tenderloins are a quick and easy way to enjoy juicy, flavorful chicken without breading. This gluten-free recipe is marinated and air fried to crispy perfection, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins
⅓ cup olive oil
3 tbsp coconut aminos
2 cloves minced garlic
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp hot sauce I like Frank’s Red Hot
1 tbsp dijon mustard
½ tsp crushed red pepper
Instructions
Add marinade ingredients to a large bowl and whisk well to combine.
Add chicken tenderloins and let them sit for minimum 15 minutes up to overnight.
Spray the air fryer basket and preheat to 390 degrees.
Remove chicken tenderloins from marinade and add them in a single layer in the basket in batches if needed. Cook for 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce like Copycat Chick Fil A sauce.
Notes
Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350F
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
Lay marinated chicken tenderloins in a single layer
Bake 15-20 minutes
Frozen Chicken Tenders: Cook frozen tenderloins in air fryer at 390 for 5 minutes
Marinate then cook another 7-8 minutes flipping halfway
Chicken Breasts can be cut into strips as an alternative
Cook to internal temp 165°F using a meat thermometer
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.
