Air Fryer Chicken Breast Tenderloins

Are you tired of dry, flavorless chicken that takes forever to cook? Say hello to perfectly juicy, golden-brown air fryer chicken breast tenderloins that are ready in just 15 minutes! These tender, succulent strips are crispy on the outside and incredibly moist on the inside, making them an absolute game-changer for busy weeknight dinners.

Here’s a fun fact: chicken tenderloins are actually the most tender part of the chicken breast, which is why they cook so beautifully in the air fryer. What makes this recipe truly special is its foolproof simplicity – just season, cook, and enjoy! No oil splattering, no constant flipping, and definitely no guesswork.

This recipe rivals our popular air fryer chicken thighs in terms of flavor and convenience, but cooks even faster. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or impressing dinner guests, these tenderloins deliver restaurant-quality results every single time. Get ready to transform your weeknight dinners with this incredibly easy and delicious recipe!

What Are Air Fryer Chicken Breast Tenderloins?

Ever wondered why they’re called “tenderloins”? Well, it’s not just a fancy name – these little strips are literally the most tender part of the chicken breast! They’re like the chicken world’s version of a perfectly cut filet mignon. You know what they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these tenderloins are your secret weapon to winning over anyone’s taste buds.

They’re naturally lean, cook incredibly fast, and have a texture that’s so tender, they practically melt in your mouth. Ready to become the hero of dinner time?

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Breast Tenderloins Recipe

Restaurant-Quality Results at Home

These air fryer chicken breast tenderloins deliver that perfect golden-brown crust you’d expect from your favorite restaurant, but right in your own kitchen. The air fryer creates an incredibly crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Every bite is packed with flavor and has that satisfying crunch that makes your taste buds dance with joy.

Budget-Friendly Family Meal

Making chicken tenderloins at home saves you serious money compared to ordering takeout or dining out. A package of chicken tenderloins costs a fraction of what you’d pay for a restaurant meal, and you can feed your entire family for under $10. Plus, you control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier meal without mystery additives or excessive sodium.

Versatile and Flavorful

The beauty of this recipe lies in its incredible versatility. You can season these tenderloins with anything from classic garlic and herbs to bold Cajun spices or zesty lemon pepper. They’re perfect for meal prep, lunch boxes, salads, wraps, or as a protein-packed dinner.

Unlike our air fryer whole chicken recipe, these cook in half the time while delivering equally impressive results. Why not give this recipe a try and discover your new favorite weeknight dinner solution?

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Breast Tenderloins

Quick Overview

This recipe is incredibly straightforward and perfect for beginners. The key to success is proper seasoning and not overcooking the tenderloins. The natural tenderness of the meat combined with the air fryer’s circulating hot air creates perfectly cooked chicken every time.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 15-17 minutes
Serves: 4 people

Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Breast Tenderloins

2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken breast tenderloins completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving that crispy exterior. Remove any visible fat or connective tissue. Place the tenderloins in a large bowl.

Step 2: Season the Tenderloins

Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice over the chicken tenderloins. In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken and toss until all pieces are well coated.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that golden-brown color.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Place the seasoned tenderloins in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd – cook in batches if necessary. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through at the 6-minute mark.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden brown and no longer pink in the center. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

What to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Breast Tenderloins With

These versatile tenderloins pair beautifully with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or asparagus. For a complete meal, serve them alongside garlic mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a fresh garden salad. They’re also fantastic sliced over Caesar salad, stuffed into warm tortillas for chicken wraps, or served with honey mustard and ranch dipping sauces. For a Southern-inspired meal, pair them with mac and cheese and coleslaw.

Top Tips for Perfecting Air Fryer Chicken Breast Tenderloins

Don’t Skip the Oil

Even though it’s an air fryer, a light coating of oil is essential for achieving that golden, crispy exterior. Olive oil or avocado oil work best.

Size Matters

Try to use tenderloins that are similar in size for even cooking. If some are much thicker, you can gently pound them to an even thickness.

Don’t Overcrowd

Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation and results in unevenly cooked chicken.

Let Them Rest

Allow the cooked tenderloins to rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices for maximum tenderness.

Experiment with Seasonings

Try different spice blends like Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, or curry powder for variety. You can also marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking for extra flavor.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store leftover air fryer chicken breast tenderloins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months in freezer-safe bags with the air pressed out.

To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, though they won’t be as crispy. For frozen tenderloins, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

For meal prep, these tenderloins work wonderfully. Cook a large batch on Sunday and use them throughout the week in salads, wraps, or quick dinners.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (4 oz)
Calories	185
Protein	34g
Carbs	1g
Fat	4g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	0g
Sodium	295mg

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when chicken tenderloins are done?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. The juices should run clear, and the meat should no longer be pink in the center.

Can I cook frozen chicken tenderloins in the air fryer?

Yes, but increase the cooking time to 15-18 minutes and ensure they reach the proper internal temperature. It’s best to thaw them first for more even cooking.

What’s the best temperature for air fryer chicken tenderloins?

400°F (200°C) is ideal for achieving a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy. Lower temperatures may result in less crispy skin.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Don’t overcook them, use a meat thermometer, and let them rest after cooking. A light coating of oil also helps retain moisture.

Can I bread these chicken tenderloins?

Absolutely! Dip them in flour, then beaten egg, then breadcrumbs or panko before air frying. Increase cooking time by 2-3 minutes.

What other seasonings work well?

Try ranch seasoning, Italian herbs, cajun spice, garlic parmesan, or even a simple salt and pepper combination. The possibilities are endless!

Pro Chef Secret: For extra juicy results, brine your tenderloins in salt water for 30 minutes before seasoning. This simple step ensures they stay incredibly moist even if slightly overcooked.

Meal Prep Bonus: These tenderloins freeze beautifully! Cook a double batch, freeze half, and you’ll have a quick protein ready for busy nights. Just reheat in the air fryer for 4-5 minutes straight from frozen.