Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins

The first time I made Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins, I was amazed at how easy and delicious they turned out. I remember standing in my kitchen, excitedly prepping the chicken for dinner. My family had a busy week, and I wanted something quick yet satisfying that would bring us all together at the dinner table. As the tenderloins cooked in the air fryer, the aroma filled the room, teasing our appetites and sparking anticipation. My kids couldn’t wait to dig into the crispy, golden-brown chicken, and I felt like a culinary hero for making such a flavorful meal in a flash!

Main Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins

When it comes to creating mouth-watering Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins, the quality and harmony of the ingredients play a crucial role. Each component works together to deliver a perfectly crispy exterior and juicy interior, making this dish a family favorite. The main players include fresh chicken tenderloins, eggs, breadcrumbs, and flavorful seasonings.

• 1 pound chicken tenderloins (approximately 7 to 8 pieces) – The star of the dish, these tenderloins are juicy, lean, and cook up beautifully in the air fryer.
• 2 large eggs – Used to create a sticky coating that helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken for that perfect crunch.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Adds a subtle tanginess that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• ½ cup plain panko breadcrumbs – These breadcrumbs give a light and crispy texture, ensuring a satisfying crunch.
• ½ cup plain original breadcrumbs – They add a bit of heartiness to the coating, complementing the panko nicely.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Provides a lovely depth of flavor that elevates the chicken.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder – Adds sweetness and complexity to the seasoning mix.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken.
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika – Introduces a subtle smokiness that adds character to the dish.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Provides a hint of heat that balances the flavors beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps to ensure the breadcrumbs become golden and crispy during cooking.

How to Prepare Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins

Getting ready to make Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins is straightforward and exhilarating. First, let’s gather our ingredients. Then, the fun begins as we coat our chicken and prepare to cook it to perfection! Follow these steps closely for the best results.

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it ensures that the chicken will start cooking immediately when placed in the fryer, allowing for even cooking.
2. While the air fryer is heating up, grab a shallow dish and whisk together the eggs and Dijon mustard until well combined. This mixture will help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken tenderloins.
3. In another shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, original breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of spices throughout the breadcrumbs.
4. Next, drizzle the olive oil into the breadcrumb mixture. Use your fingers to mix it in until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated, creating a slightly moist mixture that will help achieve that golden crust.
5. Take 3 to 4 chicken tenderloins and dip them into the egg wash. Make sure they’re well-coated, allowing any excess to drip back into the dish. This step is vital to achieving the perfect breadcrumb coating.
6. Carefully transfer the egg-coated chicken tenderloins into the breadcrumb mixture. Roll them around until well-coated on both sides. Shake off any excess breadcrumbs before placing them on a plate.
7. Once you’ve coated all the tenderloins, arrange 3 to 4 of them in the preheated air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. This will ensure that the hot air circulates correctly, leading to perfectly crispy chicken.
8. Cook the tenderloins at 400°F for about 12 to 13 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time for even browning and to achieve that delightful crispy exterior.
9. After the cooking time is up, check to see if they’re golden brown and cooked through. You can use a food thermometer to ensure they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
10. Once cooked, remove them from the air fryer and serve your Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins while they’re warm. Pair them with a small bowl of your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy the deliciousness!

Recipe Notes about Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins

Here are some helpful notes to keep in mind when making Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins. These tips can enhance flavor, storage, and overall experience!

• Storage: Store leftover chicken tenderloins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked tenderloins. Just ensure they’re cooled and stored in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Reheating: Reheat the tenderloins in the air fryer at 400°F for 5 minutes or until warmed through.
• Meal Prep: Consider making a larger batch to use in salads or sandwiches throughout the week.
• Pairings: Serve these tenderloins with fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or your favorite dipping sauces for a well-rounded meal.

Serving This Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins

Serving Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins can be as fun and creative as you want! Here are some delightful ideas to make your meal more enjoyable:

• Side Dishes: Pair your tenderloins with a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables to balance the meal.
• Special Occasions: Great for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or even sports-themed parties, these tenderloins are a crowd-pleaser.
• Weeknight Dinners: They make for an easy and quick weeknight meal when time is tight but you still want something delicious.
• Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue for a fun twist!
• Storage Tips: Keep the cooked tenderloins in an airtight container to maintain freshness, and enjoy them throughout the week.
• Seasonal Pairings: In the summer, serve with fresh corn on the cob, while in the fall, consider a side of mashed sweet potatoes.

FAQ

Conclusion

Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins are truly a delightful addition to any meal, offering a perfect balance of flavor and convenience. The ability to enjoy crispy, juicy chicken without the hassle of frying makes this recipe a standout. I encourage you to try making these tenderloins for your next family meal. You won’t be disappointed, and your loved ones will surely ask for seconds!

Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins

The ultimate comfort food, Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins are crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or family gatherings, this recipe is a must-try!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 24 minutes mins

Total Time 34 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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

Equipment

• Air Fryer

Method

 

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it ensures that the chicken will start cooking immediately when placed in the fryer, allowing for even cooking.
2. While the air fryer is heating up, grab a shallow dish and whisk together the eggs and Dijon mustard until well combined. This mixture will help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken tenderloins.
3. In another shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, original breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of spices throughout the breadcrumbs.
4. Next, drizzle the olive oil into the breadcrumb mixture. Use your fingers to mix it in until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated, creating a slightly moist mixture that will help achieve that golden crust.
5. Take 3 to 4 chicken tenderloins and dip them into the egg wash. Make sure they’re well-coated, allowing any excess to drip back into the dish. This step is vital to achieving the perfect breadcrumb coating.
6. Carefully transfer the egg-coated chicken tenderloins into the breadcrumb mixture. Roll them around until well-coated on both sides. Shake off any excess breadcrumbs before placing them on a plate.
7. Once you’ve coated all the tenderloins, arrange 3 to 4 of them in the preheated air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. This will ensure that the hot air circulates correctly, leading to perfectly crispy chicken.
8. Cook the tenderloins at 400°F for about 12 to 13 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time for even browning and to achieve that delightful crispy exterior.
9. After the cooking time is up, check to see if they’re golden brown and cooked through. You can use a food thermometer to ensure they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
10. Once cooked, remove them from the air fryer and serve your Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins while they’re warm. Pair them with a small bowl of your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy the deliciousness!

Notes

Store leftover chicken tenderloins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing: You can freeze the cooked tenderloins. Just ensure they’re cooled and stored in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Reheating: Reheat the tenderloins in the air fryer at 400°F for 5 minutes or until warmed through.

Meal Prep: Consider making a larger batch to use in salads or sandwiches throughout the week.

Pairings: Serve these tenderloins with fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or your favorite dipping sauces for a well-rounded meal.

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Meet Diana Foster

I appreciate the beauty of a well-made meal, but I also value simplicity. I’m always looking for that perfect balance of big flavor and low stress. I developed this recipe to be reliable, tasty, and perfect for your daily rotation.