Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.