Delicious Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins are crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside. They’re super easy to make and perfect for a quick dinner or snack!
My family loves these tenderloins! I can whip them up in no time, and I don’t even have to deal with messy frying. Just season, air fry, and enjoy—who knew dinner could be this simple? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Tenderloins: These are the star of the dish, tender and quick to cook. If you can’t find tenderloins, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips. Just make sure they have a similar thickness for even cooking.
Breadcrumbs: I love using panko for that extra crunch, but whole wheat breadcrumbs are a healthier choice. If you need a gluten-free option, almond flour or crushed rice cereal works great, too!
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nice cheesy flavor and helps with the crispiness. If you’re looking for a substitute, Pecorino Romano has a similar taste and works well. Nutritional yeast can be a great dairy-free option.
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian herbs create an awesome flavor profile. Feel free to swap them out based on what you have at home—cumin and chili powder could add a different kick!
Olive Oil: This is optional, but I find it helps make everything crisp up nicely. You can swap it with avocado oil for a different flavor. Just a light spray is enough!
How Do I Get My Chicken Tenderloins Extra Crispy in the Air Fryer?
Getting that perfect crispiness can sometimes be tricky. Here are my top tips:
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for consistent cooking. This makes sure your tenderloins start cooking right away.
- Egg Wash: Make sure to coat each tenderloin well in egg before breading. This helps the breadcrumbs stick better for a crunchy texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange the tenderloins in a single layer in the basket. If they’re stacked up, they won’t crisp up properly.
- Flip Halfway: Turning them halfway through cooking ensures even browning. I find the chicken gets nice and crispy that way!
- Let Them Rest: Allow the cooked tenderloins to rest for a minute or two after taking them out. This keeps them juicy inside.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Tenderloins:
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
For the Coating:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat or panko for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for extra crispiness)
For Serving:
- Marinara sauce, for dipping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish will take about 5 minutes to prepare and around 10-12 minutes to cook in the air fryer. So, you’re looking at a total of roughly 20 minutes from start to finish. Quick and easy for a delightful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Let it heat up for about 5 minutes. This ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and get that lovely golden crisp.
2. Prepare the Breading Station:
In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg until it’s frothy. In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined. This will be the flavorful coating for your tenderloins!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Take a chicken tenderloin and dip it into the egg, making sure to let any excess egg drip off. Then, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently so that the crumbs stick well. Repeat this process for all the chicken tenderloins.
4. Add Some Crispiness (Optional):
If you like your chicken extra crispy, lightly drizzle or spray the coated tenderloins with olive oil. This step is optional but gives those tenderloins an extra crunchy finish.
5. Air Fry the Chicken:
Place the coated chicken tenderloins in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not overcrowded; you might need to cook them in batches if you have a small fryer. Cook them for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You want them to be golden brown and cooked all the way through—check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Rest and Serve:
Once done, carefully take the tenderloins out of the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This will help them stay juicy! Serve them hot, with marinara sauce on the side for dipping if you’d like. Enjoy your delicious, crispy air fryer chicken tenderloins!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for chicken tenderloins, you can also use chicken breasts cut into strips or chicken thighs for a juicier option. Just ensure they are evenly sized for consistent cooking. Cooking times may vary slightly, so always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What if I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
No problem! Regular breadcrumbs will work fine, but if you want extra crunch, you can crush some crackers or use cornflakes instead. Just remember to adjust seasoning if your breadcrumb substitute is already seasoned.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover chicken tenderloins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to regain their crispiness, or use the microwave if you’re in a hurry, though they may be less crunchy.
Can I Make These Chicken Tenderloins Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal. Make sure your Parmesan cheese and any other ingredients are also certified gluten-free to keep the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
