This Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins comes together in about 15 minutes and uses the air fryer for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the seasonings to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends. Trust me, if you have a busy household like mine, this dish is about to become a staple for those hectic weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t have time to fuss over a complicated meal!
Ingredient Breakdown
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins
Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
1. Preheat the air fryer.
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is super important for achieving that golden brown texture that everyone loves!
2. Prepare the chicken.
In a bowl, toss the chicken tenderloins with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Get in there and mix it all up until the chicken is well coated. The smell? It’s amazing! Garlic and paprika are just perfect together!
3. Arrange in the air fryer.
Place the chicken tenderloins in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook them in batches. Not overcrowding the basket is key to getting a nice crisp on all sides.
4. Cook it up!
Cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through so that they cook evenly. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and have that much-desired crispy exterior.
5. Let it rest.
Once they’re cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This is crucial because it allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite tender and juicy.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Now comes the best part! Serve with your favorite dipping sauce Ranch, BBQ, or even honey mustard are all great choices. Grab some steamed veggies or a side salad, and you have a meal your whole family will love!
Why I Love This Recipe
Honestly, this is my go-to recipe when I’ve had one of those crazy busy days, it’s comfort food meets convenience! I especially appreciate how quick and easy it is, plus the cleanup is minimal since everything is done in the air fryer. And the best part? You can use whatever you’ve got on hand! Last week, I threw in some leftover veggies that needed using up, and it was a hit. It’s like a remix every time you make it!
If you loved this Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins, be sure to check out my Air Fryer Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls, my Baked Salmon, or my Fish-Shaped Cake! They’re all simple, delicious, and perfect for those weeknight hustles!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This recipe comes together in under 15 minutes, which is a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you want to eat something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Crowd-Pleaser
With so much flavor and crispy goodness, I promise this chicken will have your family asking for seconds! I love when my kids gobble it up without any fuss. I mean, who doesn’t love that?
Customizable
The beautiful thing about this recipe is its versatility! You can switch up the spices or even use a different protein, like shrimp or firm tofu, and adapt it to suit what you have on hand.
Budget-Friendly
Using affordable, everyday ingredients means you don’t have to break the bank to make a flavorful meal. Chicken tenderloins are usually less expensive than other cuts of meat, too!
Perfect for Meal Prep
Make these chicken tenderloins ahead of time for quick lunches or dinner prep! They store beautifully in the fridge and reheat well.
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins
These tenderloins are great served alongside a crisp salad, fluffy rice, or even tucked into a soft tortilla for a quick taco night! And don’t forget, they’re literally begging to be dunked into your favorite sauce!
Storage
Once your chicken is cool, store leftover portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, if they last that long!
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for about 3-5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until they are warmed through. This helps retain that crispy texture that is just so good.
Is it Freezer-Friendly?
Yes! You can freeze the tenderloins raw or cooked. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat them, just let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
So, there you have it Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins that are sure to impress! With this recipe on hand, weeknight dinners just got a whole lot easier. Give it a try and let me know how it goes. I can’t wait for you to experience the deliciousness! Enjoy cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, toss the chicken tenderloins with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Place the chicken tenderloins in a single layer in the air fryer basket, cooking in batches if necessary.
- Cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the air fryer and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces and sides.