🍗 Air Fryer Chicken Tenderloins
These air fryer chicken tenderloins are juicy on the inside, lightly crispy on the outside, and ready in about 15 minutes!
📝 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken tenderloins
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Toss the tenderloins with olive oil and all the seasonings until evenly coated.
- Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 9–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.
⏱️ Cooking Time
| Chicken Size | Time |
|---|---|
| Thin tenderloins | 8–9 minutes |
| Average tenderloins | 9–11 minutes |
| Large tenderloins | 11–12 minutes |
💡 Tips
- Spray the basket lightly with cooking oil if needed to help prevent sticking.
- Avoid overcrowding so the chicken cooks evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.
- Add grated Parmesan during the last 2 minutes for a cheesy crust, or toss the cooked tenderloins in buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or honey garlic sauce for extra flavor.
Serve with: fries, roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce.