🍗 Air Fryer Cracker Barrel Chicken Tenderloins

Juicy, tender, slightly sweet, and tangy, these easy chicken tenderloins are a delicious Cracker Barrel-style copycat made in the air fryer!

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Marinating Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 8–12 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, honey, and lime juice.

Place the chicken tenderloins in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 3–5 minutes.

Remove the tenderloins from the marinade and let the excess drip off. Discard the used marinade.

Pat the chicken lightly with paper towels, then arrange the tenderloins in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Lightly spray with oil.

Air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 8–12 minutes, turning halfway through.

The chicken is done when the thickest part reaches 74°C (165°F).

Let the chicken rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.

Serve with a little fresh lime juice for an extra bright flavor.

Don’t overcrowd the basket.
Pat off excess marinade before cooking so the chicken browns instead of steaming.
Start checking the chicken around 8 minutes because tenderloins cook quickly.

Serve these tenderloins with:

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheat: Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 2–4 minutes, just until heated through.

Freeze: Freeze cooked tenderloins for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

The combination of Italian dressing + honey + lime juice is what gives this recipe its signature sweet, tangy, savory flavor.